Couldn’t Agree Any Better! When Bill Did that video using the S1 -Pro along with the Fishman sub woofer that! Was the best compact system ever ! I use two S1-Pros And! my Fishman sub woofer ! and wouldn’t change for anything else !
Well, I am a classical vocalist train for 20 years and still very active in the arts. I heard a huge difference. I have had the S1 Pro. I bought two S1 Pro pluses and there’s quite a bit of difference. The highs are so much clearer And the features you cannot beat us one pro plus is superior
That's the difference-a vocalist for 20 years and I've played drums for 20+ years. Vocals top 85db/drums 120dB maybe that's why I hear no difference:) Glad you are happy with the upgrade.
Either you have good ears or very good ear buds! After paying drums for 20+ years I don't need to upgrade for better sound since I don't hear the difference.
Such a careful and considered approach. Thank you. I just bought the + today. I value the extra gizmos so I'll stay and get another. Anybody out there care to share how jazzed they are to be able to sing happy birthday in a restaurant after a 20 second set up? I just made my rent using this tiny Bose. Just like location location location, it's application application application for us. Thanks for such an enlightening review!.
Great comparison! I sold my two Bose S1 Pro speakers and bought two Bose S1 Pro+ speakers. You are right in that they sound very similar but the new models are feature rich and have great functions like channel mute and integrated wireless connectivity. I can even broadcast the Bluetooth stream plus both channel inputs from one speaker to the other wirelessly. I love the new setup because I can mix without touching the speaker and I don’t need electricity! Brilliant design!!!
I'm playing this through a pair of s1+ in L+R stereo mode. I can hear a big difference between the 2. Especially in the bass and midrange, there is not much difference in the treble. The s1 + is a much fuller sound overall
Ok say I now have both. If you were hoping the plus would be louder, deeper etc then I think you’d be disappointed. However, that doesn’t mean the plus is inferior. What makes the + a decent upgrade is the new features. The App is obviously a huge help. No continually going to the back of the speaker to adjust. The Bluetooth feature on channels 1 and 2 is a huge plus. Yes you have to buy the wireless vocal and instrumental extras to appreciate it but it’s huge. Also for the first time there is an EQ for the backing tracks through channel 3. The digital display is a also a big improvement. Bottom line, for me, is a great speaker got better not louder.
Still no phantom power though. BTW, I can tell the differnce in sound - highs and lows both are more pleasent and with nicer clarity in the older model.
The bass sounded the same to me, but the highs were clearer in the plus model. This is something that can be easily changed with a tweak of the treble knob on the pro
Bill, I’m wondering why you didn’t just use the main left and right outputs of the mixer and then use the channel pan to the left for one speaker and pan to the right for the other speaker? That way you wouldn’t have to worry about any differences in op amps between the control room outs and the main outs…’ Anyway, love your videos. Appreciate you… thanks for doing what you do.
Now you tell me! Great idea! I was thinking I would lose content playing in stereo and it wouldn't be an exact comparison, but you made me realize the keyboard is playing in mono anyway. Thanks again :)
this was exactly my question. A great review overall, and the author is absolutely correct - side-by-side A/B is the only way to really tell if there's a difference. Having said that, me too I can hear clearly audible difference between the two speakers in both higher-frequency track (more pronounced), and in lower-frequency track (much less pronounced and still to me more of a difference in upper midrange/highs than the bass output per se). However, it might be the case that the Behringer mixer used in the tests has different cirquitry for the main Out and the alt (3/4) out. I am not insisting it has - I just suppose it might.
Viewer comment: For those who are considering the Bose S1 Plus, my only gripe, besides the 6” speaker limitation, is the control readouts are too small without my glasses on. You have to get all the way down to the floor to read the dang thing. The last version with the physical knobs was easier for me. 🙂
If you can handle the 50 lbs weight, the QSC KW122 I have is even better than the K8.2. It has RCA outs that can go to a phone. To me its not a portable PA so stays put in my drum studio.
