OK, I'll bite.

Bose PAS (Model 2) and 2 B1 subs, Tone match Engine.

*takes a deep breath*

Ok, well you guys know me (kinda) by now, and you probably realise I'll tell it like it is (yes...for me and MY reality etc etc) so here goes.

There's a lot of *ahem* "emotive discussion" when it comes to this system.

I don't see why.

It's a P.A. - not the second coming (as you might get the impression from almost all the Bose devotees.) You have to live with it & understand it, like any other piece of equipment.
I thought it would sound PERFECT out of the box.

It doesn't.

Nothing does.

Like any P.A. you have to learn it, tweak it, get used to it, and become "at one" with it to use it to it's fullest potential like ANY piece of gear.

I think the only people who would have a real problem with the Bose are:

a) People who don't like their own sound (the system is relatively transparent unless you pile on the effects on every channel) and challenges you to be a good singer and player as it really IS like holding up a "sonic mirror" to yourself and having a good look.

(Now please don't all fly into an indignant rage at that statement with all sorts of "well I'm quite happy with my sound & abilities & I still don't want a Bose" or "so are your saying we're not worthy to use the system" replies. I don't think I'm perfect either, I'm just giving a theory.
Most of the members on these boards seem quite decent players and performers so I don't think anyone here is "below par" - whatever the hell THAT means anyway!)


and

b) People who can't afford one (for WHATEVER reason).

I started off by saying this system is just a P.A. and doesn't sound perfect OOTB.

That's true - I'm trying to be real here.

The trouble is the more you read, (from Bose Marketing itself, and their devotees) the more you suspect if you actually buy a PAS and take it to the U.N. for a gig, World peace will finally be achieved.

So cutting through all the hype (and hopefully defusing a bunch of potentially unhelpful replies and "overly emotive opinions") I can say this -


It's great.
(yeah, yeah for ME)


We're never going back to conventional (& much heavier) equipment.

My ears don't hurt after gigs anymore.
We got our car back (room wise).
Audiences ACTUALLY DO go pretty nuts over the sound, and freak out when we point out what's making it.
Set up and tear down time is halved - and once we actually get used to it, probably "quartered".
The cases loosen up (apparently) - I feel weird even commenting on that, but it seems to be an issue for some reason - I LOVE the cases.

Guys, I really don't see who COULDN'T use this system unless you need to fill a Huge room (REALLY huge) or Stadiums.
Even THEN I'd use the PAS as a wonderful stage monitoring setup, and connect to whatever massive FOH system the aforementioned Huge room /Stadium has.

Will I think less of ANY of you for not using one?

Nup.

Please don't think less of me for using mine.