(Per speaker) Bose is arguably the brand name best associated with high-quality sound, especially where consumers – that is to say your clients and guests – are concerned. Just as well, I think we can all agree that Bose has earned this reputation for all the right reasons – one in particular being the fact that it produces reliable, goodlooking products that offer superb sound quality. Always pushing things to the next level, Bose has now released its new F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker and the accompanying F1 Subwoofer, forming a unique portable PA system with the power of something much bigger… 80 Pro Mobile Issue 73.indd 80 Offering enough space in which to test the merits of the Bose F1 Flexible Array Loudspeaker System for use as part of a mobile audio setup, we got it set up inside the Pro Mobile office, noticing on the way in just how lightweight the two speakers were to carry.

When you consider that the bass bin is designed to offer the same performance as an 18” sub – which usually weigh around 40kg – this low weight (approx. 25kg) becomes something of a miracle. The top box is also lightweight (approx. 20kg), as well as being fitted with handles on the top and back, turning what would be a two-man lift into a convenient one-man job.

To give you an idea of size, the bass bin is approximately 68cm tall, 40cm wide and 45cm deep, while the height of the system, including the slightly more compact top box, and the integrated stand, measures around 186cm. Before we move onto the F1’s sound, there was one other aspect during setup that marked the system apart as something different – and that feature is its stand. Just how different can a stand really be? You could ask.

Well, Bose has designed the F1’s stand as one built into the bass bin, sliding out and locking into place easily enough. Rather than a single pole, it’s essentially a two-pronged bracket, made of flat, robust plastic. It might sound a little odd on paper, but the stand both looks and feels remarkably sturdy – more so than a standard pole. Making the system ideal for use at weddings and events, the extension bracket also includes cable channels, for that neat, professional look that’s so important these days, especially as clients come to expect higher and higher standards.

Of course, because the stand is built in, you also can’t leave it behind – a godsend for mobile DJs, musicians and other entertainers making a living on the road. Stands can often be the bane of a DJ’s existence; going missing, being awkward to store and transport, and often ending up forgotten! So having a stand that is built into the bass bin is a real plus. Once we were set up and ready to go, it was time to see what the new F1 is really capable of!

In terms of sound, the F1 Sub utilises two 10” high-excursion drivers and provides 1,000W of power, offering a similar performance to larger bass boxes and packing it into a compact and lightweight enclosure. As soon as we had it set up and running, it became clear that while the F1 system might look like a mini line-array, the 10” drivers in the bass bin actually BOSE F1 20/10/15 6:44:produce unexpected results. In fact, These coverage the F1 sub provides exceptional to as ‘Straight’ frequency response for a bass bin of with the speaker its size, offering 38Hz where most ‘J’ (for a seated struggle to go below 40. speaker is set J’ and ‘C’ (the I’ve already mentioned the system’s in a tiered low weight, so needless to say I So, for instance, found that the F1’s top box could up on the floor be lifted atop the sub without strugguests are seated gle, while the built-in stand slotted you can angle securely into place.

The F1 Model using the J 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker is system will where Bose has really broken new rect EQ. When ground, because as well as housing and the guests eight small mid/high drivers and a mingle again, you 12” low frequency driver, it is the first the array to the portable loudspeaker that Let's you and start the control the vertical coverage pattern. It’s clever stuff from the team I sat down and at Bose. Not only does the system tening to the realign physically (by simply pushing position and down on the speaker with your hand) and the difference but it changes inside too, automatiwasn’t trying to cally adjusting the EQ to maintain and agreeing optimum tonal balance for the type tells me to of coverage pattern you choose.

Pro Mobile Issue 73.indd 81 patterns are referred (for a standing crowd set up at floor-level), crowd or when the up on stage), ‘Reverse latter two both for use auditorium-style setting). if the system is set at a wedding and your during speeches, the array downwards coverage pattern and the automatically set the corspeeches are finished begin to stand up and can simply readjust ‘Straight’ position party. tried this out (first lisspeaker in the Straight then in the J position) is significant.

