Sub1/Sub2

Bose Sub1 and Sub2

Introduction

Introduced: October 2020
First available: January 2021

Use the Sub1 or Sub 2 bass modules with the Bose L1 Pro32

• Sub1 creates a compact system (down to 40 Hz)
• Sub2 plays lower and louder (down to 37 Hz)
• Extreme portability using RaceTrack woofers

Use the Sub1 or Sub 2 bass modules with other PA systems (e.g., Bose S1 Pro or third-party systems)

Documentation

• Sub1/Sub2 Owners Guide
• Sub1/Sub2 Quick Start Guide
• Sub1 Technical Data Sheet
• Sub2 Technical Data Sheet

Firmware Updates

Version 5.06

May 26, 2021

• Fixes an issue that allows users to disable Low Power Standby mode.
• Allows wider range of Standby button press lengths when powering on product.
• Implements timed audio output mute when powering on product.
• Updates to green/red signal/clip LED threshold.

Installation

• Use a USB C cable (click the picture to the right to see where it connects on the Sub)
• Go to http://btu.bose.com using a PC or Mac
• Follow the prompts on the screen
• Instructions

Comparisons Sub1/Sub2 Subwoofers

Sub1 Sub2

B1 Bass Module

B2 Bass Module

F1 Model 812

Specification	B1	B2	L1 Pro8 Power Stand only	L1 Pro16 Power Stand only	Sub1	Sub2	F1 Subwoofer
dB SPL at 1 meter Continuous/Peak	109 dB (estimated, not published)	112 dB (estimated on total system SPL of L1 Model 1S with B2)	112 dB (cont) 118 dB (peak) (values estimated on total system SPL)	118 dB (cont) 121 dB (peak) (values estimated on total system SPL)	118 dB (cont) 124 dB (peak)	123 dB (cont) 129 dB (peak)	124 dB (cont) 130 dB (peak)
Watts RMS Active/Passive	125 Passive	250 Passive	240 Active	1000 Active	480 Active	1000 Active	1000 Active
Weight pounds	28	45	30.9	41.4	34.1	51.7	55
Drivers	Two 5.25"	Two 10"	One 7"x13" RaceTrack	One 10"x18" RaceTrack	One 7"x13" RaceTrack	One 10"x18" RaceTrack	Two 10"
Cardioid Mode	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	Yes	Yes	n/a
Compatibility with Bose Products	L1 Legacy	L1 Legacy	n/a not intended to be used separately	n/a not intended to be used separately	L1 Pro, L1 Legacy, S1 Pro, L1 Compact	L1 Pro, L1 Legacy, S1 Pro, L1 Compact	L1 Pro, L1 Legacy, S1 Pro, L1 Compact
Compatibility with non-Bose products	No passive, no low-pass filter	No passive, no low-pass filter	n/a not intended to be used separately	n/a not intended to be used separately	Yes active, switchable low-pass filter	Yes active, switchable low-pass filter	Yes active, switchable high-pass filter

This data is compiled from Bose Technical Data Sheets and discussions with the Bose L1 Product Managers for the unpublished data.

Two Sub1s or Sub2

Two Sub1s have approximately the same membrane surface area as the Sub2, (180 square inches).

The power difference is negligible (960 watts RMS compared to 1000 watts RMS).

Two Sub1s tightly coupled (stacked or side-by-side) should provide up to +6 dB SPL over a single Sub1 (118 + 6 = 124). The Sub 2 is 123 dB SPL. The SPL performance of two Sub1s should be similar to a single Sub2.

The Sub1 goes down to 40 Hz. The Sub2 goes down to 37 Hz (-3 dB). The difference is due to the larger physical volume of the Sub2 enclosure. Running two Sub1s does not change the frequency response.

L1 Pro16

The SPL output of the L1 Pro16 is 118 db SPL (124 peak). The output is similar to the Sub1.

