View source for Do I Need to Upgrade from the S1 Pro to the S1 Pro+

{{S1 Pro+ icon}}{{S1 Pro icon}}
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[[File:S1 Pro to S1 Pro+.jpg|right]]
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===I have an S1 Pro. Do I need the S1 Pro+? ===
Without close examination, the {{S1 Pro+}} looks a lot like the {{S1 Pro}}, and the basic performance characteristics are similar. I was happy with my {{S1 Pro}}s, so I ignored the new model for several months. I now have two {{S1 Pro+}}s, complete with two wireless transmitters for each. This article is about what I've learned.

=== Background ===
I have owned several {{S1 Pro}}s since they were released in 2018. I've used them for small gigs, playing outdoors, computer speakers, family karaoke, sitting in with friends, and occasionally using them as monitors when not using my L1 systems. 

I use my L1 Pro systems most of the time because I need more extensive coverage than either S1 model provides. But when portability was essential, or being relatively unobtrusive in an intimate setting was important, an S1 was the right tool for the job.

==== Wish List ====
There weren't many things I wished for in the {{S1 Pro}}. 
===== Phantom Power =====
From a comparison standpoint, neither the {{S1 Pro}} or {{S1 Pro+}} have phantom power, but here are some thoughts anyway.

Initially, I wished the {{S1 Pro}} had phantom power to support my preferred microphone, the [[Neumann KMS 105]]. Eventually, I found the [[Sennheiser MD 445]], an excellent dynamic microphone that does not need phantom power. It's not a replacement for the Neumann, but it's a terrific performer for any application where I'd use either S1 Pro model.

===== Wireless Connectivity =====
As I got accustomed to taking the {{S1 Pro}} to outdoor, or intimate settings, I enjoyed not having to plug into an AC power source. Eventually, I added wireless transmitters for my microphones and guitars for even more convenience. Of course, there was the added inconvenience of having pack and keep track of transmitters and receivers, and  charging them between shows.  

===== ToneMatch Presets =====
The {{S1 Pro}} had two ToneMatch Presets per channel (Microphone, Acoustic Steel-stringed Guitar). I wished it had more options for ToneMatch Presets, especially for using different microphones and instruments.

===== Operating with a Subwoofer =====
The best way to use the {{S1 Pro}} with a subwoofer (e.g., Bose Sub1) is to send the source signal to the Subwoofer and send a high-pass signal from the Subwoofer to the {{S1 Pro}}. This way, the Subwoofer handles the low frequencies and only the mid-high frequencies were sent to the {{S1 Pro}}. Unfortunately, routing the signal this way meant you couldn't use the {{S1 Pro}} as the input for microphones, instruments, or Bluetooth. You'd need to use a mixer like the Bose T4S for all the inputs and send the T4S output to the Subwoofer.

=== Comparing the differences=== 
Here's a quick overview of some of the major differences (for a more complete list, see the table at the end of this article).

==== Bose App Support ====
The Bose App gives you remote control of all the primary functions of the {{S1 Pro+}}, just like the L1 Pro systems. The {{S1 Pro}} works with the Bose Connect App which supports Bluetooth streaming but does not provide remote control.

Get Bose App
* [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bose/id1364986984 Download on the App Store]
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bose.bosemusic&pli=1 Get it on Google Play]

==== Channel 3 Inputs ====
The {{S1 Pro}} channel 3 input has 1/4 Tip-Ring-Sleeve balanced, line-level input. I use this for daisy-chaining or instruments like keyboards. It also has a 1/8 Tip-Ring-Sleeve Stereo Aux input.

Channel 3 has Bass and Treble (but no reverb). The {{S1 Pro}} Channel 3 input has only the 1/8 Tip-Ring-Sleeve Stereo Aux input.

For more information, see Connect Sources to Channel 3 (page 21) in the {{S1 Pro+ Owners Guide}}.

