L1 Pro16 vs Evolve 50m

Bose L1 Pro vs Electro-Voice Evolve

Portable PA systems are a lifesaver for New Zealand musicians and performers on the go. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be tricky. Here’s a quick comparison of two popular contenders: the Bose L1 Pro16 and the Electro-Voice Evolve 50. Let’s see which reigns supreme for clear, powerful sound and effortless performance.

Setting the Stage: Sound Quality

Both systems boast impressive audio, but Bose takes the lead in tonal accuracy and clarity. The L1 Pro16 utilises Bose’s proprietary RaceTrack woofer design, delivering a richer, more natural low-end response than the Evolve 50’s emphasis on deep bass. This translates to a more balanced soundscape, perfect for vocals, acoustic instruments, and even electronic music with a tight low-frequency presence.

Coverage is King

A good PA needs to project sound evenly throughout the venue. Here, the Bose L1 Pro16 shines again. Its unique, vertically arranged speaker array delivers a wide 180-degree horizontal dispersion. This ensures consistent sound across the audience, eliminating dead zones and ensuring everyone enjoys the performance. The Evolve 50 offers a respectable 120-degree coverage, but for larger spaces or wider audience spread, the Bose system takes the crown.

Effortless Setup and Control

Both systems are designed for portability, but Bose streamlines the process further. The L1 Pro16 is incredibly lightweight and assembles in seconds. Its intuitive controls and built-in ToneMatch presets make dialling in the perfect sound a breeze, even for non-technical users.

The Verdict: Crystal Clear Performance Every Time

Choosing between the Bose L1 Pro16 and the EV Evolve 50 comes down to prioritising pristine sound and effortless setup. If you crave a system that delivers rich, accurate, and warm audio with exceptional coverage, then the Bose L1 Pro16 is the clear winner. Its user-friendly design and superior sound quality make it ideal for musicians, DJs, and performers anywhere in New Zealand, ensuring your audience hears every note exactly as intended.

Bose L1 Pro16

WEIGHT 23kg

SPL 118 – 124 dB

COVERAGE 180°

BLUETOOTH Yes

INPUTS 2 x combo XLR- 1/4″ phantom-powered inputs, 1/4″ and 1/8″ (3.5 mm/6.5mm) aux in, + Bluetooth

 

EV Evolve 50m

WEIGHT 23kg

SPL 127 dB

COVERAGE 120°

BLUETOOTH Yes

INPUTS 2x XLR/TRS combo jack, 1x 3.5 mm AUX, 1x Stereo RCA, + Bluetooth