My big fat Bose setup!

[brianmole 0]

Well, thanks to Richard's online recommendations, I bought a Bose PAS system with 2 subs, and we tried it out last night in a large empty venue with a few chums. The quality is very very good, the kit is very easy to assemble and very portable, and it looks like the build quality is very high.

 

The sound is truly amazing, the noticeable thing is when you are near it you are not deafened by the sound pressure yet it is pumping out when you are at the other end of the hall.

 

Now then, I have to get another one for a few reasons:

1) redundancy - if 1 blows, I will have a spare

2) I like stereo

3) bigger gigs

 

I have not used this system for a gig with lods of people, so this is just a preliminary heads up, not a full on review. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif

[spinner 0]

What's the total RMS output of this system and was it not designed for live instrumental use?

[Ian Stewart 0]

I was one of the chums who was at the event last night, the sound from this was superb, and out of the 10 entertainment people that were there, 8 said straight away that they wanted a set

[Nedd 0]

and eight out of ten owners who declared a preference can't be wrong!

[Gary 0]

QUOTE (brianmole @ Feb 21 2006, 08:58 AM)

I have not used this system for a gig with loads of people, so this is just a preliminary heads up, not a full on review. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif

I'll look forward to the full review Brian, and it sounds like several other people will be too.

 

Two really good "live" scenarios that I'm keen to find out proper DJ results on are:

 

1) Crowded room/packed dancefloor situation - Its known that the PAS effect diminishes more easily in a crowded room than in a sparsely populated room, far more so, apparently than conventional, or even flat-panel PA speakers do. However, is the loss anything like the sort of loss that would affect its ability to perform at a gig?

 

2) (this is a good point & a bad point - depending on requirements). The PAS sound is said to lose impact in irregularly shaped rooms eg: L-shaped and those where the PAS doesnt have an even height to fill - eg: air con ducting and other obstacles on ceiling, multi-level rooms inc stages/steps. Also the sound is said to fall away through open doorways. This 2nd point could obviously be a huge benefit in some situations eg: Disco room Vs Quiet Room, but could be a problem in venues where guests are in more than one room eg: Separate bar and need to be lured in by the music.

 

 

Now Brian, you'll be able to address these questions, first hand.

[Eskie 0]

I was there also last night and was very impressed with the sound especially the bass that it kicked out, even when we tried it without the 2 subs connected it still had a reasonable bass which amazed most of us http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/huh.gif

 

QUOTE (Gary @ Feb 21 2006, 11:53 AM)

1) Crowded room/packed dancefloor situation - Its known that the PAS effect diminishes more easily in a crowded room than in a sparsely populated room, far more so, apparently than conventional, or even flat-panel PA speakers do.  However, is the loss anything like the sort of loss that would affect its ability to perform at a gig? 2) (this is a good point & a bad point - depending on requirements).  The PAS sound is said to lose impact in irregularly shaped rooms eg: L-shaped and those where the PAS doesnt have an even height to fill - eg: air con ducting and other obstacles on ceiling, multi-level rooms inc stages/steps.  Also the sound is said to fall away through open doorways.

Interested to know where this info is obtained from? or are these some of the

88.2% of all statistics that are made up on the spot http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif

Edited February 21, 2006 by Eskie

[Gary 0]

QUOTE (Eskie @ Feb 21 2006, 12:14 PM)

QUOTE (Gary @ Feb 21 2006, 11:53 AM) 1) Crowded room/packed dancefloor situation - Its known that the PAS effect diminishes more easily in a crowded room than in a sparsely populated room, far more so, apparently than conventional, or even flat-panel PA speakers do.  However, is the loss anything like the sort of loss that would affect its ability to perform at a gig? 2) (this is a good point & a bad point - depending on requirements).  The PAS sound is said to lose impact in irregularly shaped rooms eg: L-shaped and those where the PAS doesnt have an even height to fill - eg: air con ducting and other obstacles on ceiling, multi-level rooms inc stages/steps.  Also the sound is said to fall away through open doorways.     Interested to know where this info is obtained from? or are these some of the 88.2% of all statistics that are made up on the spot http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif Did you see any statistics? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/huh.gif   I've previously mentioned that 2 or 3 speaker exhibitors at PLASA and also one that I spoke to at a regional PA show have established that the PAS looses "omph" when people are standing in front (and fairly close) to the PAS. One example was given of imagining the PAS as a light source, and standing a few feet away. There would of course be a visible shadow cast beyond the person. What was stated to me was that in the case of the PAS the "shadow" would be a reduction of sound in that direction, rather than a reduction in light of course.   Whilst this blocking off of sound happens to a degree with any speaker, it apparently happens more with flat-panel speakers, and more so with PAS / Acoustiwave/mass. The Carlsborough N-Lite-N flat panel speakers for example where ones that I was looking at (although you'd need a few more than you might expect, as they dont handle alot of wattage each) and on them, its quite noticable when someone walks past one.   True, it was rival speaker manufactuers who I was talking to about the PAS amongst other things, and one train-of-thought would be that "yeah, well, they would say that about a rival, wouldnt they".   However, this is where Brians real-live test will really prove useful, in the ways outlined above. Whens your first crowded PAS gig Brian?

Edited February 21, 2006 by Gary

[Eskie 0]

QUOTE (Gary @ Feb 21 2006, 12:34 PM)

QUOTE (Eskie @ Feb 21 2006, 12:14 PM) Interested to know where this info is obtained from? or are these some of the 88.2% of all statistics that are made up on the spot  http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif Did you see any statistics? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/huh.gif Gaz, it was a joke mate, no need to take me so serious http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif

[Gary 0]

QUOTE (Eskie @ Feb 21 2006, 12:38 PM)

QUOTE (Gary @ Feb 21 2006, 12:34 PM) QUOTE (Eskie @ Feb 21 2006, 12:14 PM) Interested to know where this info is obtained from? or are these some of the 88.2% of all statistics that are made up on the spot  http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif Did you see any statistics? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/huh.gif Gaz, it was a joke mate, no need to take me so serious http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif Don't worry I don't http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif - Hence the smiley-con.   'Bout time I bought you a drink Tony. Are you definately coming to the SEDA March do? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/beer.gif

[brianmole 0]

Next crowded gig? Hummm Eskie wants it for Warwickshire http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/fear.gif - too far for me this Saturday, but I can hire the local school hall in Horsham for a few hours on Saturday if you have a crowd to bring in!

 

What do you rekon - the DJU Skool Disko?

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/533.gif

 

Otherwise, I shall be using it the following Saturday.

 

BTW, I cannot make the SEDA agm, but I will bring it to the May meeting.

[Eskie 0]

Dunno, I think I've discovered a fiendish plost by the guys at SEDA to only announce the dates for their next meeting once they've glanced at my diary and hence I can never make it http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif ... I will make it their one day; not sure if that's a threat or a promise http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wacko.gif

 

Bri',

 

You know that I'd give it a good test at my gig for 200 people in a marquee this saturday http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif ... go on, you know you wanna http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif

Edited February 21, 2006 by Eskie

[pareshj 0]

Incidentally, if you wanted more ooompph then the Bose Amplifier (Bose A1) that you will need to add on to the PAS system is not yet available in the UK as it has not passed the CE rating.

 

As soon as this gets the stamp and BOSE have them in stock, I shall be placing an order. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

 

[Eskie 0]

QUOTE (pareshj @ Feb 21 2006, 12:48 PM)

Incidentally, if you wanted more ooompph then the Bose Amplifier (Bose A1) that you will need to add on to the PAS system is not yet available in the UK as it has not passed the CE rating. As soon as this gets the stamp and BOSE have them in stock, I shall be placing an order. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

Any idea whether this is likely to be happening in the near future... i.e. weeks rather than months http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/533.gif

Have they also addressed the issue of the controls on the base unit being open to abuse, spills etc on this modification that you mention?

[pareshj 0]

No, unfortunately I don't know when the AMPs will be available http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wacko.gif

 

The chap at Bose said that they are working furiously on it so I'm hoping it will be weeks rather than months (I want to test out my current system 900w Lucase with the 750w bose pas) at my next gig.

 

There is new legislation coming into effect in Europe this year which makes it quite difficult to get new products certified and released for European markets. Since this is all brand new legislations, it's a little difficult to predict when they finally get permission to ship in Europe, but "it should be fairly soon."

 

and no changes to the panel that I can see from the forums other than to create your own "flap" http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/533.gif

[Jimbo55 0]

School hall hire sounds a good idea. Split the costs. Bring your own system and compare it. Maybe then could have a DJU comparison chart. Something of real substance. If nothing else it would prove or disprove, likes and dislikes etc.

 

Jimbo

[Eskie 0]

QUOTE (Jimbo55 @ Feb 21 2006, 03:47 PM)

School hall hire sounds a good idea. Split the costs. Bring your own system and compare it. Maybe then could have a DJU comparison chart. Something of real substance. If nothing else it would prove or disprove, likes and dislikes etc. Jimbo

Yes and no, the best test is really in a venue with a crowd rather then an empty hall.

