What do you folks think, 1S versus Model II? I know it depends on the size of the crowd, I can go from a Coffee House to a Large 200 person Restaurant and I currently have a Compact with a T1 and it does not cut it for the larger gigs. $1K difference, 12 speakers versus 24.
I am thinking if I am making this big step I might as well go all the way to the Model II.
What do you folks think?
quote:I am thinking if I am making this big step I might as well go all the way to the Model II.
The 1S's footprint is the same, the weight savings is minimal, and the coverage & flexibility is owned by the Model II.
I can think of no good reason why not to go all the way.
Hi Bill,
Can’t tell if you saw the replies in your discussion Compact VS Model II with B2.
I know that this is a different question, but there were some interesting comments from other L1® owners there.
Summary
For me, Model 1S or Model II - well I don’t want to trivialize the money. So let’s look at what going to the Model II gives. Basically:
- Assuming a specific stage volume: The Model II will give you greater projection into a room.
- Assuming a specific volume at the back of the room: The Model II should allow you to run at a lower stage volume.
- Bass expansion. The Model II Power Stand has a Bass Line Out. The Model 1S does not.
To me, this represents better performance in larger rooms and future-proofing. Call it peace of mind.
Possible advantages to the Model 1S:
- Total system weight: The Model 1S is 8 pounds lighter than the Model II. That’s because the Model 1S lower extension is about 8 pounds lighter than the Model II lower section of the Cylindrical Radiator®
- Total system height: The Model IS is 4.4 inches shorter than the Model II. That’s because the Model 1S lower extension is about 4 inches shorter than the Model II lower section of the Cylindrical Radiator®
All the other weights and measures are the same. I haven’t run into a situation where the Model 1S weight or height would have made a difference.
Details - if you want them
12 speakers vs 24 - Model II is a longer line array
This I spoke about this concept in Compact VS Model II with B2. It’s basically the same issue. The Model II gives you a longer line array than the Model 1S. I hear and experience more projection before feedback, or put another way, lower requirement for stage volume to reach the same distance. I haven’t done a serious head-to-head comparison between the Model 1S and Model II in a large noisy room and this is where I would expect to really notice the difference. Reference (pictures and dimensions of the Cylindrical Radiator®s): Comparisons: Model 1S and Model II
With the Model II you get the Bass Line Out on the Power Stand.
This allows you to run a second B2 if you want or need it. Note: This requires a PackLite Amp. You don’t have the option with the Model 1S. Reference: Comparisons: Model 1S and Model II
With the Model II, the total assembled height is 84 inches. The Model 1S is 79.4 inches and for reference, the Compact is 78.5 inches. Reference: System Heights.
Is there anything else I can tell you?
No, I am all set and as usual ST you are a fountain of information. And when it comes down to it, the $$ difference between the 1S and Model II is just a few gigs extra, so it will be the Model II, with One B2. 
Bill don’t forget the older L1M1 out there they can be had for <<… >> with 1 and sometimes 2 B1. Yes they weight a few more pounds but are very flexible with 4 onboard inputs.
Edit: specific sale prices removed per: No discussion of pricing, buy/sell, specific eBay sales
To me, I would think the main reason to go for the 1S vs the II is purely to save the money. For someone who thinks the Compact wouldn’t be quite enough, the 1S could be a nice step up without the fairly hefty price tag of the Model II. If money isn’t much of an issue, I would definitely go for the Model II (or a used Model I/Classic).
Hi Bill,
Having watched many of your videos, and seen how shallow some of your stage setups are, I think that for you, it only makes sense to move into something that has a horizontal dispersion that is as wide as the Compact. I think that rules out the Model I / Classic.
The Classic /Model 1 dispersion is 160 degrees and M2 M1s & Compact are 180 or so. This is not that big of a deal ST.
I think they are both probably going to cover you. Again if money isn’t the issue then a model II is the obvious choice as is pointed out. If you are considering B1s vs a B2 then the lack of a Bass Line out might make a difference. Which brings me to another consideration. IF the price point was such that it’s a Model II with a B1 vs a 1S with a B2 I would get the 1S with the B2. But given that you are doing mostly acoustic with voice, the B1 will probably do you nicely. However I think you should try to take your guitar and try them both to see what you think from a sound perspective.
Quick story folks, did my first gig last night with my new L1 Model II with the B2 and it was a success. This is one of the rooms I bought it for, the Compact could really only cover half of this room, which is a loud, large open floor plan Tavern. Last time we played there the door man (who is an amateur critic… must have played in a band when he was 14 etc…) said he could not hear my singer at the front of the room, which did not surprise me, if I had turned up any louder it would have been way too loud for us on stage etc. Last night he told me to turn her vocals down, that she was too loud etc… to me it sounded about the same Volume as I was getting from the Compact on stage but it was now reaching him…
Success!