I started with an L1 Model I. It sounded great, but I often play small venues, and grew weary of lugging that big heavy power stand around. The Model I was too heavy.
After two years of use, I put the Model I in the basement, and bought a Compact, wondering how in the world could it ever provide enough sound when the woofers were small and the stick was mostly plastic. I loved the portability. But I soon found I was always messing with EQ and location and the mix. I seemed to be fighting the sound instead of relaxing into it. My ears rang after gigs. The Compact was too uncooperative.
After a year of the Compact, I sold the Model I and the Compact, and used the cash to help fund a Model II. Its light enough! Its portable enough! I don’t need more than one input 'cause I use an external mixer. And best of all, it sounds full and rich and round! Every time! I can leave most of my channel eq’s flat! Finally, this L1 is just right!
John Baker Tunes
Hi John,
Fun way to think about this. Goldilocks would have approved.
I find that the Model II is “just right” most of the time. But I have the Compact in the trunk of the car all of the time just in case the need arises. The Model II (plus B1) is just a little too big to drive around everywhere.
Had fun on your website.
To put this all in context, can you tell us a bit about the venues where you perform?
I usually play in smaller indoor rooms (local wineries, coffee shops, private parties), good to bad acoustics, crowd size of 20 - 50. In warm months (only 3 here in the Pacific NW), outdoors to larger crowds.
I was very hesitant to sell my Compact, as it is SO portable, quick, and easy. It was the best choice for certain venues, but I am trying to trim down to one system, so that I can optimize predictability and setup.
BTW, this week I performed on a large stage in a vintage movie theatre, and placed the Model II about 6 feet behind me. There was NO appreciable difference in sound quality and balance as I turned up from 0 to 3; the Bose sounded completely “acoustic,” and just louder. As usual, I was running all my channel EQs flat! One indicator of how loud I was playing was listening for reverberation from the back of the theatre! Now that’s honest sound.
When you gotta be your own sound guy, as many of us are, it is so refreshing to be able to relax and get into the music zone, instead of being distracted by a “something is not quite right” mix and sound!
johnbakertunes.com