Technical Data for standalone units

• L1 Pro8 Technical Data Sheet
• L1 Pro16 Technical Data Sheet
• L1 Pro32 Technical Data Sheet
• Sub1 Technical Data Sheet
• Sub2 Technical Data Sheet

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RaceTrack Woofer

RaceTrack Woofer

Unique RaceTrack woofers integrated in the Bose Sub1 and Sub2 modular subwoofers deliver powerful bass, have an optimized center of gravity, and save a lot of space. This slim design means you get the full impact of a conventional subwoofer without the cumbersome size, freeing up room in your vehicle and on the stage, and making every carry in between — home to car, vehicle to venue — much easier.

Although the comparisons are approximate and this assumes that other variables like input power are similar:

• The 7"x13" RaceTrack woofer in the Sub1 is comparable to 12" round driver.
• The 10"x18" RaceTrack woofer is comparable to a 15" round driver.

Note: Both the Sub1 and L1 Pro8 use a 7"x13" RaceTrack woofer. The L1 Pro8 is rated at 240 watts RMS to the subwoofer. The Sub1 is rated at 480 watts RMS.

Cardioid Mode

Cardioid Mode

Cardioid Subs Explained

A cardioid sub configuration allows for a coverage pattern that is not unlike a cardioid microphone pickup pattern. This coverage pattern allows for most of the sound energy to be focused in front of the sub module stack while drastically reducing the sound energy that is propagated behind the subwoofer stack. This contrasts with a standard subwoofer configuration that will act in an omnidirectional coverage pattern where sound energy propagates equally in all directions for the sub module. The main benefit of the cardioid setup is that the low frequency sound energy from your performance will be focused on the audience and not back onto the stage. This is especially helpful when amplifying large resonant acoustic instruments like drums or an upright bass. This coverage pattern is achieved by changing the direction of the second sub module driver and time aligning it using a small delay to the front facing sub module driver. This will create destructive interference behind the sub stack and results in phase cancellation of the sound energy while creating constructive interference between the modules in front of the sub stack resulting in phase summation and increased sound energy.

To accomplish this, stack two matching sub modules on top of one another as shown here. Make sure that the module facing away from the audience is at the bottom of your stack. This configuration allows for a 10 dB SPL down point located directly behind the subwoofer stack. This configuration is possible with both the Sub1 and Sub2 modules when stacked with an identical module as seen to the left. This can be accomplished without any extra AC power runs thanks to the SubMatch cabling innovation that transmits both power and audio signal to the second subwoofer module.

Connecting and Setting Up

Connecting and setting up

To configure cardioid subs, stack two identical modules as seen to the left, connect the top sub module to an L1 Pro32 via a SubMatch cable or an external source and A/C power. Next set the top sub to positive polarity and the bottom sub to cardioid mode by pressing and holding the polarity button until the CARDIOID LED is illuminated.

Make sure that the LEVEL settings are matched across the sub modules as mismatching them will skew the performance of cardioid mode. Once this setup has been completed a 10dB down point will be present directly behind the sub stack. This performance will be extremely beneficial if your performance includes any large resonant instruments such as an upright bass or a drum set.

Note: Bose does not claim Cardioid mode increases the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) in front of the subwoofers. The main benefit is that it reduces the SPL behind the subwoofers.

Source L1 Pro Application Guide

Bose Sub1/Sub2 Documentation

Cardioid mode is for use with a stack of two identical Sub modules, which allows for most of the sound energy to be focused in front of the Sub stack while reducing the sound energy that is generated behind the Sub stack.

Press and hold the button for four seconds to select CARDIOID. The LED will illuminate white while selected. Press and hold again to switch back to +.

Cardioid mode should only be used in a stacked configuration of two identical Sub modules, with the top Sub facing the coverage area and the bottom Sub facing the non-coverage area.

Set the Phase/ Pattern of the top Sub to + and the Phase/Pattern of the bottom Sub to CARDIOID.

When adjusting the level of the stacked subs in Cardioid mode, be sure that the Level Control is set to the same position on both Subs.

See the below diagrams for Sub stack orientation and coverage patterns.

Level Control

Sub1 Sub2

Question

Why have a LEVEL control on the Bose Sub1/Sub2? This can also apply to other subwoofers as well.

