danmusician

Because of the nature of the array, it is very easy to run an L1 too loud. It's louder than it seems because the sound is spread out across the array. When I first got one and was trying it out, I was playing some tracks and had some buddies with me in the room - a hall that seats around 200. It didn't seem too loud until I turned to talk to the guy next to me. I was surprised that I had to yell to be heard. The good news is, if needed, you can get away with more volume than a conventional system. I used mine for a program for kids, kindergartners sitting in the front row. 500 kids doing a sing-a-long. I was pushing the system as loud as I could. Normally, little kids cover their ears. The kids never flinched. If I had used a conventional speaker system, the kids would've reacted for sure. As far as the EQ, it could've been set wrong. I've heard a lot of good sound systems putting out crappy sound over the years.

If you have the money, I thoroughly recommend the Bose L1. See PianoManChuck's thread on keyboard amps for comments from me and Crem on the L1.

I used my classic for a week long outdoor gig last summer. 200+ people - more than enough power. The thing I like about the Bose is it sounds good in any situation, especially one with bad acoustics. I used it in a gym with notoriously horrible acoustics. Speech is normally unintelligible. Every word came through as well as the music. The system spreads the sound around a room so evenly, you have to experience it to believe it. It's like sticking your thumb over the end of a water hose and watching the water spread out. A traditional speaker is more like a straight stream. The Bose is expensive, but I don't think it's over priced. In my case, it replaced two speakers cabinets, stands, amp, mixer, and monitors, all of which cost more than the L1. Sounds many times better, I hear what the house the house hears and I can load in with one trip. I upgraded to the Model II a year ago and it sounds even better than the classic. I've never used the Compact, it may not be enough for an outdoor gig. For me, I've never played a dedicated keyboard amp where I liked the sound. I've thought about getting a compact for smaller gigs. But the Model II sets up quickly and with a small cart works well.

Chuck, have you ever considered the Bose L1 systems? I have the classic and Model II and love them. I would imagine the Compact would make an awesome keyboard amp. I know it's a bit pricey, but it would be very flexible.