L1® Unofficial Performers' Guide: Difference between revisions

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<big>'''The Unofficial Performers' Guide'''</big>  
<big>'''The Unofficial Performers' Guide'''</big>  
for the {{PAS}}.
If you will be using the Bose System for the first, second, or third time and are looking for quick-hit things you need to know you are in the right place. This is for you in the role of performer who may or may not actually own an  L1® System. <!-- TODO Initially, I will write this with the solo or duo act in mind. There may be another version later for larger ensembles. -->
If you just got your new System then you will want to check out the [[L1™ Unofficial Users' Guide]] which covers things that System owners like to know.


for the Bose® Personalized Amplification System™ family of products.
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If you will be using the Bose System for the first, second, or third time and are looking for quick-hit things you need to know you are in the right place. This is for you in the role of performer who may or may not actually own a System. Initially, I will write this with the solo or duo act in mind. There may be another version later for larger ensembles later.
[[Image:Bose-Mon8.jpg|Ashland MA Bose-East event photo by Drumr]]


If you just got your new System then you will want to check out the [[L1™ Unofficial Users' Guide]] which covers things that System owners like to know.  
[[Image:Bose-Ashby34.jpg|Ashland MA Bose-East event photo by Drumr]]
 
[[Image:Bose-Mon2.jpg|Ashland MA Bose-East event photo by Drumr]]
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[[L1® System Benefits]]
 
 
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== Setting Up ==
{{Model II icon}}{{Model I icon}}{{Classic icon}}
If you are stepping onto the stage and someone has made all the connections for you skip down to the section about [[{{PAGENAME}}#Performing|Performing]].
 
=== Physical Assembly ===
{{Classic Model I Basic Setup}}
 
=== Microphone Setup ===
{{Get Plugged In Microphone}}
 
 
=== Multiple Performers Sharing One {{L1 no link}} System ===
{{Model II icon}}{{Model I icon}}{{Classic icon}}
Electric guitarists used to play and sing through their amps, but this soon stopped when they started to concentrate on the tone of their guitars.  Now, few musicians are willing to share their amps, based on the idea that any sound other than that of your instrument will somehow corrupt the tone.  This is probably true for guitar amplifiers playing at heavy distortion levels (voice will be heavily modulated due to clipping).  But it is not true of an {{L1 no link}} loudspeaker.
 
Sharing should be restricted to musicians located near each other on stage, for example, two background singers standing shoulder to shoulder, or a horn line.
 
Several instruments or instruments and voices can be amplified simultaneously with complete independence of tone and no corruption of any kind, other than having everything come from one source.  Always try to take advantage of the ToneMatch® preset feature.
 
{{Model I icon}}{{Classic icon}}
For instance, if you are doing a “single” and have a drum machine and/or sequencer driving a bunch of MIDI modules, use channels 1 and 2 for personal-preference preset settings, like your vocal microphone and, say, an acoustic guitar with a pickup. Then use an external mixer, which you probably have if this example describes your musical work, and put it into channel 3 or 4.
 
 
=== Connections General Examples ===
{{Model I icon}}{{Classic icon}}
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<a href="http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/8271015103/rear_panel_walkthrough081705.pdf"><img src="http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/4291033003/upg01a750.gif" alt="rear panel walkthrough" border="0"></a> <br />click the picture above for downloadable PDF version.
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==== Interactive Tour of the Inputs and Outputs ====
{{PS1 Connections Interactive}}
 
 
=== Connections for a Soloist ===
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<a href="http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/5331055103/soloist.pdf"><img src="http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/6361065103/soloist600.gif" alt="soloist setup" border="0"></a>  <br />click the picture above for downloadable PDF version.
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Note: This document is under development. I'm planning to fill it in over the next couple of weeks so if there are bullet points without links that means that I'm working on the content. This is a collaborative effort so for now, the incomplete points are a part of a casual outline.
=== Soloist with Backing Tracks ===
{{:Vocalist with Backing Tracks L1}}


== Setting up ==
=== Connections for a Duo ===
If you are stepping onto the stage and someone has made all the connections for you skip down to the section about Performing.  
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<a href="http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/4101085103/duo.pdf"><img src="http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/6691075103/duo600.gif" alt="duo setup" border="0"></a> <br />click the picture above for downloadable PDF version.
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Get Plugged In - March 2006 - There are several mini-videos on the Bose Website about setup, presets, gain and more. These are definitely worth watching.  
<a href=""><img src="" alt="" border="0"></a> <br />click the picture above for downloadable PDF version.
See Get Plugged In
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=== Quick Hookup Guide ===
* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/2501026994/hookupGuide_v081705.pdf Quick Hookup Guide] - Print this and keep it handy (especially for people unfamiliar with the system). This is a 6 page pdf document, that you can print and leave at any venue that provides an L1™ Classic or Model I for performers to use. It includes most of the information above.
=== B1 Cables (blue) ===
{{Model II icon}}{{Model I icon}}{{Classic icon}}
* Make sure the Speakon cables (blue) are really connected. Insert and turn clockwise. There should be an audible click. You should have to slide the silver lock and twist counterclockwise to remove the cable. If you can remove it without a twist, it is not really connected.


Connections
Interactive Tour of the I/O panel
Quick Setup - Printable version (660k pdf file)
Connections General Overview
Connection Examples:
Soloist (Printable pdf version)
Duo (Printable pdf versionf)
Make sure the Speakon cables (blue) are really connected. Insert and turn clockwise. There should be an audible click. You should have to slide the silver lock and twist counterclockwise to remove the cable. If you can remove it without a twist, it is not really connected.
Presets
Presets are used to get the best possible sound from your inputs. They are not meant to make something sound like something else (like Guitar processor or instrument patches).  The presets for vocal microphones are based on using close mic techniques.
Gain Staging
Mixers
Effects
Performing


If the stage is already set up, then it is time to talk about performing.
=== ToneMatch® Presets ===
{{Model II icon}}{{Model I icon}}{{Classic icon}}
* Presets are used to get the best possible sound from your inputs. They are not meant to make something sound like something else (like Guitar processor or instrument patches).  Note: The presets for vocal microphones are based on using ''close microphone'' techniques.  


== Hearing yourself ==
* [[Gain Staging]]
* [[:category:Mixer|Mixers]] Connection suggestions for specific mixers.
* [[:Category:Effects PS1 Powerstand|Effects]] Connection notes for several different makes and models


This is a different approach to amplifying your sound. There is typically only one amplified version of your sound entering the room. That will be the Cylindrical Radiator®. Typically it will be set up behind you. Unlike conventional approaches, you will not be behind the main speakers going to the room.  
If the stage is already set up, then it is time to talk about performing.


How does it sound? - It may seem unusual for a few minutes because you are hearing yourself in much the same way the audience is hearing you. This is a big difference because you will be hearing yourself in the context of the room instead of out of context in the monitor.  
== Performing ==
Where do I stand? - Usually in front of the Cylindrical Radiator®. Sometimes beside it. If you are in front of it, an ideal would be approximately 7-10 feet. This is easy to work out if you have the standard 15 foot cable. Assuming you have the Remote mounted on your mic stand, the cable should be a straight run back to the Power Stand.
{{Model II icon}}{{Model I icon}}{{Classic icon}}
Where is the monitor? - No monitor required. You will be hearing yourself through the same Cylindrical Radiator®  that the audience is hearing.
=== Hearing yourself ===
Where is the reverb? - This is typically not required because you will be hearing the natural reverb in the room not a monitor mix from a floor wedge.
This is a different approach to amplifying your sound. The sound of your voice and/or instrument will come from an {{L1 CR}} located 5-10 feet behind you. Unlike conventional approaches, you will not be behind the main speakers going to the room.  
Hearing Yourself with the Bose...


How does it sound? - It may seem unusual for a few minutes because you are hearing yourself in much the same way the audience is hearing you. This is a big difference because you will be hearing yourself in the context of the room instead of out of context in the monitor. ... [[Hearing Yourself|full article]]


== Microphone Technique ==
=== Mixing Yourself In Ensemble ===
Using a typical [[Triple Amplification System|triple amplification system]], a professional front-of-house mixer rides vocals, varies the level of horn sections and rides (and often misses) lead solos. They do this because they and not you can hear a mix over the mains “out front”.  ... [[Mixing Yourself|full article]]


=== Microphone Technique ===
[[Image:Microphones.gif|Several Vocal Microphone|right]]
"Sing as loud as you're going to sing with your lips touching the windscreen and adjust the trim so that the LED just flickers RED. (You can do this with the channel and master volumes on the remote turned all the way down. Remember that when you want to be your loudest vocally, you're lips should be touching the windscreen. You can always "work" the mic by backing away from it to lower volume but always remember that when you need to be loudest, you're kissing that windscreen. This technique is true for ANY live amplification system, not just ours. Please stay in touch with us here and let us know how you, er, well, make out." -- Ken-at-Bose  
"Sing as loud as you're going to sing with your lips touching the windscreen and adjust the trim so that the LED just flickers RED. (You can do this with the channel and master volumes on the remote turned all the way down. Remember that when you want to be your loudest vocally, you're lips should be touching the windscreen. You can always "work" the mic by backing away from it to lower volume but always remember that when you need to be loudest, you're kissing that windscreen. This technique is true for ANY live amplification system, not just ours. Please stay in touch with us here and let us know how you, er, well, make out." -- Ken-at-Bose  


You will probably find that you hear yourself better with this system than in other live music situations. If you are new to the experience, you may want to back off from the microphone. Try this instead. Get up closer to the mic. Relax and get used to hearing yourself. You will find it is easier to sing when you can hear.
You will probably find that you hear yourself better with this system than in other live music situations. If you are new to the experience, you may want to back off from the microphone. Try this instead. Get up closer to the mic. Relax and get used to hearing yourself. You will find it is easier to sing when you can hear.