I hear the difference based on what Bose believe, but actually 20/10/15 6:45:bose f1 hearing a very noticeable difference in the clarity and placement of the sound. To offer some specifications on this, the array can be adjusted vertically by 40⁰, which – as I found out – has a substantial effect on how music and speech is projected to and received by your audience. Bose has also ensured that the system offers 100⁰ horizontal coverage, so the sound is distributed evenly across the room and remains clear no matter where you stand.

We played classical music, rock and some hard dance through the system and found the sound to be incredibly clear; it was easy to pick out different elements and, at the low-end, the bass was tight. Though we only played recorded mu- Another neat little sic through the system, testimonials the Model 812 is the from FOH engineers on YouTube which enables you show that the same clear sound can speaker without the be heard for live bands – it’s easy to a great option for pick out the snare drum, kick drum, mobile DJ, because guitar and bass guitar, even individumay not call for the al harmonies, no matter where in the fered by the sub.

In room you stand, giving the whole that the top box offers crowd a quality listening experience. and significant bass The engineers also explained how in than bassy enough!) a 1,000-person capacity venue the system. bass didn’t drop off at all, offering an overall sound that was “big, tight and Given that Bose focussed.” most recognisable certainly in the eye Jumping back to the top box spesumer, they could cifically, Bose has fitted it with two got away with input channels with independent of lesser merit than volume controls; a line-level/mic still enjoyed success. switch on channel one; and an adto say that the F1 justable equaliser on the rear panel, Loudspeaker System so you can select from two options good as we hoped – ‘With Sub’ and ‘Full Range’ – delives up to the hype pending on whether you are using PA solution that’s the Model 812 on its own on with able to a range of the F1 Sub.

Whether you’re setit’s slim and sleek ting up the speakers for music or less intimidating and speech, Bose has done its utmost to guests that may ensure that little EQ adjustment is to complain about required, making your life as a DJ or such as elderly occasional sound guy much easier! bossy venue managers. 82 Pro Mobile Issue 73.indd 82 feature found on pole mount, But despite the fact that there probto use the ably aren’t many portable systems bass bin.

This is of this size offering the same sound you to have as a reinforcement, and despite the smaller venues uniqueness of its adjustable array, extra bass ofyou could say that the F1 is going fact, we found to be successful primarily because quality sound it’s fitted with a badge bearing the levels (more Bose brand name. People outside as a standalone the industry – i.e. your guests and clients – associate Bose with quality. They know and trust it. Rightly is one of the or wrongly, they may even think audio brands, you’re a better DJ when they see of the conyour Bose sound system next to the have probably dance-floor… releasing a system the F1 and Regardless of the name on the But I’m glad badge, however, I think the F1 pro- Flexible Array vides an exciting new audio soluis every bit as tion for mobile DJs; a system that it would be.

It offers all the practicality of a mini as a portable line-array but with the power of pleasingly adaptsomething much bigger. With this situations. And in mind, the Bose F1 Flexible Array design makes it Loudspeaker System is really worth intrusive to purchasing not purely based on the usually be inclined esteem of its creator but on the the ‘loud music’, portability, versatility and, most of relatives and even all, high-quality sound that if offers its user.

BOSE F1 20/10/15 6:45:ant to possible the money SSoouunndd && Then you need everything Talk with RSDmusic advice & suppor Te l : 0 1 1 8 3 3 0 0 0 5 5 | ave y @ Unit 1 • Church Farm Business Centre Pro Mobile Issue 73.indd 83 Sound & Lighting Gear... ...We'll help you get it r ight get the best value from you invest in LLiigghhttiinngg GGeeaarr?? to make sure Jo ins Up for the best possible t mu s i c . c o. u k | w w w. R S D mu s i c . c o. u k • Ever sley • Hampshire • RG27 0PX 20/10/15 6:45: