As promised here’s my possible solution to some of the small problems I found with the L1 system.

The problems:

My initial findings that the PS1 footprint was larger than expected were put into perspective by another member who noted that it was smaller than a speaker stand and certainly no bigger than a bass bin. This is certainly true, however when the B1s are added the system does need more floor space. One problem I did find was at venues with limited space for the disco when I ended up placing the B1s behind my star cloth which I didn’t think was an ideal solution.

Another solution I tried when space was tight was to place the B1s straight on top of the PS1 and secure with Velcro through the handles. This worked but I thought that the vibrations going into the PS1 wouldn’t do it any good in the long term.

The L1 was originally designed for bands/singers and would be located behind them. When the system is placed in the normal disco position other potential problems are evident:

The PS1s are low enough to present a trip hazard (they are strong enough to be stood on though)
They make attractive pole dancing props
The control panel at the rear becomes more exposed


So onto my next idea which was to make a lightweight frame for the B1s to sit on - again my plan is to only use this when I don’t have enough space to spread things out (1st test this Saturday).

The photos below show the unit after construction, before I coated it black, so that it’s easier to see (except for the last one). It took just under half an hour to make and weighs only a few hundred grams. I can post detailed measurements etc if anyone wants to know them



Here's the Mark One version



It's put into position before the L1 is inserted



With the L1 & B1s in place



The rear control panel 'protected' by the B1s



The stand finished in Disco Black

Brilliant!

How much? and how much to Derby UK?

Seriously I think it looks great, let us know how the stand fares under gig conditions and whether the B1 placement affects the bass reproduction at all?
If it all works well I may like to order one off you?

Nice 1 Paul, you should post the details & pics on the Bose L1 forum

I like it when someone takes a potential problem and does something very clever and constructive like this.

Well done, looks very good!

This years DJU award for innovation goes to......

Drum Roll......

5 Star!!!!!!!

The best ideas are the simplest, but this looks like it will work really well.

The only down side I can think of is that the subs may not couple to the floor as well (which gives extra gain) but the distance is so small that I don't think it would be much of an issue in practice.

Stunning!!!

A great idea, I would buy one and I don't even have a BOSE L1...

I've gotta say that that is a superb idea and a welcome remedy to the problems of the Bose L1 which you mention in your post above.

With bass cabs working best when in widespread contact with a surface eg: The underside of the bass cab making full contact with the floor, you might lose some bass. Similarly, not having the bass cabs right next to (or on top of) each other would also lose a little bass (3db seems to be the figure that gets mentioned for the enhancement gained by side-by-side bass cab placement).

Also are there any speaker drivers in the L1 pole which might be getting slightly "Blinkered" by the B1's being where pictured? If so, would having the B1's, say 6 inches further back remove/reduce that blinkering.

Overall however, an excellent solution to the trip hazard, pole dance temptation, and exposed control panel.

Given the premium price of the Bose systems, you could easily charge a tidy sum for that stand - did it take long to make?.

Next however, you need to come up with a snazzy marketing name for it how about the "L1 Asprin" (as its a bit of a headache solution), next roll three dice to get the £rrp. Some users may prefer the original silver - so thats two models to offer (The Asprin "B", and the Asprin "S"). How about an LED version?

LED versions aside - thats an excellent piece of work

Well I am sure the prize must be the Denon DN-X500 that I have wanted for a while now...

My delivery address is...

very clever invention..... would buy one if I had a Bose L1 system

Paul, this is a wicked solution to a load of little issues - well done mate! There is plenty of bass actually available from the B1's, so I suspect them not being closely coupled will be too much of an issue anyway.

Now then, I have no way of making these, and would happily buy 2 off you if you could consider making a few. Quote please!!!!!

Nice option, although as mentioned, you'd lose the acoustic coupling of haveing two B1 subs together and when they are on the floor, they acoustically couple with the floor also, effectively making them around twice as effective again. Apparently.

I love seeing different solutions to challenges. Another variation might be to have both B1s on a similar stand, but together and behind the L1 column. This would offer total protection for the control panel and wouldn't affect the bass too badly possibly.

The only way to know is to audition it in a live environment I guess.

Coupling isn't an all or nothing effect.

Ideally a bass speaker will touch the floor to give a 3 dB increase in volume (gain). As you move the speaker away the effect starts to diminish. But, depending on the frequency, it could be more than a foot before you get no coupling effect at all.

So the gap that 5 Star's stand gives won't stop the subs coupling, just reduce the effect.

Two examples that prove that acoustic coupling doesn't necessarily rely on a speaker directly touching the floor (or another identical speaker):

The L1 tower itself is designed to couple with a mirror image of itself in the floor (effectively looking like a 14 foot long column) to allow the cylindrical radiation pattern effect to work at lower (not sub) frequencies. Yet the bottom driver of the L1 is a few inches above the floor.

Imagine a large sub on casters. These raise the sub up by at least a couple of inches, yet the sub still acoustically couples to the floor.

good idea! looks the part too...

just wondering, are you going to put rubber feet on it?
due to it being a lightweight frams, and the subs kicking out alot of bass, on wodden/ard surfaces wont it vibrate and rattle?

10/10 though!... could make a small fourtune out of selling them!

Taking 5 Star's lead I have also come up with a couple of accessories.

My new "Top Hat" for the L1 will ensure it keeps operating properly in low temperatures:



Alternatively, if you want the Bose L1 to really blend in at a venue why not try one of my new "L1 Wraps" that ensures the L1 matches the theme or decor of the venue perfectly:



PM me for a price list...

Thanks for all your positive comments To answer some of the questions raised:

Love the concept! I think I like the advice suggesting the subs be on the floor. The PAS puts out such minimal bass as it is, no point taking more away.

I do like the idea. On the Bose forums there was a similar discussion except the user wanted to put the tabler OVER TOP of the B1s, and set the PS1 on the table.

This lifts the stick up a little higher, an advantage in very tightly pack rooms, and keeps the subs on the floor.

But please, don't think I'm saying your idea is flawed! Very cool!.

Now - the next version should incorporate a pole for a T bar lighting set up. ;)

Paul, any chance you can let me have the dimensions, I have a friend who has a metalwork manufacturing business, I could get him to weld up a few if you have no objections?

Cheers, Brian


Edit: please note, I'm not interested in making and marketing these as a buisiness venture, life's too short!

Excellent Idea

I see no reason given (that the dimensions look similar) to the L1 being placed on the stand (with fill in panels)and the B1's underneath. Multi option.

With a little engineering it could also be designed to fold the legs or a simple push fit to enable easier storage and transportation.

YOU HAVE AN EXCELLENT IDEA. MARKET IT BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE DOES.

I'll take two please

Jimbo

The listening tests on L1's used on raised stages and plinths has proved successful in the US as posted on the Bose Forum. I agree that the floor/ground can play a huge part in 'Coupling' and can add several db's

Cant post piccy