Viewer comment: In response to some folks posting that the Bose S1 Pro wasn't loud enough, especially in the vocals department. Since loud and soft are relative terms I decided to measure actual decibel levels. The app I used is called Decibel X. It's a must app for all musicians. In this video, my vocal (Shure SM 58) volume is set at 3/4 with 1/4 reverb, which I changed to 1/2 after viewing this video and my instrument volume is at 1/2. What I discovered was this battery operated, 15 lb. speaker is not as loud as my my 39 lb. JBL EON615 which puts out 127 db max. SPL or my 41 lb. JBL EON One line array which puts out 118 db max. SPL. NO, this unit puts out only 103 db peak (did I mention it only weighs 15 lbs.) What does it all mean you ask? SPL stands for Sound Pressure Level and it's the primary objective unit of measure for output (NOT Watts). Continued exposure to SPL above 90 dB can cause permanent hearing damage. Remember that dB levels drop the further away from the source... the goal is to have a level of 85 dB max where the listener is, thus the reason these units have a rating of over that, which gives you some head room. I also discovered that this unit is ideal for small rooms with 40-50 people or busking. It's size and weight make this unit very, very convenient especially for solo or duo musicians/singers.
Reviewer with rental business: Been doing this for years with first S1pro, and those can switch from mic to line for more options and I find the physical knobs much easier and faster to adjust anything on the fly without having to scroll through menus (especially when I have clients that don’t want to learn those menus etc and just want it to “work” if that makes sense). If you don’t have a first generation, feel free to get it but there’s no need to “upgrade” to the new one because it’s the same amp etc so it’s not louder etc. And yes I have both and also snatched up a bunch more of the original ones from buddies that jumped on the train for new ones and mad I got so many pairs basically for the price they paid for one lol😂
Thank you. Super helpful. Bottom line, it seems to me only reason to upgrade would be if you need the extra features. And of course the new model is more expensive. Very glad I went with the original S1 Pro.
100%, with headphones, I easily hear the sound difference in the highs with the older S1 Pro sounding thin compared to the S1 Pro+. Not sure how much is affected by the iPhone microphone but through headphones it’s very apparent. And I’m not an audiophile and I do not have a golden ear at all. Thanks so very much for this a-b comparison video!
That's my point, if you need headphones to tell the difference, then in a live situation the audience will NEVER hear the difference! Thank's for your feedback.@@romanfirmin2459
Thanks for the review. I gig with an S1Pro daily. I have to use an impedance-matching transformer to get enough volume from my microphone. I've tried different mics, with the same results, way too low of volume output, and with no phantom power on either, I'm considering going to the JBL Compact. But, I really like the Bose. Any advice?
Low output for mics on the S1 Pro is a common complaint. Most people's solution is using a small mixer like the Yamaha 06X boosts the gain, but in my opinion defeats the purpose of an all in one solution. Plus the mixer needs A/C power. I don't recommend the Compact for a number of reasons, mainly early clip light. EV Everse 8 is the best battery PA in the compact size. JBL Eon MK2 best full size battery. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fRoGRZHV1js.html
Thanks. Using the Yamaha MG06X, with a 12 volt pack. But right, defeats the purpose. Need three inputs, which the s1 plus has, and more mic pre-amp, which most are saying it tonight it has been corrected by the plus.@@WWeiss-nv5vz
@@WWeiss-nv5vz I have purchased the S1Pro Plus, and it corrects the low output mic issue. Also, I run a Yamaha MG06X, on 12-volt power pack. No AC. Perfect setup. The S1Pro Plus works great. I've tried the Everse 8, and like the sound/coverage of the Bose better. The app works nice too. I also run a Mackie PRO FX10V3, also on 12 volts. Bigger than the Yamaha, but 10 inputs. Use it for outdoor church services, with four vocalists, and guitar and drum. With both of the Bose S1 Pro's. Works amazing. Also, on the Bose S1 Pro, a plug-in 1/4" to XLR line matching transformer corrects the low mic input. No AC/DC required.
