I have been using the L1 Compact for about a year, and I am thinking of updating to a Pro 8 or Pro 16. I have researched up the wazoo: I get that the bass and overall quality will be better in general, but I was wondering how the Pro 8 would sound in a smallish venue (say 30x40; 12 foot ceiling; 30-40 people) as compared to the Pro 16. Specifically, from 20 feet away or so, would the 16 sound clearer, more detailed, richer, have more low-mid "body" etc. because of the 16 vs 8 driver advantage? Anybody used these new systems enough to comment?
I had the 8 for a couple weeks before I got the 16. The 8 will surely be able to cover the room you described
I've used an L1 Compact for a couple of years with an acoustic guitar and vocal mic. It's been great and has worked in several different environments. I purchased the L1 Pro 8 about a month ago and it didn't take long to notice the improvements in overall sound (volume, bass, clarity, tone, etc.). As far as your use case that you described, I would think that the Pro 8 would more than suffice. Plus, the "C" pattern in the array should fill the room with sound pretty nicely, given the 12' ceilings in your venue. BTW I am using a T4S mixer with the Pro 8. I really like how the power and audio share the same ToneMatch cable. The Pro 8 is pretty easy to transport too, just like the Compact. I think you'll be happy with the Pro 8. There is definitely ample low end with the Pro 8. I haven't even really opened it up volume wise yet but even at a rehearsal recently I had it fairly loud and could tell that there was still so much more headroom.
Thanks for the info, Jay.
Thanks for the info, Jay.
Wanted to check in on this 8 vs 16 as I am having the same conundrum. I actually would only use it for vocals and mix in a little bit of mic’d guitar tube amp (or line in my AER acoustic amp for flattop) for spread and monitoring (but most of the guitar volume would come from a separate amp) . I play some acoustic and jazz but also some rock and blues with fairly loud un-mic’d drums. I assume for midrange male vocals the 8 vs 16 is not going to be a huge difference but would love to hear some thoughts.
Same situation, would like to play with a blues/rock band and be heard on stage as a monitor, would also like to perform solo acoustic in a venue of about 100 drinking fools. I'm torn between the Pro8 and 16.
Hey msp1975!
If possible, I recommend trying both systems in person to see which would suit you best. For audiences of around 100 people, the L1 Pro8 would certainly have more than enough power and range for the job.
Hope this helps!