Answer

At lower volume, the Equal Loudness contour shows that humans don't perceive bass as well as mid-highs. You can compensate for this by turning up the Sub1/Sub2 LEVEL Control.

Other times bass may seem excessive

• At higher volumes
• Due to boundary effects (proximity to walls and corners)
• On a resonant stage

You can compensate for this by turning down the Sub1/Sub2 LEVEL Control.

Recommended Settings

1. Set the Sub1/Sub2 Level control at 12:00 o'clock.
2. Raise/lower the volume of the L1 Pro32 as required.
3. Adjust the Sub1/Sub2 Level control to balance bass level with the mid-high level from the L1 Pro 32.

Comments

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SubMatch Connection Signal Flow

L1 Pro 32 SubMatch Output

• Full range audio signal
• AC Power

Sub1/Sub2 SubMatch Pass Thru

• Full range audio signal (unaffected by any settings on the Sub1/Sub2)
• AC Power

Sub1/Sub2 using a SubMatch port for input

LINE IN EQ (LPF or L1)

• The LINE IN EQ is automatically set to L1 regardless of the position of the button

LINE OUT EQ (FULL RANGE or HPF)

• Line Out 1 LINE OUT EQ is FULL RANGE or HPF depending on the setting of the Line Out EQ button
• Line Out 2 LINE OUT EQ is FULL RANGE or HPF depending on the setting of the Line Out EQ button

Sub2 with Sub1

You can use a Sub1 and Sub2 together. The connection will be L1 Pro32 to Sub2 to Sub1

• Connect the L1 Pro32 to the Sub2 (use the SubMatch cable)
• On the Sub2 set the Line Out EQ to HPF (High Pass Filter)
• Connect the Sub2 Line Out to the Sub1 (Correction optional: use a SubMatch cable to the Sub1)
• Level - set to 12:00 o'clock on both. If adjustments are necessary - keep the Level Control the same on both Subs
• Polarity: Plus on both

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S1 Pro system with Sub1/Sub2

T4S

T8S

S1 Pro  

Sub1 Sub2

Preferred Method

Connections with Sub1 or Sub2 and the S1 Pro system

For best results, the signal flow should go from

1. 

   Sub io panel
   The signal source (e.g., ToneMatch Mixer, mixer, DJ console) output to
2. The Sub1 or Sub2 subwoofer LINE IN 1 ()
3. The Sub1 or Sub2 subwoofer LINE OUT 1 to
4. The S1 Pro system with channel volume set to 10 o'clock.

Note these settings on the Sub1 or Sub2

👉 Set LINE IN EQ to L1

👉 Set LINE OUT EQ to S1 (Press and hold LINE OUT EQ button for 4 seconds)

Set up this way,

1. The Sub1 or Sub2 handles frequencies from 40 Hz (Sub1) 37 Hz (Sub2) to 150 Hz
2. The S1 Pro system handles frequencies above 150 Hz

Mono - Example with a T4S as the audio source

• Start with the Volume on S1 Pro and Sub, as shown. Adjust as necessary from there.

The picture shows a stereo setup. The signal flow is from left to right.

Recommended cable

Use an XLR to 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve cable for best results.

If you use an XLR to XLR cable, the signal may be too hot for the S1 Pro system.

Alternative Connection

Can I connect the S1 Pro Line Out to the Sub?

The method described above is preferred, but you can use the S1 Pro system as the sound source (e.g., microphone and guitar and backing tracks via Bluetooth) Note the following:

1. The S1 Pro system will sound the same as without the subwoofer (62 Hz - 17 kHz)
2. The Sub1 or Sub2 will cover from 40 Hz (Sub1) 37 Hz (Sub2) to 150 Hz
3. You will be able to push S1 Pro system harder (louder) if you route the signal as described at the top of this article

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L1 Compact with Sub1/Sub2

Please see L1 Compact with Sub1 or Sub2

L1 Model II with Sub1/Sub2

If you have a T1 ToneMatch mixer

1. Connect the T1 Main Output to the Sub1/Sub2
   • 1/4 inch Tip Ring Sleeve to Sub1/Sub2 Input 1.
   • If you prefer, you can use a 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve to XLR (T1 to Sub1/Sub2 Input 1).
     There's no particular benefit to choosing one cable over the other.
2. On the Sub1/Sub2 set the LPF setting to L1.
3. DO NOT connect Sub1/Sub2 to the L1 Model II Bass Line Out. That output is EQd for the B2 or B1. Also, if you have one or two B1s connected to the Model II Power Stand and you connect something to the Bass Line Out, the system will reduce the overall bass output by -12 dB
4. You can continue to use the ToneMatch cable between the T1 and L1 Model II (no need to use a ToneMatch Power Supply)

If you have a third-party mixer

DO NOT connect Sub1/Sub2 to the L1 Model II Bass Line Out. That output is EQd for the B2 or B1.

Mixer to Sub1/Sub2 to L1 Model II

1. On the mixer route all inputs to a single mono output. More information - Stereo Mixer to Mono L1®
2. Connect the mixer output to the Sub1/Sub2 Input 1
3. Connect the Sub1/Sub2 Line Out 1 to the L1 Model II Analog Input
4. Set the L1 Model II Analog Input Trim to 10:00 o'clock. You adjust to suit so you see solid green.
   

1. On the Sub1/Sub2 set the LPF setting to L1.
2. DO NOT connect Sub1/Sub2 to the L1 Model II Bass Line Out. That output is EQd for the B2 or B1.

Mixer to L1 Model II and Sub

This method is known as Aux Fed Sub

1. On the mixer route all inputs to a single mono output. More information - Stereo Mixer to Mono L1®
2. Connect the mixer output to the L1 Model II Analog Input
3. Set the L1 Model II Analog Input Trim to 10:00 o'clock. You adjust to suit so you see solid green.
   
4. Connect the mixer Sub or Aux line out to Sub1/Sub2 Input 1.
5. On the Sub1/Sub2 set the LPF setting to L1.
6. DO NOT connect Sub1/Sub2 to the L1 Model II Bass Line Out. That output is EQd for the B2 or B1.

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Cooling

Question

How are the Sub1/Sub2 cooled?

Answer

Sub1 and Sub2 have extruded aluminum heat sinks mounted to the backside of the I/O panel. This pulls heat out of the electronics and transfers some to the air moving through the acoustic volume of the sub and helps to cool.

Running Multiple Subwoofers

If you are running two or more subwoofers, you want to read these articles:

• What does subwoofer mutual coupling mean?
• Sound on Sound Bass Place
• The Subwoofer Power Alley

Comparing L1 Pro Power Stands to Subs

The L1 Pro8 and Sub1 use the 7" x 13" Racetrack transducer. The L1 Pro16 and Sub2 use the 10" x 18" Racetrack transducer. The following is a comparison of the performance of the L1 Pro power stands and the Sub1 and Sub2

L1 Pro8 Power Stand compared to Sub1

Both use the 7" x 13" Racetrack transducer

The L1 Pro8 power stand is 31 pounds. The Sub1 is 35.5.

The L1 Pro8 power stand is slightly smaller than the Sub1.

The L1 Pro8 power stand bass amp is 240 watts RMS. The Sub1 is 480 watts RMS.

The L1 Pro8 is 112 dB SPL continuous. The Sub1 is 118 dB SPL continuous.

The L1 Pro8 goes down to 45 Hz (-3 dB). The Sub1 goes down to 40 Hz (-3 dB).

L1 Pro16 Power Stand compared to Sub2

Both use the 10" x 18" Racetrack transducer

The L1 Pro16 power stand is 41.4 pounds. The Sub2 is 52.

The L1 Pro16 power stand is slightly smaller than the Sub2.

The L1 Pro16 bass amp is 1000 watts RMS. The Sub2 is 1000 watts RMS.

The L1 Pro16 is 118 dB SPL continuous. The Sub2 is 123.8 dB SPL continuous.

The L1 Pro16 goes down to 42 Hz (-3 dB). The Sub2 goes down to 37 Hz (-3 dB). The difference is due to the larger physical volume of the Sub2 enclosure.

Questions about this article

Questions about this article?

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