Thanks, on good quality headphones I can hear a clear difference for both the high ends and low ends, even if recorded with a phone. The new model sounds more defined and wider in the first loop and a bit more neutral on the low ends in the second loop. I found the difference much more pronounced in the first loop, maybe due to the phone being used as a recorder with the built in compressor etc. affecting the low ends differently (or maybe there's less difference in the low end than the high ends between the two models). To me the new version sounds better in this test.
You are lucky to have what they say in the Audiophile Community, "Golden Ears"! After decades of playing drums at 120+dB I would be the last to argue with you. For my home Hi-fi I bought a set of $500 speaker cables, I hear zero difference.
@@WWeiss-nv5vz I am quite surprised, Bill! It's a pretty dramatic difference, and perhaps this track does not show it fully. Remember, specs are specs, which have nothing to do with tonality. Plenty of speakers have the same specs but sound totally different from one another. The new speaker sounds quite different from the previous model with all types of music. Perhaps, one track might not be noticed as much, but if you cycle through different types of music, it's very apparent and my wife who knows nothing about sound said she said it was a no-brainer on which one to keep. The sound is much more refined and articulate, especially on the low end. The highs and mids are less of a dramatic improvement, but there is still an upgrade there. One of the biggest complaints about the previous model was the low end's dramatic boost around 60-80 hertz. It could sound muddy and people even would notice bottoming out when pushed with dynamic music. The new speaker does not do this and is a huge improvement. I would not have considered using the S1 as a "home speaker" b/c of the tonality and low-end reproduction was not accurate enough, whereas the new speaker sounds much more like a Home theater or stereo speaker one would use for listening in their home. It's not that it goes lower, which it may, it's the way the bass sounds, so pleasing in comparison. It's more natural sounding without a boost in the upper bass. When I did all my A/B test, I found the old speaker to sound thin in comparison b/c I could hear the notes more defined, most noticeable below 110.
I use a tone match T4 4 channel mixer some time. They have a 8 channel version. I wish they had phantom power. I use condenser mics. I did buy a battery powered phantom power for single mic. Xvive is the brand. It's working great.
Any decent mixer takes the S1 Pro to the next level! But taking another piece of gear kind of defeats the whole idea of the incredible portability of a pick up and go 15 pound speaker plug and play speaker.
One positive/one negative of new Plus model. On the positive, they changed the line out to XLR. XLR to XLR is a more secure connection and a much more common cable to be found vs, the 1/4" TRS to XLR I was using before. On the negative side, in bright sunlight it is VERY hard to see the LCD screen, with physical knobs of S1 Pro this is never an issue. Sometimes Old School is better!
I can't hear any difference Anyway, if there were perceptible differences, surely Bose would be using it as a marketing tool I've just bought a 2nd original model!
Negatives from real world testing: The LCD screen on the Plus model is almost impossible to see in bright sunlight! In a live gig outdoors, the old school dials of the S1Pro are far superior! Also on the Plus model it will not stay back in the tilt back position on carpet - only on hard floors. S1 Pro doesn't have this issue.
Maybe 300 watts? Go by max dB not watts. S1Pro max 103dB, good for 50 people indoors according to Bose. My 1,000 watt QSC CP8 max is 124dB which is at least 4x louder than a S1Pro.
Reviewer wrote: Just to second the accolades of the Everse. Once dialed in, nothing really compares. Has real bass as well that is as rich as you can get from an 8" speaker.
I have 20% disability for Tinnitus and yet heard a distinct difference between both the high-end and the low-end samples. Since I do not own either speaker yet, the decision is easy, I'll get the S1 Pro+.
If there is a difference it is so slight you or your audience would never know the difference in a live situation. Only reason to go with the old model is price, $500. In my opinion the extra money is well spent for the new features of the Pro+.
Bill, great content. Curious what each speakers volume was at to get the 85db. For instance, was there more headroom left in the new pro+ or the original?
Glad you enjoyed! I have returned the new Plus model at this point and I don't remember where the dials were set. Headroom should be the same since 103dB max volume Spec hasn't changed.
