Bose Professional introduced a new portable P.A. solution that expands the original L1 vertical array concept for a wider range of applications. The new F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker and complementary F1 Subwoofer adapts to live music, DJ and corporate presentations, allowing users to control its vertical coverage pattern.Bose Professional has achieved some success with its L1 portable array systems, a pioneering effort to convert the vertical column design into a versatile tool both for backstage use and public address applications. Unfortunately the concept was not exactly well received by musicians, the price for complete practical systems was out of reach for the target market and the SPL achieved was not as high as it should be, compared to competitive portable PA solutions, hindering Bose’s efforts.
Now, Bose expanded its portable P.A. offerings with the introduction of the F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker and F1 Subwoofer, targeting directly PA and sound reinforcement applications and not so much stage systems. Designed to serve a broader set of front-of-house applications than L1 systems, the F1 Model 812 powered portable loudspeaker allows users to optimize sound coverage by creating up to four different vertical patterns.
The clever design, adapts the vertical array concept with an expanded waveguide format which makes it look like a conventional loudspeaker with the front grille in place, when in fact it behaves like a powerful variable beam array, offering all the benefits of precision controlled dispersion. This new design provides versatility for a wider range of applications and venues, its easy to setup and aesthetically pleasing while also offering a more rugged solution.
Responding to live music, DJ, corporate AV, house-of-worship, AV rental and general P.A. applications, the new Bose F1 system can be optimized for playing at floor level, on stage or facing raked seats or bleachers. To control the vertical coverage pattern, users simply push or pull the array into position to create “Straight” (tightest vertical control, for floor-level audience coverage), “J” (adjust vertical splay down, when P.A. is placed on stage), “C” (adjust vertical splay up and down, to cover extreme raked seating), or “Reverse J” (adjust vertical splay up, e.g. for bleacher seating coverage) dispersion patterns. Once set, the system automatically adjusts the EQ to maintain optimum tonal balance for each coverage pattern.
The design was engineered with an array of eight Bose proprietary 2.25-inch drivers surrounded by 100-degree horizontal waveguides and complemented with a high-powered 12-inch woofer, placed behind the vertical array in a vented configuration, which allows extending the low-frequency output and achieving a lower crossover point. The combination delivers a higher SPL while maintaining vocal and midrange clarity that’s dramatically better than conventional loudspeakers. For extended bass response, the optional Bose F1 Subwoofer offers all the power of a larger bass module into a compact design while also helping the complete solution to achieve the sound levels and impact required by live music and DJ applications.
Being a powered solution, the F1 Model 812 loudspeaker offers all the convenience of a portable PA solution with a 2-channel integrated mixer, featuring two inputs with independent level controls with XLR, 0.25-inch and RCA connectors. The F1 Model 812 speaker weighs just 20.2 kg, while the Bose F1 Subwoofer creates a solid but still lightweight base for the solution, with 24.9 kg.
The loudspeaker and subwoofer have a combined 2,000 watts of power (1,000 watts each), enough to fill nearly any venue with immersive sound. A Bose proprietary mounting stand for the loudspeaker is integrated right into the body of the subwoofer, making setup fast and easy. The stand even includes cable channels to neatly hide the wires. Additionally, the loudspeaker and subwoofer feature strategically placed handles for stress-free transportation (the system easily fits in a car). In addition, the F1 Model 812 has been designed with features to facilitate fixed installations through threaded inserts and accessory pan and tilt and yoke brackets.
The system was introduced at the 2015 InfoComm show in Orlando. More information regarding prices and availability will be released later.
www.bose.com/F1
