The American company Bose Corporation (Framingham, Massachusetts, USA) is neither a newcomer nor a stranger to the audio world. It has been in the business for 52 years, and makes car audio, hi-fi, portable sound and professional sound equipment. Its slogan and quality standard has always been, and is, “Better sound through research.”
Portable PA
The product we're looking at today is derived from, and inherits from, the portable systems the company has been making for many years, which only took off with the introduction of its Bose L1 portable PA system. Originally this was an all-in-one unit with a power amp, subwoofer and a mid/high column. It was designed to serve two functions in one: act as the PA system and as monitoring for the musicians on stage. Soon afterward they introduced a revision of this system called the Bose L1 Model II. This new system brought a series of cosmetic and functional improvements and, as a major attraction, the option of incorporating its own six-channel mixer with per-channel EQ, effects and dynamics, using easy, intuitive menus that even included presets depending on the type of mic or instrument you plugged in. If that wasn't enough, the mixer itself doubled as an audio interface when connected to a computer. Given the success of this system, Bose soon introduced a smaller, simpler and more affordable system called the Bose L1 Compact. The L1 Compact covers a different kind of market or need, where such a sophisticated or powerful system isn't required.
Bose F1 Series
After several years on the market, Bose decided it was time to attack another segment of portable sound systems and, given its experience with the L1 systems, decided to create the Bose F1 series.
The F1 system is different in concept from the L1, although it likewise has the ability to connect directly to the unit itself, it is more conceived to be used in a more traditional way as a PA system, that is, receiving the signal from a mixing console. It is a much more complete system as a PA that additionally offers several very smart solutions when it comes to coverage in order to be as versatile as possible. The system consists of two main pieces, a subwoofer cabinet (Bose F1 Sub) and the mid/high cabinet (Bose F1 812).
Bose F1 812
Let's begin with the more interesting cabinet, the Bose F1 812. It is a cabinet made up of 8 neodymium 2.25-inch drivers aligned vertically, assisted by a 12-inch cone and four bass-reflex ports, which makes it a full-range cabinet. The horizontal coverage of this cabinet is 100 degrees, but it is in the vertical coverage that the magic of this system begins. It is capable of giving us four vertical coverage patterns in a single cabinet simply by applying slight pressure to the area we want to change. The brand calls these positions straight pattern, J-shaped pattern, reverse J pattern and C pattern.
We would use the straight pattern mainly if we place the system at the same height as the audience, at floor level.
We would use the J pattern if we set up the system on a surface higher than where the audience is located.
The reverse J pattern is meant for the typical theater or auditorium situation where the audience is on a rising level, and finally the C pattern is for when we have to cover a very close audience and at the same time have rising seating.
These four simple and effective positions give us a wide range of solutions for the system because, let's be honest, we don't always work in the most ideal venues, and there are times when, to meet minimum coverage requirements, we end up hauling an excess of cabinets. In any of the positions, the unit's magnetic system detects the selected configuration to automatically adjust the system's EQ. In terms of connectivity, the Bose F1 812 offers two inputs with independent volume control that include a combo XLR connector (mic/line), RCA input and jack. It also offers signal, system error and limiter indicators. As for configuration, it gives us the option of telling it whether we'll use it as a full-range system or couple it to the subwoofer.
Bose F1 Sub
Now on to the Bose F1 Sub. As its name indicates, this is the system's subwoofer cabinet. It should be stressed that it's optional; you don't need it to use the F1 812, but adding it notably improves the system's power, SPL and sound quality. This is a much simpler cabinet in construction and configuration.
It mounts two 10-inch speakers that generate a surprisingly powerful and compact low end. Like the F1 812, it has two input channels and a Thru to send the signal to the mid/high column (F1 812). It has signal, system error and limiter indicators. The F1 Sub includes a hidden stand that you pull out to place the F1 812 on top of it, so the whole system sits on the same axis. The stand also helps us “hide” the cables we connect to the unit. As far as power amps go, the F1 812 has a 1000W Class D amp divided in two, one to power the 12-inch cone and the other half to power the 8 drivers. The F1 812's response is 43Hz-20kHz. The F1 Sub likewise has a 1000W amp to power the two 10-inch cones and offers a frequency response of 38Hz-250Hz.
Conclusions
This is a great system for multipurpose venues, rental companies or bands that decide to invest in their own PA. As I mentioned, the solutions it offers solve many problems with a simple and effective system for aiming its drivers; we just have to apply logic and decide which configuration to use. It isn't a cheap system, since quality and sonic excellence never are, but after having owned L1 Model II and Compact systems for many years and seeing the quality and performance they have given me over that time, I certainly don't rule out buying this unit soon. It's light, easy to set up, powerful and great sounding, the four requirements we all look for in a system like this. If you're in the market for a portable PA and your budget is a little above what we consider standard, I guarantee this Bose F1 won't disappoint you. Ask at your trusted store or contact its importer (Gaplasa) for a demo and convince yourself in a few minutes of all its qualities.