Nice but the bass woofers in either one are not gonna blow anything away. They both are very good but the only things that make the new one supposedly “drastically different” isn’t worth me getting rid of my legacies. I did A/B them and ended up even getting another 2 sets of legacies for dirt cheap from a couple of new fan boys that automatically jump on something new and sold me their sets just to buy 1 new one 😂
Based from this video, the pro plus had slight difference in terms of digital processing…I heard it differently from my end. But maybe this was also the reason why I heard different bass and high frequency simultaneuosly and it is probabaly due to signal processing…I think…
Is there any way to adjust equalizer on the aux bluetooth output on the S1 Pro? To my surprise there aren't any knob controls and my backing tracks ar far too bassy. Otherwise the sound quality for clean guitar is excellent. On a busy street performance and at a gig I could hardly hear the backing track. Generally this unit thumps out a massive bass so I tend to turn it down.
Thanks for great effort. the mids and highs are different... maybe a cheap capacitor in the EQ circuit changed what you hear in the Plus. Same drivers and enclosure, just tweaked amp board to price Plus it. Original pro is more than good enough.
I have both also I'm pretty sure the gain on the mic pre amps on the Pro have been significantly upped My e965 ( wireless dongle with phantom power and the +10db mic attenuator) is unusable with Pro with the - 10db off Its only usable with the Pro with the - 10db on Whereas with the mk1 it would only give enough gain with the - 10db attenuator off
I know little about Karaoke. Best sound for S1Pros on stands/speakers at ear level 10-15 feet apart. Volume gain on each speaker set at same level/usually 12:00 with DJ controller gain staged properly. Slight reverb is usually added for best vocal sound. Some people use the Bose Sub1 for Karaoke but not sure how necessary it is?? Ask your question on the S1 Facebook Group to get specific settings: facebook.com/groups/Boses1fanclub/
Easy to hear difference between both high and low loops(with headphones), BUT We don't know what those loops sound like to begin with.. so it's a challenge to really judge which speaker sounds better. I appreciate the Db level matching, thank U for going to the trouble, but if U could do the same thing with some actual songs.. it would be MUCH easier to figure out what is going on. Perhaps a recording of someone playing a Beethovan Sonata (The Appasionata or Waldstein) on an Acoustic piano.. (piano's have big spectrum) AND no copyright issues with classical music..
It sounds different in this test setup on my nearfield monitors. Maybe it's your room, does it amplifie the small difference? Did I miss, how you record it? First example, the Plus sounds "wider" to me. Second example, the plus sounds again "wider", the result to my ears is, that the the legacy mor sounds straight into the face (what I like more on base frequencies). Which then makes sense to me all in all for me. The Legay sounds general, more from the middle, less from the side. And the Plus has more "Side" 🙂
I have to use an impedance-matching transformer to get enough volume from my microphone with the S1 Pro.. I've tried different mics, with the same results, way too low output. I wonder too if the plus has solved the issue.
One is an analog control, the other digital so they might not look at exactly the same setting. Only using a dB meter proves they are at the exact same volume. Thanks for the idea though.
I really cannot understand how some say they hear no difference in these tests. To my ears there was a massive difference, not sounding the same at all. Which one is best? Well that is a matter of taste i guess.
Hi,I am upgrading old to new version. Cos pro+ has tonematch library, additional 1/4 jack. I have L16 so i am wondering if pro+ can pair up with L16. If so, I might add sub2 for pro+ for stereo Bluetooth.
@@WWeiss-nv5vz Thanks, and Bose recommended that Bose sub line out to S1 pro can get optimal sound and now I learned that pro+ has sub eq function so we don't need to be worried about Bluetooth for optimal sound. Right? Have you kindly tried that function? Thanks for all bose-related information
@@WWeiss-nv5vz pity you returned. Actually I expect more good sound from pro+ cos L16 sounds so musical to me in comparison to pro. That is only one thing expected from Pro+. Now, I believe that i will get the same sound of the speaker with additional functions. Thanks for your good reviews.