"Many owners, myself included, have found singing through {{L1}}s to be reminiscent of singing in unamplified groups (big family, in my case), but different, sonically better. Unamplified, we control our timbre and dynamics with just our bodies - No mics to ''technique''. With the {{L1}}, staying ''on the mic'' (the simplest of techniques) allows us to sing that way, using our ''head to toes'' as our preamp and our ''lungs'' as our volume control. Here's where it gets better - With much more available volume, therefore much more dynamic range and coverage way out into the room, we can still bring it down to that unamplified-level whisper (and everyone, singers and audience, can hear every nuance - I love that!), then bring it back up to the brink of ''ouch''! Very expressive. Very musical..." - - Chuck-at-Bose


 
=== Feedback ===
== Feedback ==
 
Feedback occurs when sound coming from the Cylindrical Radiator® is reintroduced into the System and amplified again. You typically hear either a high pitched squeal or a low pitched howl. The first usually comes from a vocal microphone and the second is more likely from an acoustic instrument like a Guitar.  
Feedback occurs when sound coming from the Cylindrical Radiator® is reintroduced into the System and amplified again. You typically hear either a high pitched squeal or a low pitched howl. The first usually comes from a vocal microphone and the second is more likely from an acoustic instrument like a Guitar.  


=== Microphone Feedback (squeal) ===
==== Microphone Feedback (squeal) ====
[[Image:MicGoodBad.gif|Microphone positioning on a stand|right]]
* Point the mic above the Cylindrical Radiator® and slightly to the left or right of it  
* Point the mic above the Cylindrical Radiator® and slightly to the left or right of it  
* Practice close mic technique "eat the mic"  
* Practice close mic technique "eat the mic"  
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* Try presets #03 or #04 (High Gain Bright, High Gain Normal)
* Try presets #03 or #04 (High Gain Bright, High Gain Normal)


===Instrument Feedback (howl) ===
==== Instrument Feedback (howl) ====
The most likely source of a low end howl is an acoustic instrument like an Acoustic Guitar.  
The most likely source of a low end howl is an acoustic instrument like an Acoustic Guitar.  


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* Use the Remote to turn down the lows a little bit. This will tend to clean up the mix overall even if you are not experiencing feedback.  
* Use the Remote to turn down the lows a little bit. This will tend to clean up the mix overall even if you are not experiencing feedback.  
* Try preset #44 or #85 (Sound Hole Notch)
* Try preset #44 or #85 (Sound Hole Notch)
Leaving the stage: Always turn down the Master Volume on the Remote.
Leaving the stage: Always turn down the R1 Remote Control Master Level.


== The Remote ==
== The Remote ==
[[Image:Remote150.gif|R1 Remote Controller|right]]
=== Why is volume control in front of me? ===
=== Why is the Volume Control in front of '''me'''? ===
Where is the sound-guy?  
Where is the sound-guy?  
   
   
The Remote gives you the final say about how you will sound in performance.  The System once set properly is very stable and does not require a lot of real time tweaking. It is there for you to use if you want, but it does not have to distract you from doing the show.  
The R1 Remote gives you the final say about how you will sound in performance.  The System once set properly is very stable and does not require a lot of real time tweaking. It is there for you to use if you want, but it does not have to distract you from doing the show.  


=== What are all these knobs ===
=== What are all these knobs ===
and what will they do for me?  
and what will they do for me?  


Find the Master Volume (ringed in red). This is your main control for all the sound coming out of the System. It is the control in the center near the bottom of the Remote.You will want to turn it down when you are not actively using the System.  
Find the Master Level (ringed in red - center bottom of the R1 Remote). This is your main control for all the sound coming out of the System. You will want to turn it down when you are not actively using the System.  
Use Channel 1 and 2 Level controls (just above the Master) to work out the balance between the two channels.  
Use Channel 1 and 2 Level controls (just above the Master) to work out the balance between the two channels.  


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== Stage Volume ==
== Stage Volume ==


You and your audience are going to be hearing your performance in a new way. It is counterintuitve but to be heard and understood you will probably run your stage at a lower volume than you have with other gear.
You and your audience are going to be hearing your performance in a new way. To be heard and understood you will probably run your stage at a lower volume than you have with other equipment.  


== Getting Ready ==
== Getting Ready ==
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=== Practice Your Microphone Technique ===
=== Practice Your Microphone Technique ===


If you are a vocalist, one of the single most important things you can do is practice your microphone technique. You get the best gain-before-feedback using close micing. The presets for vocal mics are designed for close micing.  
If you are a vocalist, one of the single most important things you can do is practice your microphone technique. You get the best [[Gain Before Feedback]] using close microphone technique. The presets for vocal mics are designed for that (close micing) technique.  
   
   
== Troubleshooting ==
{{:Troubleshooting}}  <!-- this is an inclusion of a separate article -->
== Working with Others ==
== Working with Others ==
[[Introducing Performers to the Bose System]]
[[Introducing Performers to the Bose System]]


[[category:Feedback]]
[[category:Feedback]]
[[category:Performance]]
{{Snap}}