For several years now, portable PA units, column or compact, have undergone a powerful evolution due to growing market demand. Lightweight systems that are easy to set up and handle as many situations as possible. Really, the idea is to avoid complications, simplify the life of the performer (or speaker), and make the budget invested go as far as possible.
On the occasion of ISP Música's 2018 "Big Christmas Giveaway," we put this lightweight, multifunctional unit from Bose® on the test bench. It's designed to meet the need for quality sound reinforcement in small venues (or outdoors) for singers, DJs, musicians and various other PA uses. A very well-thought-out, flexible speaker with extreme battery life.
Depending on each user's needs, some systems will be a better fit than others. What I mean is that it will depend on power requirements, mobility (constant, occasional), etc. With the Bose® S1 Pro, they've designed an extremely versatile speaker that will handle many different situations in a really compact, lightweight package.
Flexibility
An ergonomic cabinet with several angles that let you position it in a number of different ways: vertically, horizontally, as a wedge, as a stage monitor, on a stand, paired with another speaker, etc. Let's look at some of the possibilities.
On a raised surface, we'll get even coverage and clarity and make sure the audience gets the full frequency range of the sound. Live, with the audience close to us, we can stand the speaker upright and use the wedge to angle it. That way both we (the performers) and the audience will get a good, balanced listening experience. Placed horizontally on its angled wedge, we can put it in front of the artist or performer as a stage monitor. Finally, we can also mount it on a stand (sold separately) to raise it and position it strategically in the area we need to cover.
Using stands, we can also use the S1 Pro as a conventional PA. Either by sending the right channel to one unit and the left to another to play at double power and in stereo, or by using the speaker's line out to duplicate the signal in mono and reinforce it with a second unit. That way we can keep daisy-chaining them.
The sound
Obviously one of the system's greatest charms is the Bose® guarantee. Also the durability and quality of its materials: polypropylene, a textured plastic finish and a metal grille. But surely the standout feature is its sound. Clear highs without harshness, natural mids and, what I like most, those powerful yet round lows the brand's systems have. Very dynamic, natural compression with a powerful but controlled and defined punch.
The perception of frequencies will be quite different depending on how we position the PA. Each band is more or less audible depending on the height relative to our ears at which, for example, we've placed the Bose® S1 Pro. The source we're amplifying will also have different characteristics in each case. So we'll make use of the 3-channel mixer, which offers the effectiveness of ToneMatch and reverb independently. In addition to volume, we'll cut or boost the frequencies that need adapting because of the speaker's position, the characteristics of the room (or area), our position, the audience's, and the characteristics of the amplified sources. To make your life easier, the system has auto EQ, which means it equalizes itself, although you can always give it your preferred listening tweak.
* Two full channels + Bluetooth streaming or a 3.5 mm wired source.
Battery and Bluetooth: total independence
No cables. Inside the unit is a lithium battery that gives us up to 11 hours of use without being plugged into the mains. Charging time ranges from 3 hours (in fast-charge mode) to 5 hours on a normal charge. It also has Bluetooth® technology, so you won't need cables to pair any device and play it with a single click within a 9-meter range.
Lightweight. Very small considering its excellent performance. 33 cm x 24.13 cm x 28.45 cm with a total weight of 7.1 kg. Add its sturdy built-in handle and take it to the ends of the earth: a concert, a conference, the street, a boat, the countryside... the only limit is you.
Compatible with Bose Connect. Download it for Apple here or for Android here
Conclusions
I think it's one of the highest-quality options we've found among lightweight systems that are easy to carry and set up. If you're looking for something that will work for you in almost any situation and fit almost anywhere, here's one you should try out among your candidates. No hassle, no cables, and with a strikingly good sound considering how little space it takes up. Versatile, flexible, modern and Bose®.
Specifications
2 XLR / 1/4" TRS combo inputs
3.5 mm input
Bluetooth®
TRS line output
Wireless range: 9 meters
Rechargeable lithium battery, up to 11 h of battery life
Dimensions: 33 cm x 24.13 cm x 28.45 cm
Weight: 7.1 kg
Suggested retail price: €600
Distributed in Spain by: Gaplasa
Manufacturer: Bose Professional
