I been using a Boss Compact, just got a Yamaha 82cx mixer. Now I'm pretty happy with the sound. I've been using this set up with good results for small venues/ medium low sound volume.

I got some outdoor gigs coming up in a parking lot. I don't think a Compact will cut it. Not sure how much a second one would help or not?

I'm thinking maybe getting a pair of powered speakers and use the Compact as a stage monitor.

Or maybe a second Compact would get the job done?

Any thoughts?

I love using two Bose Compacts. Haven't found anything they can't handle. I'm sure there ARE circumstances where you would be pushing them, maybe 300 plus people.
DonM

I feel like I do push the one Compact a bit on a dance job that I do. So I'm a bit concerned if two will give me enough volume for a pretty large outdoor event.

What will give the biggest sound for $1500?

Here are some great prices on speaker systems to fit any venue.....these Podium speakers are a great bang for the buck..... I use the 8" powered for small gigs.., & also use Mackie Thump 15" speakers w/Subs.. on venues big and small.

http://www.onlyfactorydirect.com/c-76-powered-subwoofers.aspx

wow, that looks pretty darn good for the price. And they sound good?

The largest outdoor venue I've done using the Bose L1 Standard system was Aberdeen, Maryland Municipal Park, which measures about 600 X 800 feet. I was in a raised pavilion that is about 3 feet higher than ground level, which provided some protection from the sun. I still had to shade the keyboard's display with a homemade hood, through, just to see it. I never turned the remote's master volume above the 11 O'Clock position and people were dancing at the opposite end of the park. I did a 1-hour concert there for the county's Department of Parks and Recreation, and they invited me back every year for the next five years.

I wouldn't hesitate to do most outdoor jobs with a pair of Bose L1 Compacts, but of course, much of this will depend upon your audience and the type of music they want to hear. If they're hard-core rockers they tend to love ear-bleed-loud and distorted.

Good Luck,

Gary

The Podium line of speakers sound great, and quality built... Fran & I both use their powered speakers in different setups...different sizes, 8"..12".. etc,.. and they can handle anything......if need more power for a thumping dance floor just add a powered Sub and HOLD ON baby!! This company has great sales and service also. Check out the other gear the sell too.

http://www.onlyfactorydirect.com/c-76-powered-subwoofers.aspx

The Podiums are indeed a lot of bang for the buck. I have three of the 8's. BillP. has two 10's and they sound awesome. Hard to beat for the $$$.
DonM

The Bose Compact carries so well, and has such clarity, that in larger situations, perhaps a better "add on" would be an additional bass amp or dedicated sub. The top end is almost always loud enough and will carry because of the design. Bass is what is usually missed in larger situations. I have a small 150watt bass amp in the van at all times ( mostly as backup ) just in case I need that extra "punch" that some younger crowds equate with quality.
BTW - I only used it once, and it was outdoors.

Interesting point Tio David. I'll have to consider that opptional as well.

Pardon my ignorance, but how does one send the signal to a sub or bass amp and also the Bose Compact. I have a Yamaha cx82 mixer.

I am using two Podium 10's and am amazed at the clarity and 'throw' these speakers have ...
Haven't had the need to use them with a sub, so I do not know how that works ...

I'll have look into the Podiums. Happy Birthday Tony!

Since the cx82 has no dedicated sub out, and you are using the Bose Compact here's the way I'd do it. Plug the L&R main outputs from the mixer into the 2) rca jacks on the Bose. This will sum the channels to mono and fatten the sound. Use the monitor send to feed a sub (or bass amp). This way you can add punch to whatever channel you want to have more bass. If you're really pumping the volume, maybe try rolling a little bass of the Bose outputs to free some headroom and add more monitor send. On the bass amp's controls, roll off as much of the highs as you need to in order to get a low, thumpy, non directional tone. Bass is best when it rumbles your stomach, but you can't tell where it's coming from.

There is also an output on the Bose itself, but I never had a reason to use it yet. You could feed that straight to a bass amp too.

When I've used the Logitech z5500 sub and JBL's I plug the sub into the headphone jack. I have never played out with the satellites and don't plan to. No mids.

Take a close look at the back of the Bose L1 Compact. You'll find a pair of RCA jacks and a single 1/4-inch jack. These are the output plugs. You can plug a powered sub-woofer directly into the 1/4-inch output jack. You'll find the information on Page #7 of the user manual.

Good Luck,

Gary

Good tip Gary. Thanks!

The other night my wife and I got to sit in with a group that had a HUGE PA system. My wife really missed the vocal sound we get from the Compact.

Now I'm kinda leaning towards adding a second Compact or maybe adding a powered sub.

any one try Harbinger speakers. I think it's exclusively a guitar Center brand.

I'm thinking a second Compact and a powered sub should sound really good.

I think you'll find that with a pair of L1 Compacts you'll have all the bottom end you will need, plus the advantage of the incredible clarity that the Bose systems provide. Before rushing out and purchasing a powered sub, I would try the pair of L1 compacts first.

Good luck,

Gary

Yes, what Gary said.
DonM

hi Paul, there were a lot of speakers, none of those were ours, but we only used a pair through our mixer that was next to you, it was great seeing you and Cynthia.

It was great to meet you and your wife too. You guys sound really good. Hopefully we can meet up again to share some keyboard tips!

I just got the 2nd Compact. Sounds great in my practice room. The real test well be on Friday for a gig in a parking lot. I'll let y'all know how it goes...