I found it hard to hear any difference between the two. Properly because I have been playing drums for 20+ years at 120dB+ Rtings.com compared the new Pro+ to original S1Pro: Pro+ better bass down to 51.1Hz/S1Pro 53.4Hz Pro+ louder 105.3dB/98.6dB S1Pro 6.7 dB difference is substantial! Battery 10.8hrs Plus/10.3hrs S1Pro Bluetooth latency was better on the S1Pro Bluetooth range 328.1ft Bluetooth 5.0 Plus model/234.6 ft S1Pro www.rtings.com/speaker/tools/compare/bose-s1-pro-system-vs-bose-s1-pro-plus/6982/40656?usage=10159&threshold=0.10
@@WWeiss-nv5vz I currently have a S1 Pro+ demoing it. As an instrumental musician, it yields a very accurate amplified sound and I’ll likely keep it. After viewing your reviews and others, it’s my thought the EV is basically a battery powered and feature enhanced form of a traditional PA with its narrower dispersion and more power. It’s suited for someone needing it for a variety of situations from solo musician to light DJ work. The S1 with its wider dispersion is more like a small array simpler caters more to the live performance acoustic musician.
need advice I have the original s1 pro and recently I bought s1 pro plus- but I cant pair them, i have the music bose and bose + apps but with no positive results , help
Nice! How long have you been using it? Question can a feedback damage this speaker? I was connected to a laptop accidentally produced a strong loud feedback from mic, I wasn’t able to stop quickly maybe prolonged for about 3 seconds before the app limiter anti feedback got activated. I thought the speaker will explode 😂
@@WWeiss-nv5vz Yeah tnx I learned my lesson.. after that I never plugged a mic without a volume controller nearby (mixer). Those little knobs behind speaker doesn’t work well for my needs except for set and forget instruments.
Thanks for the great comparison, I wonder if you recommend going from Boombox 3 wifi (~£330 for students) to Bose S1 pro (~£480) . I wanna use it mostly indoor some occasions outdoor. I was amazed by sound quality of yamaha Stage pass 200BTR. But that is so expensive. Which one do you suggest? thanks
I went yesterday to a store . with my S1Pro ,brought my guitar . Try S1Pro Plus !! . Not so happy with the new model . Same labels . The new one had distortion . I’ll stay for not with my S1 Pro .
Very nice and truthful test there is little difference which could be little more dynamic on highs and bass, I believe, I do have S1Pro over year, only one concern I am apl Gospel singer who prefers playing along with my keyboard, I felt for voacl signal on S1Pro is week 😮 I felt I am cheated on that part with BOSE, 😡 I have to raise to max level, how about on the new S1Pro + , can you please find out please Thank you
Did you have a chance to test Bluetooth range? The original S1PRO had very short Bluetooth range. I heard mixed reports that the plus has much better range?
1 mono speaker for solo acoustic. A second speaker will give you only 3dB more volume. If you need more volume then you have the wrong speaker for your application. Of course a second speaker will give more coverage in some venues. DJ's use two speakers to play tracks that are recorded in stereo. Instruments like keyboards and electronic drums also have samples recorded in stereo.
I thought the original s1pro sounded the Same on the high end and better on the low. I'm definitely keeping my originals. I love those speakers and love them that much more with my sub1s and 2. Great video!
That's exactly what I heard! No reason to upgrade for sound, plus what little difference there is can be equalled with a little plus or minus treble/bass EQ boost.
I would like to know if you can connect an external mixer left and right master output with bose s1 pro+ wirelessly through line level using the Bose wireless adapters.
One important factor, you would think both speakers would pair but they don't. That was a poor marketing stunt. I will never buy another Bose product unless this changes. I mean i understand not being able to pair with a different brand but it's literally the same speaker! Why would Bose do that? I'm mad as I had an event and went with the Pro Plus not even second guessing whether or not they would pair. I bought it as it was the only one that was overnight delivery and then I get hit with a wall. Thanks Bose.
@@WWeiss-nv5vz It's a simple technology. 10 years ago, we have Bluetooth headphones. No problem there. This is a marketing stunt and only a marketing stunt. Has nothing to do with the lack of technology.
