Bose L1 PRO8 PA - An Honest Review

In this video, I'm taking a look at the Bose L1 PRO8 PA speaker. I'll be giving you my honest opinion of the speaker and whether or not I think it's worth the money.
If you're looking for a good portable speaker to take with you on your travels, the Bose L1 PRO8 PA might be a good option for you. Be sure to subscribe to the channel to keep up with all the latest videos and blog posts!
I have had the Bose L1 Pro 8 for this past six months and this is my honest review about how it sounds in the real world. The Bose L1 Pro8 is a fantastic piece of kit, but with some areas that might need improving. Is this PA system the right one for you...?
The Channel:
On here you will find regular uploads of reviews of gear I use when I gig and the occasional self-help video regarding overcoming anxiety.
A bit about me:
I am Lewis Foreman, The Anxious Guitarist. I am is a singer and guitarist from the UK who has been playing in front of audiences for the past fifteen years. From stadiums to café's, I can be found either playing my own material or putting a spin on my favourite tunes.
Why 'The Anxious Guitarist'?
Like many musicians and performers, I have struggled with anxiety and depression for the majority of my playing career. In addition to uploading reviews of gear I use and covers of my favourite songs, I will also be uploading the occasional video based on performance anxiety and anxiety in general in the hope that it might help those similar to me.
My Social:
facebook - / lewisforemanmusic
soundcloud - / lewisforemanmusic
instagram - lewisforemanmusic

[@isaacdust]

I’ve been using the L1 Pro8 for the past two years, and I’m still loving it. About a year ago I added the T4S mixer which, aside from being way overpriced, is so convenient that it’s been well worth it. One thing I’ve noticed is that there is relatively little content online (and on KZbin specifically) that goes into the minutiae of using the Bose PAs and mixing units. Thanks for putting this video out there. Cheers!

[@soundofbeers]

Thanks for the review and also tipping my hat to you for giving credit where credit is due (with the covers part).

[@magicalaurie]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@charleszhou4091]

The use of word “investment” convinced me. TBH, the lack of volume control is mid EQ is really doesn’t matter, if you are choosing boss L1, you must already have your own EQ mixer

[@kathleenclark926]

Mine is for sale! Used 2 times only. For a senior, it is a night mare! Trying to adjust the sound is just too complex. I could cry. I saved up a year to buy it!

[@daveowens]

I agree, a master volume would be great.

[@adamherring6693]

Great review, when I need mids I switch the pa eq to speech, really gets the job done.

[@danielfarrawell]

Hi Lewis, have been running a Street Cube EX which is 50W for café and pub gigs. I just need a cleaner louder sound as I take on more gigs. I have been saving and eyeing off the L1 Pro 8 and the L1 Pro 16 and am just a little worried if I get the smaller of the two I will regret it. Would you say that the L1 8 is loud enough and clean enough for medium indoor and outdoor gigs. I’m talking pub and wedding gigs acoustic. Probably 80-150 people type venue?

[@pinknblues1]

As an 'older player' who has spent many years lugging PA around I am considering buying this Bose and I expect it may well be the last one I buy! Thanks for your review which I found perfect next to the up my own backside reviews I've watched on UTube. I've decided to get the Tonematch as well. Thanks for advice on covers too. BTW nice playing too, I recognise that from the few bits you did - I fail to understand why musos and guitar players generally cannot give some praise to others for their work, what the hell does it cost?- a slice of their ego maybe? Anyway thanks

[@ibleebinU]

My wife loves her Pro8. I only wish that Bose would offer a mid size riser as an option for speaker height. Kind of an in between of the short/tall option. Also, I believe a master volume is missing in hopes that your buy their ToneMatch.

[@MikeMuellnerMD]

Just curious, do ever regret getting the Pro8 and not the Pro16? I really want to get the 8 but it seems like most musicians opt for the 16 🤔

[@berardoblanco9101]

The pro 8 is an awesome system. I have it, and the sound is out of this world.

[@McCnutty]

I'd pair it up with one of the Soundcraft digital mixers, you get all the control that's missing from the L1. Plus the UI works on any platfrom with a browers and has it's own built in wifi. What I would be interested to know is what size of venue you are using the L1 in, do you have 1 or 2. Is it loud enough for, lets say a pub with a 100 noisy people. Or would the L1 16 be a better choice.

[@lewisforemanmusic]

Thanks for the recommendation. I would say that this can do venues of 100-150 people if its indoor. Like most pa's it gets lost outside a little. Just one of them will do the trick. Thanks for checking the video out

[@rodgerboyes4324]

I too was annoyed that the sub unit doesn’t come with a case like the L1 compact did. The Hotcovers is a great cover, much better than the Bose cover which I purchased and sent back - it’s crap. Great review

[@jimilee4609]

Hope Bose raises the limiter threshold hold a little more firmware…. upgrade would be outstanding Bose? If you’re using a mic and guitar and tracks.. the limiter kicks in at an average volume without even pushing it …. really need a firmware upgrade on this problem Thanks

[@Vanhalen1]

Look at the Peavey LN1063 Compact Column Array Portable PA

[@SergeUnplugged]

Great content, Lewis

[@jimtalltheislandbrothers6639]

Recently I have been pushing the speaker too much and there is a limiter that kicks in

[@dogsareboss]

Cracking review, old chap! How do you find the volume capability with this for acoustic guitar/vocal solo gigs in small to medium, noisy pubs and bars?