[Jimbo55 0]

Hope enough turn up to make our own crowd then. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

 

Rent a crowd anyone http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif

 

Jimbo

[DICEDJ 0]

Eskie & Brian

Went ahead with the first gig in Horsham (West Sussex) last night. 1 x L1 + 2 B1s.

 

The Drill Hall at Horsham is better than it sounds but its really difficult to get it to sound right. OK here goes the findings:

 

Empty hall

Really getting TOO much bass (Raised stage with hollow space underneath.)

Cut back on bass and all OK.

 

With people

 

As evening filled (200 people) gradually bought back bass to flat. Sounds really solid. Will need to have some sort of insulator pad for the bass modules as they really kick ass as far as getting down really low without that push that Bose 302's give. The bass is so much tighter and its LOWER, really it is ..

 

Overall.

Setup time less than 10 minutes and the sound sytem was up and running and sound checks done.

Strip down time

Well lets say I was at home 25 miles away exactly one hour after shutting down the music.

 

Will I be keeping the PAS?

It will need to be removed surgically ...

 

Have I found a downside?

 

Only that people kept asking me where my speakers were. Perhaps have a sign to hang on it for next time.

 

If you go for the trial, better be sure that you can pay for them cos youll never want to give them back

 

 

Andy http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/amen.gif

[Award Entertainment 0]

Sorry about putting that dent in your wallet Andy. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif

 

I'm placing my order today initially for a single L1 column and 2 B1 subs. I'll keep my Mackies as backup (not the worst kind of back-up gear to own). The reason I hadn't bought before today was that I'd heard about a price shift happening down here and had been sworn to secrecy. The adjustment has come through and I'll now be getting the PAS for a very reasonable rate.

 

QUOTE (Gary)

The PAS sound is said to lose impact in irregularly shaped rooms eg: L-shaped and those where the PAS doesnt have an even height to fill - eg: air con ducting and other obstacles on ceiling, multi-level rooms inc stages/steps. Also the sound is said to fall away through open doorways.

I've actually discovered the exact opposite in real world environments. Because the PAS focusses virtually all of it's audio energy in the horizontal plane and only around 10% on the vertical, the sound just seems to creep around corners, through doorways and into areas where the PAS can't even be seen. Much more so than my Mackies, which like all conventional speaker systems have a conical dispersion pattern. Why play music to the floors and rafters when you don't need to?

 

Where there would be a problem is if you were playing in a room that had people dancing on both the ground floor and a mezzanine floor, but for the life of me I can't think of a venue like that where I've played. Solution there- a 2nd PAS upstairs, or one of my Mackies. Sorted Guv.

[brianmole 0]

That's alright Derek! I took advantage of the price shift over here, and will be ordering a second L1 drainpipe this morning. However, again in uncrowded tests this weekend, I have found the subs to be less than adequate, so they may well go back. I connected one of my MacGregor 15" 500W full range cabs to the sub output of the Bose, and the sound was much much better.

 

My first crowded gig is this Saturday (4th March).

[NiM 0]

The singing broomstick..

 

Was good, but there was just something lacking from it.. Part of it was it made the sound very directional (right word?) - I could tell that the vocals were coming from just over your left shoulder.. My little delicate ears found it strange http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif Was good clear sound coming out though

 

But gotta agree, the bass from the bose subs was naff. Techs farts in the pub were beefier than those little doorstops.. The McGregors were much better..

 

Cheers for letting us come up and play!

[Award Entertainment 0]

I'm more than a little puzzled by your opinions of the Bose B1 subs. I've found that they crank out such a rafter-rattling punch that I have to EQ the low frequencies on my system much lower than when I'm using my Mackies.

 

The price for a single column and two subs is now cheaper than what I paid for a pair of Mackie SRM450s 4 years ago and the Bose leaves a pair of Mackies in the dust, believe me- I've done the comparisons many times. For elegant wedding and corporate work, I simply couldn't ask for more bass. If you are expecting to run a bass-driven youth or club-style event, as I've mentioned before, this won't be the ideal system for you.

 

In the meantime, I sit at home waiting for the courier to call with a bunch of brown cardboard boxes full of wonderful Bose gear. My order went in yesterday!

[brianmole 0]

Richard, what preset do you use? 57? 00?

[Award Entertainment 0]

I trialled preset 57 at the last event I did and found that it was too strong in the bass for my preference. I normally run into channels 3 & 4, which don't involve the presets or the remote.

[brianmole 0]

Thanks Richard, I'll play again this Friday - I have offered a free hour's disco to the local school so I can try with a crowd before I go live on a picky audience!!!