Warning for DJs using Tonematch T4s and T8s

Warning for DJs using Tonematch T4s and T8s

Warning for Djs using Bose ToneMatch T4s or T8s

First, a secondary or external mixer is in most cases highly recommended for DJs using all-in-one DJ mixer/controllers.  An external mixer means you have more headroom, perhaps better microphone preamps than what’s built into your DJ mixer, or more inputs if you only have a 2-channel DJ controller.

Why Bose L1 Pro DJs  Need a ToneMatch

While any external mixer is an advantage, the ToneMatch is a logical addition for DJs using the L1 Pro because of how it “talks” to the portable array system.

The L1 Pro delivers powerful, portable audio with a tiny footprint, but the ToneMatch mixer unlocks its full potential.  While live musicians/bands might find more use for the full suite of features packed into a T4s or T8s, there’s plenty for DJs to love when used properly with a DJ mixer or controller.

Precision-Tailored Audio with ToneMatch Processing:

The L1 Pro boasts impressive sound quality, but ToneMatch takes it a step further. This mixer utilises proprietary Bose digital signal processing (DSP) specifically calibrated for each L1 Pro model. This DSP meticulously fine-tunes the system’s response, ensuring pristine highs, clear mids, and deep, impactful bass.  The ToneMatch detects your system – Pro8, Pro16 or Pro32 and automatically applies the correct DSP settings.  Top 40 and EDM or the classic wedding hits, the ToneMatch guarantees it sounds right.

Streamlined Setup for Optimal Efficiency:

Gone are the days of wrestling with tangled cables.  Depending on your configuration, a ToneMatch T4s or T8s can connect seamlessly to your L1 Pro system with a single cable providing both power and audio. This not only simplifies setup but also saves valuable time before your performance. ToneMatch’s multiple inputs allow for simultaneous connection of your DJ controller, microphone, and even an additional music source, offering ultimate versatility for your setup.

Pro-Grade Sound Control at Your Fingertips:

ToneMatch empowers you with comprehensive sound sculpting capabilities. Built-in, high-quality EQs allow for precise tonal adjustments, enabling you to tailor the sound to your musical style and the venue’s acoustics.  You can even save “scenes” for some of those acoustically challenging venues – next time you’re there, just dial up the saved scene and everything willI be recalled from your last visit.

Best ToneMatch settings for DJs?

Here’s the warning part.  Most advice in online groups is to connect your DJ controller or mixer to the AUX inputs on your ToneMatch.  On the T4s this is channels 5 and 6, on the T8s it’s channels 9 and 10.  While these channels will work and will give you some headroom while allowing for additional input sources (mics, band instruments, etc) on the main channels, the AUX inputs have none of the ToneMatch magic.  No EQ, no high-level/low-level music presets, no “DJ” preset.  The AUX inputs are pass-through connections and bypass almost every ToneMatch setting.

Some even suggest a ToneMatch is a total waste of money for DJs if they’re mostly using channel 5/6 (T4s) or 9/10 (T8s).  You’re getting none of what makes the ToneMatch special!

My advice?  Either use two of the main inputs (ch 1 and 2) or set your DJ controller to mono and run your DJ master out into channel 1 on your ToneMatch.  This still leaves you three spare faders on the T4s, or seven spares on the T8s.

By running your DJ controller into the main ToneMatch inputs, you’re taking full advantage of the ToneMatch EQ and presets including the DJ mode built into the ToneMatch settings.

Set the channel gains and pan if required and then use the master or the DJ controller to adjust your overall volume as and when needed.

How to connect two Bose L1 to dual stream wirelessly

You can stream Bluetooth audio wirelessly two a pair of Bose L1 Pro8, Pro16, Pro32, or S1 Pro+ (or a combo of any two) using the Bose Music App.  Just follow the following 5 steps to get streaming wirelessly in mono or stereo.

1. First, launch the Bose Music App on your smartphone or tablet. Once it’s open, locate your Bose system within the app and select it to bring up its controls.

2. On the “mixer” screen of the Bose Music App, you’ll see a gear icon in the top right corner. Tap that icon to enter the Settings menu, where you’ll find various configuration options.