[@lewisforemanmusic]

Thanks for dropping by! That's exactly what I use it for and it's ideal for noisy pubs and bars it can really pack a punch!

[@dogsareboss]

@@lewisforemanmusic excellent! X

[@JHGurganus]

Great honest review

[@MrMoneyHelper]

Does this mean you don't like the Sonnet 60 anymore? Would you have purchased the Bose unit if you owned the Sonnet 120?

[@lewisforemanmusic]

I still love the Sonnet 60. I use it for my smaller gigs but needed something with more punch for larger/outdoor gigs, which the Bose is for. The 120 would have done a good job but due to the variety of gigs I do, needed to cover all eventualities. Thanks for the comment!

[@Andy1x]

Hello Lewis. Thanks for putting these videos out. I'm thinking about buying the 16. Out of curiosity, did you buy the extended warranty? That's always a controversial subject with electronics. They can get expensive, especially the multi year. Then again repair with no warranty is equally as expensive. Thanks again.

[@lewisforemanmusic]

Hi Andy, thanks for commenting. I didn't actually go for the extended warranty. It's always a gamble but I have never had an issue with with this company or products, so I trust that it will last me a few years

[@jimtalltheislandbrothers6639]

I got my cover from Hot covers as well. Very good cover and shame on Bose for not supplying one.

[@Rylxy7]

Mr foreman its me ryley k from ehlam I was wondering if you would ever come back to visit are year six again. We could do with a music lesson and we all miss you and we are hoping that you are getting on well at your new school . from ehlam year six

[@lewisforemanmusic]

Hi Ryley, thanks for the message! I miss all of you guys as well and I hope to come back to see you all soon. I hope Year 6 are being good!

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Does the Pro8 make a good karaoke speaker?

[@lewisforemanmusic]

I think it's great for karaoke. Hook an ipad up to the on-board blutooth and you're good to go. Just done that for a Christmas party!

[@georgechristiansen6785]

No master volume and no mids is simply insane for that price.

[@Vanhalen1]

Exactly

[@jamesford1648]

Actually I LOVE that. When I’m setting up for a show, my concern is on the audience and making sure I get setup and start on time. 9times out of 10, for 99 perfect of gigs, I can set it, set my levels and rely on tone match to set it right. It just works and does a better job than most mix engineers would. Cannot stress enough how well this thing is designed. The one big hit I’ll give it is not shipping with a cover

[@gorissuriandfriendsmusic]

Hi James do you think it is enough for a solo acoustic artist (using guitar and Mic) to.use pro 8 or better pro 16?

[@Sammypenguin]

Hi mr foreman it’s me Sam from Elham:)

[@lewisforemanmusic]

Hi Sam, nice to hear from you. I hope that you're enjoying Year 6!

[@Sammypenguin]

Ye I’m having a ok time in year six

[@DavidSilk1956]

Nice one L! I’ve been thinking of buying one of these myself. I recently bought a FAME Everest Sled - a similar system for around £400 - and it works okay (ish) for what I need it to do, but I wish I’d stuck by my guns and bought the BOSE. Perhaps I will soon anyway now I’ve seen this review of yours. Cheers buddy! Regards, Dave

[@telefan2]

Thanks for this. I have same gear and same padded cover 😊👍 it might have been worth mentioning the Bose TS4 and TS8 mixers which have endless adjustment and dozens of EQ settings available for different microphones and guitar/pickup combinations. Expensive no doubt but take it to the next level I’m sure. Demos available on KZbin by various users.

[@BigJ7922]

Mic 🎤? 🤷🏼‍♂️ Mic 🎤 ? 🤷🏼‍♂️Mic mic 🎤 mic 🎤 vocals 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

No mids! Of course buy their $700 mixer and you will get your mids.

[@ICAMPR]

Its sounds very midi for me.

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

@@ICAMPR Agree, if anything the highs are slightly rolled off.

[@efclee1]

What cable do you use to go into your MacBook please ??

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

@@efclee1 Sorry, that wasn't my video. I just cut and pasted it to share with people interested in the Pro 8. Might want to ask that question on the Bose L1 Facebook Forum.

[@Happyboymargarine]

No issues with my Bluetooth on it. And mids are overrated

[@Happyboymargarine]

Buy a cheap external mixer. Then u got your mids

[@wiebezwart2884]

Concerning protection for the base unit, I contacted Bose and there is a protecting cover. Here are the details L1 PRO 8: 856990-0110 Le prix TTC est: 42 euros. Wiebe