Portable Power Stations for L1 Systems
Contents
- 1 Overview
- 2 Jackery Explorer Power Station 500 Specifications
- 3 System as Tested
- 4 Results
- 5 Remarks
- 6 L1 Pro Family
- 7 Sub1/Sub2
- 8 Bose Music App / L1 Mix App
- 9 ToneMatch Mixers
- 10 Other Bose Portable PA Products
Overview
These are the results of using a Jackery Explorer Power Station 500 to run L1 Pro (various) and L1 Model II with ToneMatch Mixer[1], two B1 bass modules, and Kemper Stage electric guitar processor.
Conclusion - Jackery Explorer Power Station 500 should provide power for moderate-to-high volume for at least five hours for an L1 Pro or L1 Legacy system with a ToneMatch Mixer[1].
- You should get comparable results with an L1 Compact.
- The power consumption is similar for all models. The volume (Sound Pressure Level SPL) determines how much power you consume. The louder you run the system, the faster you deplete the power. For example, you might get 7 hours of music at 80 dBC SPL and only 2 hours at 110 dBC SPL.
- Update - L1 Pro Systems (Pro8, Pro16, Pro32 with Sub 1)
- I have repeated the same tests using the L1 Pro systems. The power consumption is comparable to that shown for the L1 Model II with two B1s shown in the tables below.
- The power consumption is similar for all models. The volume determines how much power you consume. The louder you run the system, the faster you deplete the power. For example, you might get 7 hours of music at 80 dBC SPL and only 2 hours at 110 dBC SPL.
- 28 February 2021
Jackery Explorer Power Station 500 Specifications
- Lithium battery power: 518Wh/144,400mAh battery capacity,
- 500W Rated Power and 1000W Surge Power
- Pure Sine Wave AC
- 13 pounds
- Time to recharge using AC adapter - 8 hours
- Warning - the smaller Jackery Explorer Power Stations do not provide Pure Sine Wave AC power and are not recommended.
System as Tested
- Model II with two B1 bass modules
- T8S ToneMatch Mixer
- Kemper Profiler Stage
- Approximate draw 12 watts)
- The Kemper Profiler with Remote draws approximately 17 watts was not used for this discussion
- Program material: Rock music with ToneMatch Preset set to DJ/Playback High Volume
- SPL measured at one meter, C-weighted
- I have repeated the same tests using the L1 Pro systems. The power consumption is comparable to that shown for the L1 Model II with two B1s shown in the tables below.
Results
Equipment | SPL dBC |
Draw on display |
Net Watts |
Estimated Run Time Hours |
Calculation 518 Watt-Hours x 85% / Draw in Watts = Run Time Hours | ||||
Jackery 500 | 0 | 0 | ||
AC Inverter engaged | 5 | 88.1 | ||
Power Bar with Surge Arrest | 7 | 2 | 62.9 | |
T1 with ToneMatch Power Supply | 17 | 10 | 25.9 | |
T4S with ToneMatch Power Supply | 20 | 13 | 22.0 | |
T8S with ToneMatch Power Supply | 25 | 18 | 17.6 | |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 idle | 40 | 33 | 11.0 | |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T1 idle | 49 | 42 | 9.0 | |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T1 | 80 | 52 | 45 | 8.5 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T1 | 90 | 57 | 50 | 7.7 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T1 | 100 | 72 | 65 | 6.1 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T1 | 110 | 193 | 186 | 2.3 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T4S idle | 51 | 44 | 8.6 | |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T4S | 80 | 54 | 47 | 8.2 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T4S | 90 | 61 | 54 | 7.2 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T4S | 100 | 75 | 68 | 5.9 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T4S | 110 | 200 | 193 | 2.2 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T8S idle | 56 | 49 | 7.9 | |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T8S | 80 | 59 | 52 | 7.5 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T8S | 90 | 66 | 59 | 6.7 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T8S | 100 | 80 | 73 | 5.5 |
L1 Model II with 2 x B1 + T8S | 110 | 205 | 198 | 2.1 |
Sub1 Subwoofer Startup | Idle/Startup | 24 | 20 | 15 |
Sub1 Subwoofer | 110 | 205 | 198 | 2.1 |
Run Time Calculation Examples
518 watt hours x 85% (for inverter efficiency) = 440 watt hours.
Example: L1 Model II + 2 B1 + T4S at 100 dB
- 440 watt hours / 75 watts = 5.9 hours
Add draw from Kemper Profiler Stage at 12 watts
- 440 watt hours / (75 + 12) watts = 5.0 hours
If using a T8S instead of T4S add 5 watts to draw
- 440 watt hours / (75 + 12 + 5) watts = 4.8 hours
L1 Compact[2] (60 watts at 100 dB) + T4S
- 440 watt hours / (60 + 20) watts = 5.5 hours
Remarks
Occasionally I perform outdoors in settings where an S1 Pro system doesn't provide adequate coverage. I wanted a solution to power an L1 Compact and a ToneMatch Mixer[1].
- Minimum Requirements
- Pure Sine Wave[3] inverter
- Minimum run time at moderate volume (85 dBC SPL) 5 hours
The smallest capacity unit I could find was the Jackery Explorer Power Station 500.
Here's my rationale that led me to test using the L1 Model II.
For most outdoor gigs:
- If one S1 Pro system will do the job - use one S1 Pro system
- If two S1 Pro systems are required to do the job, use an L1 Pro8 orL1 Compact
Note: The L1 Pro8 / L1 Compact power draw is similar to the
The L1 Pro models share a common user interface and the L1 Mix app. This page has links to resources for all three models and the Bose products that integrate with them.
L1 Pro Family
Bose Pro announced the Bose L1 Pro line, October 26, 2020.