3. Within the Settings menu, select the option “Dual Wireless Streaming” to display a list of available speakers for you to connect with.

4.  To initiate the pairing process, press and hold the Bluetooth button on your secondary speaker.

Keep holding it until the Bluetooth light starts blinking blue to indicate it’s ready to be connected.

5. Once the connection is established, the app will display a confirmation screen. This screen will offer you a choice between a stereo or mono configuration.

  • Stereo: Ideal for creating a wide, immersive soundscape. In this mode, the primary system acts as the left channel, while the secondary system takes care of the right channel.
  • Mono: Perfect for situations where you only need sound from a single speaker.

Don’t forget: (Stereo Mode Only)

When using the stereo configuration, you can adjust the volume for each speaker independently. Channel 3 acts as the volume control on both systems in this mode.

Does The Bose L1 Have a Subwoofer?

Does The Bose L1 Have a Subwoofer?

Does The Bose L1 Have a Subwoofer?

Yes, all the L1 Pro systems have a subwoofer, but they’re each set up a little differently.

The L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16 each have a racetrack subwoofer built into the base unit.

The L1 Pro32 does not have a sub built in, instead relying on the Sub1 or Sub2 active subwoofers to be connected.  When you purchase the L1 Pro32, you buy with either the Sub1 or Sub2 option.

The Sub1 is a 7” x 13” racetrack driver playing as low as 40Hz, effectively a 15” subwoofer speaker stretched into an oval racetrack shape.

The Sub2 is larger, comparable to an 18” subwoofer, but stretched into a 10” x 18” racetrack speaker.  This one plays down to 37Hz, even lower than the larger Bose F1 subwoofer.

You can stack a pair of Sub1, a pair of Sub2, or run a Sub1 with a Sub2 together.  Alternatively, you can add a Sub1 or Sub2 to either the Pro8 or Pro16.

Bose L1 Pro subwoofer

Does the L1 Pro32 have Bluetooth?

Does the L1 Pro32 have Bluetooth?

Does the L1 Pro Have Bluetooth?

Yes, the L1 Pro32 has Bluetooth. 

You can play audio from any Bluetooth device such as a tablet or laptop, phone, or other Bluetooth-enabled playback source.  

You can also use the Bose Music App via Bluetooth to connect to multiple L1 Pro or S1 Pro systems and control the audio using Tonematch settings, EQ, reverb, and individual channel volumes.

Download the Bose Music app for iOS or Android here.

How To Pair the L1 Pro32 Bluetooth

  1. Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the L1 Pro until it flashes blue.
  2. Open the Bluetooth settings on your mobile device and pair with the device that should have the name that you chose during the initial Bluetooth setup.
  3. After it has successfully paired, the Bluetooth LED on the L1 Pro will turn white.

 

Is the Bose L1 worth it?

Is the Bose L1 worth it?

Is the Bose L1 worth it?

Such a common question, one that is asked all the time in various Facebook groups for Bose users, musicians and DJs.

Whether the Bose L1 is worth it depends on your needs and budget. It is a high-quality portable PA system that offers excellent sound quality and is relatively easy to set up. However, it is also quite expensive.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Bose L1 to help you decide if it is the right system for you:

Pros:

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Amazing throw of sound
  • Small footprint, low profile, and isn’t an eye-sore in any room.
  • Wide coverage
  • One size doesn’t fit all, so there are a number of Bose Professional portable options, be it for a DJ, solo musician, live band, dance school, and more.
  • Portable and easy to set up
  • Reliable warranty and local, personal support
  • Variety of input options

Cons:

  • It’s not cheap.  Nothing good in life is cheap.
  • Takes some getting used to compared to “traditional speaker on a stand” options.

If you are looking for a high-quality portable PA system that offers excellent sound quality and is relatively easy to set up, then the Bose L1 is a good option. However, if you are on a budget or need a system that can handle larger venues, then there are other options that may be a better fit.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Bose L1 is worth it is to try it out and see if it meets your needs. If you’re in the upper North Island of NZ, let’s chat about how you can try a system out for yourself.  Seeing it in a retail store doesn’t cut it, it simply doesn’t compare to giving it a go at a real event on stage, or in your usual practice room or studio.