==== Full Range Flat Response ToneMatch Preset====
The {{S1 Pro+}} is the first Bose product with the '''Full Range Flat Response''' ToneMatch Preset. It can be used with guitar amp modellers like the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, Fractal Axe FX, Kemper Profiler Stage or Player, Line 6 Helix or Stomp, and Boss GT-1000. At the time of writing, not even the L1 Pro series has this option.

For more information, see [[S1 Pro+ FRFR Full Range Flat Response]].

==== Live Stream Mode ====
Live Stream mode allows the system to be recognized as an audio interface when you connect it to your computer using a USB-C® cable. This lets you perform live for an online audience or record audio directly to your computer’s digital audio workstation (DAW).

===== Monitor (Master) Volume =====
While using the Live Stream mode, you can change the Channel 3 volume control so it acts as a Monitor Volume for all channels. On the OLED display, this is shown as the Monitor Volume. It controls the loudness of the {{S1 Pro+}} (all inputs) without changing the signal being sent through the USB-C® connection.

The effect is the same as having a single Master Volume control for the {{S1 Pro+}}

To access it
* Put the {{S1 Pro+}} into Live Stream Mode (this remains in effect until you change it manually or power down the system)
* Tap the Channel 3 rotary control 3 times (Volume -> Treble -> Bass --> Monitor Volume)


For more information, see [[S1 Pro+ Live Stream Mode]].

==== OLED Displays ====
On the {{S1 Pro+}}, for channels 1 and 2, you have a single rotary control for Volume, Treble, Bass, Reverb, ToneMatch Presets, and several utility functions. On channel 3, you have volume, treble, bass, and more utility functions. The OLED displays allow you to see and control all this functionality. This replaces the separate controls on the {{S1 Pro}} for volume, treble, bass, and reverb. 

The one button I miss on the {{S1 Pro+}} is Mute.

For more information, see Adjust Channel Audio (page 23) in the {{S1 Pro+ Owners Guide}}.

==== Scenes ====
You can save channel and system settings as Scenes in the Bose app, allowing 
you to access them again later easily. This option is available from the main screen.

==== Sub EQ Mode ====
The Sub EQ setting is a crossover that optimizes system EQ for setup scenarios in which a powered subwoofer is connected to the system LINE OUT port.

You can use Sub EQ with any powered subwoofer, but for optimal performance, Bose recommends the Bose Sub1 or Sub2 Powered Bass Module for optimal performance.

This is a significant improvement in how you connect and use a subwoofer (compared to doing this with an {{S1 Pro}}).
With the Sub EQ mode, you can use the S1 Pro+ internal mixer as the sound source (e.g., microphone, guitar, and backing tracks via Bluetooth). This differs from the S1 Pro system where the preferred method was to route all sound sources to the Sub1/Sub2 first and then from the Sub1/Sub2 to the S1 Pro system. The {{S1 Pro}} does not have the Sub EQ mode.

For more information, see [[S1 Pro+ Sub EQ]].

==== Charging Port ====
The S1 Pro+ USB Charging Port can charge your mobile device, as described in the S1 Pro+ Owners Guide. For most people, this means a phone or tablet. The port supplies: 5V 1.5A

For more information, see [[S1 Pro+ USB Charging Port]].

==== Wireless Receivers Built-in ====
Combined with the optional wireless transmitters, the {{S1 Pro+}} becomes the most convenient wireless system I own, and I have several (Line 6, Sennheiser, Shure, etc.)

When not in use, the wireless transmitters slide into the body of the {{S1 Pro+}} where they get charged and paired while in storage. I don't have to worry about storing, transporting, charging or pairing them. It's all handled.

;Wireless Range
:Bose says the range is approximately 30 feet (not quite 10 meters), and I've found this to be accurate and adequate for anything I do with the {{S1 Pro+}}s. I run two {{S1 Pro+}}s (four transmitters) and have not had any issues within 30 feet. 

For more information, see Wireless Transmitters (page 37) in the {{S1 Pro+ Owners Guide}}.