Documentation
L1 Pro8
L1 Pro16
L1 Pro32
Sub1/Sub2
L1 Pro Technical Data Sheets
- L1 Pro8 Technical Data Sheet
- L1 Pro16 Technical Data Sheet
- L1 Pro32 Technical Data Sheet
- Sub1 Technical Data Sheet
- Sub2 Technical Data Sheet
L1 Pro Self-Serve Support
Application Guide
L1 Pro Firmware
Resources
L1 Pro Family Selection Guide (product comparison)
Choosing the L1 Pro System That's Right for You (Youtube) / (Facebook livecast)
Bose L1 Pro Technical Training Videos
L1 Pro and the Mobile DJ - video
Bose Pro Portable PA Community
L1 Pro Technical Certification Course (no charge, but you must register)
Articles
Should I get an L1 Pro8 or L1 Pro16?
Should I get an L1 Pro16 or L1 Pro32?
Do I Need to Upgrade from the L1 Compact to the L1 Pro8?
Do I Need to Upgrade from the L1 Model II to the L1 Pro32?
S1 Pro+ x 2 vs L1 Pro8 with T4S
Which L1 Pro for Singer/Songwriter/Electric Guitarist
T1 Compatibility With L1 Pro Systems
L1 Pro and SimpleSync Connect L1 Pro to Bose Smart Speaker Group
L1 Pro32 Separating the Sections of the Mid-High Array
Comparing Specifications
Comparing L1 Pro Models
Bose L1 Pro8 Compared to L1 Pro16
Bose L1 Pro16 Compared to L1 Pro32
Comparing L1 Pro Power Stands to Subs
Legacy to L1 Pro Models
Bose L1 Compact Compared to L1 Pro8
Bose L1 Model 1S Compared to L1 Pro16
Bose L1 Model II Compared to L1 Pro32
Quick Tips
L1 Pro Line Out
The XLR Line Output from any L1 Pro contains the sound from all inputs (1, 2, 3, Bluetooth, and ToneMatch Port). That includes
- ToneMatch Presets
- Tone Controls
- Reverb
- The signal from a ToneMatch mixer connected to the ToneMatch port including ToneMatch Presets, zEQ, Reverb, Effects.
The sound is NOT affected by the L1 Pro System EQ setting.
L1 Pro Daisy Chain
Want to connect one or more L1 Pro systems together? See L1 Pro Daisy Chain
L1 Pro System EQ
The System EQ feature on the L1 Pro systems applies an EQ preset to the master output. This is similar to a graphic equalizer on traditional analogue mixers, but it uses four presets instead for quick access. read more — L1 Pro System EQ
L1 Pro32 Half Stack
- Can I operate the L1 Pro32 with only the lower section of the line array?
- Sometimes there is not sufficient height to use the full array
- Yes
- The L1 Pro32 can be used without the upper array. This configuration is useful when a venue ceiling cannot accommodate the height of the L1 Pro32
Source: Page 7 of the L1 Pro32 Owners Guide
- For best results, ensure array is at ear level for listeners
- Unlike the L1 Model II, the L1 Pro32 automatically adjusts the level of the bass output to maintain the appropriate spectral balance.
- It’s a valid use case to use only the bottom array section. In fact, the EQ automatically adjusts to compensate.
Craig Small - Bose
- Half Stack Not Recommended for Small Gigs
Running only the lower section of the Line Array is a workaround when there isn't enough ceiling clearance to use both sections. For small gigs, turn down the volume on the L1 Pro32, don't run without the top section of the array because
- You'll need to elevate the system so the array is at ear level for the audience. Otherwise, the sound will be muffled
- You will reduce your projection over distance. The sound will drop off more over distance.
- You may need to turn up the volume louder than if you were using the full array. As a result, you increase the likelihood of feedback.
FAQ
- Q
- What are the mid-high array and lower mid-high array made from? Metal mesh front and is rear metal or plastic?
- A
- Arrays on all units feature an extruded aluminum sleeve. Perforated grille on the front, solid on the back. Source: Craig Small
- Q
- Are the column speaker arrays interchangeable between the different models? (L1 Pro8, L1 Pro16, L1 Pro32)
- A
- No. While the column arrays and extensions of the L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16 will fit each other, no sound comes out.
Sub1/Sub2
Bose Music App / L1 Mix App
- March 2023 - The L1 Mix App is replaced by the Bose Music App
- Note: If you currently use the L1 Mix App, you may see a message that says to switch to the Bose Mix App. If you're not ready to do that (e.g., you're at a gig), tap the X to dismiss the message so you can continue with the L1 Mix App.
Firmware version 3.0.0 is required to use the new app.
For more details about the firmware update see: L1 Pro Firmware
- Introduction to the Bose Music App
It's L1 Pro control in your pocket. With the Bose Music app, you can access intuitive, wireless control of your Bose L1 Pro portable PA system.
Tip
Run your finger up and down over the dials (as though they were sliders). Don't try to follow the curve.
ToneMatch Mixers
Engineered with a powerful DSP engine and intuitive user control, the T4S/T8S ToneMatch mixers offer studio-quality EQ, dynamics and effects. Sound great with integrated BoseToneMatch processing and zEQ, especially when connected to a Bose L1 or F1 system for full end-to-end tonal control.
read more — T4S/T8S ToneMatch® Mixers
Other Bose Portable PA Products
/ L1 Model II for a given SPL
- L1 Compact[4] (60 watts at 100 dB) + T4S
- 440 watt hours / (60 + 20) watts = 5.5 hours
- If two L1 Compacts are required to do the job, use an L1 Model II (or L1 Model 1S)