Bose L1 Pro16

More tower, more power

When Bose introduced the L1 Compact portable PA systems, their innovative line-array design combined simplicity, portability, and the flexibility to work almost anywhere. With the L1 Pro16 system, they’ve upped the ante with more speakers for better coverage, more power, Bluetooth audio streaming, and remote control from your smartphone.

The system’s most obvious characteristic is the tall, slim line-array tower which holds sixteen individual 2″ full-range drivers. The system also includes a vertical extension column which allows you to elevate the speaker array when you need the extra height. With or without the extension, the speaker module covers a full 180° arc, letting you set up without worrying about aiming your speakers for the widest dispersal.

Bass in the case

The line-array tower is driven by a powered amp/mixer with an integrated 10″x18″ “racetrack”-style oval subwoofer which delivers performance that’s comparable to a standard 15″ sub while saving space in your system and your trunk. The Class D amplifier supplies 250 watts to the tower and 1000 watts to the sub, giving you the power to fill spaces over 100 feet deep.

Dial in your sound

The L1 Pro16’s mixer features two input channels with illuminated control knobs for volume, tone, and onboard reverb. Each channel has a 1/4″/XLR combination input jack with phantom power for condenser microphones. The mixer’s ToneMatch feature offers EQ presets for microphones or instruments with pickups, and the System EQ feature lets you select from a menu of master system presets. You’ll also get handy line-level and AUX-level inputs and a XLR output to connect to a second bass module. A ToneMatch port allows you to connect your L1 Pro16 to Bose’s T4S or T8S ToneMatch mixer (sold separately) via a proprietary ToneMatch cable.

Mix by phone

To make operating your system even simpler, Bose offers remote control over Bluetooth LE via their L1 Mix app. You’ll be able to fine-tune your sound from the room, including volume, bass, treble, and reverb adjustments, plus muting. You’ll also be able to access the ToneMatch library of custom EQ presets and save preset scenes. You can also stream audio to the PA simultaneously via Bluetooth Classic. With a total weight of only 55 pounds, the L1 Pro16 is easy to load and set up, and a padded roller bag (sold separately) keeps your system safe. When you can have great Bose sound with a feature set like this and ease of use, what more can you ask for?