Unlike the Bigger L1 system where people said they would lose the high end.... I see pics of people playing the new L1 Compact without the poles extended are there any draw backs using it this way.....or is it flexible enough to be used with or without poles extended using 1,2, or3?

Yes, it is. All the speakers are in the little part. The poles are simply extensions to raise the speaker higher. To use them, you take the speaker module out, put one or two extension in its place, then place the speaker module on top. The extensions weigh no more than a pound or two.
DonM

Thanx Don...So your telling me the poles are just an extension array of the highs & mids when not using them as shown? so you can use none , 1,2,or 3 poles with success?

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 05-23-2009).]

Btw she's playing a Yamaha

From what I saw, there are NO different highs and mids, just the one type of speaker, six of them. There's a picture linked to this page of the layout: http://tinyurl.com/pjy5nr

This is a fraction of the number and size of the drivers in an L1.

The contact at Bose told me that the bass frequencies are handled by the power unit (so I took that to mean there is an additional speaker there), and the mid/highs from the speakers in the tower.

Be tough to imagine any bass frequencies of consequence coming out those, what are they, 2 1/2" speakers at more than about 3 feet?

Even if there are 6 of them.

The base is the sub...

"Two unique setup positions, extended (78.5"H) and collapsed (16.5"H), let you tailor the system's sound coverage for the room or event. For larger audiences, use the included loudspeaker extensions to elevate the array. For smaller gatherings and meetings, leave the array in its slot on the power stand and place the system on a tabletop."

source Bose ...... http://tinyurl.com/cbn7cw

Which imputs are you guys using to plug in your keyboards on the L1 compact....XLR mic or the 1/4"..?

I have used both the RCAs and the 1/4-inch for the keyboards.
You aren't supposed to use the XLR for anything except mic.
DonM