For the past 4 years I have played a Ketron SD7 keyboard as my main "go-to" gig instrument. The SD7 got to be a bit heavy for me to use on gigs - I often do doubles and not at the same location. I decided to try a Ketron module so I first tried the SD90. I also tried the SD40 and decided to buy the SD40. I use the SD40 with a simple M-Audio 49 key controller which works really well with the SD40 - total weight of both is under 9 pounds! Along with this I use a single Bose L1 Compact. I am seriously thinking about replacing the L1 Compact with the new S1 Pro but I am not sure how it really compares to the L1 Compact regarding to sound distribution.

I place my L1 Compact on my RockNRoller cart and in some venues use both extensions and in some I use only one extension. I have used this speaker setup for nearly 10 years and have zero complaints but one - weight of the L1 Compact as compared to the S1 Pro.

Attached is a picture of my setup. My question is simple. If I place the S1 Pro on the RockNRoller cart like you see the L1 Compact in the picture do you think it would work?

Any advice is welcome and am looking for those with hands on experience to speak ups

Thanks,
Deane

Hi Deane,
I know you asked a question, however I am curious why you chose the SD40 over the SD90.
Thanks
Eric

Deane, I tested the Compact and the S1 pro in my garage, that’s where I can push the sound. Tested just for sound: Compact had a heavier/more in dept sound. The S1 had a thinner smaller sound.
Compact had more quality.

No other opinions, John C.
PS, interesting set up.

Eric,
There was nothing wrong with the SD90 but the SD40 is a module version of the SD7 which I played for nearly 4 years and had several thousand song setup already gig ready. They worked perfectly on the SD40. On the SD90 it would have taken me 6 months of several hours a day to convert them for the SD90. That was the only reason I selected the SD40. By the way, the S90 actually was an awesome module with just about any control for live playing you would want on the panel. I just didn't wish to spend the time again redoing my gig setups.

Deane

Bruno,
Did you try all the various positions of the S1 Pro and also add in the mixer options when you were testing it?

Deane

Thank you Deane.
Makes sense.
Eric

I put my S1's on short stands. Might work as you pictured...?


Owners and users of S1(like me) will tell you that S1 performs very well...and are a piece of cake to carry.


Don't miss my Bose Compacts at all. Also, the S1 is more versatile...more inputs etc.

Deane, I did not look for ways to make it work. All controls were centered.

John C.

I think Bose‘s own specifications can be taken seriously.

Bose L1 Compact has a maximum SPL of 106dB, peak 112dB.
https://assets.bose.com/content/dam/Bose..._l1_compact.pdf

Bose S1 Pro has a maximum SPL of 103dB, peak 109dB.

A difference of 3dB rougly equals a double wattage, whereas double sound pressure is +6dB and the psychoacoustic loudness requires a difference of 10dB to be perceived as twice as loud.
See attached graph from sengspielaudio.de

buy one ....try one first....if not return it before you sell the compact which IMO is so much more versatile in many ways.

Deane,

Great looking setup! I really like the shelf you placed the keyboard and module on. Now you need a tabletop iPad stand to eliminate the tripod stand. As far as the S1... if it sounds good to you, then you should go for it. Keep the compact for bigger gigs. But whatever you do, keep doing what you love!!!

I thought you sent your s1 pro back. Did you solve your reverb problem or did they send you a new unit.
MEL

Organgrinder,
I did buy the S1 Pro - kept it only one day and did not look into the various adjustments available on it. Nor did I adjust any of the settings on it as it came out of the box. Since then I have heard the SD1 Pro being used in some rather large rooms and it sounded great.
That made me start rethinking my first experience and give it a try again - this time using any and all of the various adjustments built in to the S1Pro.

Deane

DEANE; yesterday for the first time I used just one s1 pro with just one cord coming from left out on my keyboard to channel one of the bose. I usually just run 2 in stereo but I have a last second job call in so I tried mono for the first time. It was the best mono sound I have ever gotten with any keyboard. I will use 2 for stereo whenever I can but I was shocked how great it sounded in mono. I love mine and hope you are enjoying yours as well.
MEL

Mel,
With my Bose L1 Compact I have to be careful not to place it to close to a wall. Usually it needs 3 feet distance from a wall or the bass level becomes very loud. Does the S1 Pro have the same problem?

Deane

Pretty much all speakers do.
Bose recommends to put their bluetooth speakers close to the wall to reflect more base ...
Eric

Gigged today with my S1's and Genos....nice sized room, maybe 60 folks.


Wonderful sound to my ears and got tons of compliments on the sound.

If you have to put your s1's close to a wall and you get too much bass back off the bass a little or simply tilt them back. That is if they are on the floor or table. if they are on stands then turn down the bass a little and add a little treble. Just enough to clear it up. Usually only you are hearing too much bass. Out front the sound clears up so turning bass down too much is not a good thing. Test by turning on a style and walk out front and see how it sounds. always the best way.
MEL

Mel
I think that is an important point about simply perceiving too much bass. Many time, I would balance my styles at home thinking they were just right, then thinking I had too much bass at the gig. In reality, because of space limitations, I was forced to have my Bose compact right behind me. My wife went around the room and said it was fine.

Bernie

I'm sorry that I can't inform your decision about the speakers. But i do have a question about your setup. I notice the 49-key controller. I also have need of a compact setup, but I'm curious... How often do you have to use the "octave" controls? In other words, do you ever wish you had a 61, do you transpose your music to avoid going beyond C3, etc.?

Ted,
None of the above. I do create user voices and adjust
The octave as needed. I do not transpose the songs.

Deane

Ok, made a decision. Will stay with my Bose L1 Compact.
Went to GC and compared the weight of each. Not
Enough difference for the money.

Deane

a very wise choice on many levels besides weight also.

Deane, you made a wise choice. I did like the idea of have two speakers, one on each side. but.

Take care, John C.