Hi I’m from Bose. Sorry about your inconvenience. We would be glad to send you a free Pro so you can pair with your new speaker. Just kidding. Cute story though.
Thanks Bill, I just bought an S1Pro this week on sale for $700 Australian dollars and now I’m confident I won’t have buyer’s remorse wondering if the new model sounds better. Fantastic! I play guitar and sing so now when it gets delivered I’m hoping it is as good as my LoudBox mini. ✌️❤️🙏🇦🇺
@@WWeiss-nv5vz Thanks Bill, my S1Pro arrived a week or so ago and I’ve used it live running off the battery. It’s everything I’d hoped and more. Sounds great. I’m very happy. For my purpose, I’d love a master volume, and perhaps an XLR out. Love your work. ✌️❤️🙏🇦🇺
@@jeremywilliams703 what speaker would you say is more easy to sing with, loudbox or S1 pro ? i'm not hyper confident in my singing and looking for a first busking amp that can " help " me a little bit lol
@@vincentdelmas2792 It’s hard to say. Many things affect how you sound. I think the Bose might sound a fraction better for vocals to my ear at lower volumes. I haven’t had to crank either amp playing live. I try not to worry too much about small differences in my home studio. They’re not relevant at a gig in my experience. Quickly roll off the bass or add a little sizzle, that’s all I ever have time for on the fly. When it comes to gear I use a good mic, Shure Beta 58, and add a small touch of enhancement with the Boss VE2 vocal processor. What makes the biggest difference by far is to pick the best key for my range, practice for at least 30 minutes before leaving home to the gig, warming up my vocals immediately before performing, and always sing standing up. This really helps me reach the higher notes and improve my tone. I’m a guitar strummer not a singer, but I wasted years of opportunities saying “I don’t sing”. Since starting to sing I play (and sing) once or twice a week! It was worth the effort. Cheers
@@WWeiss-nv5vz Yeah no one in their right mind would do this because BOSE S1 PRO is a one of a kind speaker, you won't find second hand under $500. I have had old one for 5 years works as day 1 still lasts 10 hours of charge, excellent for acoustics, instruments and music. I use mine as a car speaker it still pumps!
Many people hear a difference and say the + is noticeably better. With my drummer ears I heard no difference and would only spend the extra money if I needed the great new features. In a live situation I doubt an audience could hear a difference.
Bill....i really think this is an inadequate test.... why not put a couple of songs through it? With vocal. ? Perhaps guitar and voice ... piano and voice (in stereo- piano sucks in mono) the second sound sample kinda sucked from a "real " assessment Then maybe put through a pop song (not a popular one obviously for trademark issue) with not too heavy of bass.. but i really think these funky instrumentals fell short from a real musical assessment... although as I'm typing this, I'm contemplating that frequency and sound is the same irrespective of source "instrument" maybe it's just my familiarity and indeed preference but i guess it wouldn't matter I agree... no discernable difference
I'm tired of RU-vid Copyright strikes, I have found it really difficult to find decent material that isn't copyrighted and at this point I'm not going to go through the trouble. Agree, sounds weren't the best but they did clearly present treble and bass. The second track had a lot of bass that doesn't translate to RU-vid. Long story short, the two speakers sound exactly the same!
@@CrossoverClassic Takes a considerable amount of time to level match exactly. Usually with most speakers the difference stands out immediately. When the sound is this close, a little bass or treble EQ will get them even closer!
From all the speakers you own and have heard what do you in your opinion think is the best sounding pa speaker excluding arrays for playing music from a phone without a mixer ?
QSC K8.2, but still NEEDS a subwoofer! K8.2 doesn't have Bluetooth but has 1/8" jack to hardwire to phone. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nymc8nQLL5w.html
I think I'm going to go with k8.2 I have couple of Mackie goes or go,s ? Lol and couple low end JBL 12 inch Irx but I'm getting urge to own more of a pro grade speaker I have Roland electronic drum set and a Yamaha acoustic set speakers are just for music in backyard or banging around in my drum room