==== Wireless Insert Mode ====
When you connect a wireless transmitter to a channel with the Insert setting set to Auto (see page 41), the l (6.35 mm) TRS channel input becomes a series channel insert (also known as an effects loop). You can connect effects units or pedals to the input using an insert cable, all while using your instrument or mic wirelessly. See how I use this in [[S1 Pro+ Wireless Insert Mode With Modeler]].

For more information, see [[S1 Pro+ Wireless Insert Mode]].

==== Performance ====
According to specifications from Bose, the {{S1 Pro}} and {{S1 Pro+}} have the same horizontal x vertical coverage at 120 x 50 degrees, and four operating positions with Auto EQ.

The published specifications for maximum SPL at one meter are the same (109 dB SPL peak) which translates to 103 dB SPL continuous. However, there are sources on the web<ref>[https://www.rtings.com/speaker/tools/compare/bose-s1-pro-system-vs-bose-s1-pro-plus/6982/40656?usage=10159&threshold=0.10 Ratings.com Base S1 Pro System Vs Bose S1 Pro+]</ref> that suggest that the {{S1 Pro}}'s continuous output is less (98.6 dB SPL) and that the {{S1 Pro+}} at (105.3 dB SPL) is louder, however in testing here, I've found both to deliver 106 dB SPL continuous at one meter (both A and C weighted) using a white noise generator. 

My subjective impression is that the {{S1 Pro+}} has a deeper bass response and is seems noticeably louder than the {{S1 Pro}}. I typically have to turn down the bass on the {{S1 Pro+}}.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that I can run my [[Porchboard Bass]] percussion pedal through channel 3. The {{S1 Pro}} and the [[L1 Compact]] couldn't handle that pedal.

=== What Else ===
==== Things I miss ====
I miss having physical knobs for volume, treble, bass, reverb, and mute buttons. On the {{S1 Pro}}, I could use all of those physical controls by touch, in the dark, without having to toggle through functions (pressing the multifunction knob), reading the OLED display, or using the Bose App.


==== Things I don't miss ====
I don't miss having to count the flashes to figure out how much charge I had left on the {{S1 Pro}}. There's a graphic display that shows the state of charge for the {{S1 Pro+}}, and if you have the transmitters, you can see the battery status of those too.

A few little details:
* The {{S1 Pro}} backpack works equally well with the {{S1 Pro+}}
* The batteries and Play Through Covers are not interchangeable between these two models

=== Conclusions ===
I didn't need the {{S1 Pro+}}s. The {{S1 Pro}}s have served me well.

The {{S1 Pro+}} can do everything the {{S1 Pro}} can do and fits into every situation as well or better. 

When I read about the new features, I wasn't immediately moved to get the {{S1 Pro+}} system. However, now that I've taken time to explore the {{S1 Pro+}} and gig with it, I'm most impressed with the
* Seamless integration of the wireless functionality
* Brilliant and thoughtful design of the Insert Mode and Full Range Flat Response features 
* Sub EQ mode makes it much simpler to add a subwoofer
* USB charging port that I use to power my light-weight guitar effects pedal
* 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve input for Channel 3 that I use as an input for my [[Porchboard Bass]] percussion pedal or in a pinch and acoustic or electric guitar
* Better bass response. The {{S1 Pro}} couldn't handle the [[Porchboard Bass]]

Now that I have spent some time with the new features of the {{S1 Pro+}}s, I wouldn't be willing to do without them.

=== Counterpoint ===
You don't need to consider the {{S1 Pro+}} if you are happy with your {{S1 Pro}} and you don't need:
* Other ToneMatch Presets
* Wireless capability for your microphone or instrument (or already have a wireless solution)
* A better way to connect a subwoofer (or you do and have a working solution)
* A third line-level input (Channel 3 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve input), which will also work for an instrument (e.g., acoustic guitar with a preamp and pickup)
* More volume or low-end support

===Comparison Table ===
{{S1 Pro+ S1 Pro Comparison}}

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[[Category:L1 Pro]] 
[[Category:Model II]]
[[Category:Comparison]]


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