I tried out the latest column PA speakers: BOSE L1 Pro8, L1 Pro16 and JBL PRX ONE!

The column speaker is popular because it is easy to set up so anyone can easily put on a concert. This time, I tried out the L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16, the successor models to the super long-selling column speaker BOSE L1 compact and the latest model from JBL, the PRX ONE, which has just arrived in stock.

1. Difference in Size

All of these models are roughly the same height. Here are the pictures of the three column speakers taken from the front, the side, and the back for comparison. The L1 Pro8 is the slimmest, the medium size is the PRX ONE and the biggest is the L1 Pro16. The PRX ONE and L1 Pro16 weigh about 25kg, which may seem heavy, but I don’t think you need to worry too much because you can remove the array speakers when you carry them. I’m a guy who’s around 40 years old but I was able to carry it by myself with one hand, so don’t worry. Lol.

2. Inputs/Outputs and Controls

The L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16 use the same layout for the control panel which has a simple design and just looks cool. VOLUME/TREBLE/BASS/REVERB can be independently adjusted by pressing on the knob to switch among them, so it is very easy. BOSE’s unique ToneMatch allows you to select the optimal setting by simply selecting MIC (microphone), INST (instruments), or OFF (other) so even complete novices can use it. Of course, the L1 Pro8 and the L1 Pro16 also support Bluetooth music playback.

The PRX ONE catches your eye with its vibrant color LCD screen that looks truly multifunctional. Installed with seven input channels, the PRX ONE has more channels than what is found in most column speakers, so you won’t need an analog mixer. This speaker is also equipped with four combo jacks that allow for mic and line connections, two Hi-Z inputs for direct connection from electric guitars/basses, and a Bluetooth music playback/one stereo mini AUX IN, so you can use the PRX ONE for small gigs.

Press the MASTER/MENU button to select the extensive menu. In addition to ducking, effects, AFS (feedback control), EQ, and a limiter, the feature that I find most helpful is pass through. Send the full range as it is, or if you want to add a subwoofer, you can output just the lowest frequencies and the PRX ONE will output the frequencies without the low range. The PRX ONE helps you to build your PA system with some flexibility.

3. Dedicated Control Apps

Both BOSE and JBL have dedicated apps for wireless controls, so I’m going to explain how it works.

App for the BOSE L1 Pro Series ‘Bose L1 Mix’

As soon as you open the Bose L1 Mix app, you will find the speaker when it’s turned on to appear as it’s shown in the capture below. Tap the ‘Connect’ button on the screen to start pairing.

When connection is complete, the screen will display the same control panel on the speaker as shown in the picture. Tap on the screen to control volume, EQ, mute, and ToneMatch. Go to the advanced settings by tapping on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen.

And now, here it is! I was surprised to learn that BOSE has an extremely large number of EQ presets. The capture shows the microphone settings where you can also select the mic model as well as the manufacturer. Most standard mic models like the SHURE SM57/58 and the Beta 57A/58A/87A are listed.

Of course, there are also lots of musical instrument models listed! Not only guitars, but the list of presets for electric basses includes a number of brand options that you wouldn’t even think of as well as standard models such as Jazz Bass and Precision Bass. I could die happy if I ever get the chance to try out these EQ presets!

By the way, the images below show the capture of the control panel on the app screen and the picture of the panel on the L1 Pro speaker taken at the same time. Of course, if I change the settings on the app, the panel on the speaker changes accordingly and vice versa. They can follow one another in real time.

Next, let’s take a look at the JBL Pro Connect app!
As soon as I started the app, it immediately detected the PRX ONE, so this one was also very easy to connect.

Select ‘Setup’ at the bottom of the screen and tap on ‘PRX ONE’ to move onto the screen where you can adjust the level for each channel. Here, you can touch DN (dynamics), EQ (equalizer), or FX (effects) on each channel to move to the independent parameter setting screen where you can make more advanced settings.

Ducking is a function that allows you to turn down the background music while you are talking on the microphone. I think it will be easy for you to understand how it works if I say this function is ideal for sports instructors. This function can also be turned on and off for each channel.

My first impression about the JBL Pro Connect app was that you could make very detailed settings for each channel. Since the EQ presets are provided with each instrument, even if you don’t know much about equalizing settings, you can just select the preset to get the best settings. After that, you can fine-tune the settings to suit your taste. The noise gate and compressor can also be individually turned on and off, and the layout is visually very intuitive, so it’s pretty easy to use for people who usually work on computer music.

Regarding the effectors, chorus, delay, and even a sub-synth that produces super bass sounds are available in addition to reverb. Add a nice accent not only to vocals but also to other instruments such as guitars and keyboards.

The Pass Thru XLR Out can also be set up on the app. Of course, the settings can be changed on the app when you simply want to add another PRX ONE or a general full-range speaker. Also, the high-pass/low-pass filter settings can be changed when combining a subwoofer into the setup. The Pass Thru XLR Out can be useful when setting delay and adding an additional speaker setup that’s at a distance.

Select ‘Speakers’ at the bottom of the screen and tap on AFS or EQ to move onto the AFS (Automatic Feedback Suppression) screen or the Parametric EQ screen to edit the whole sound. The AFS is the most notable feature since this function will precisely find and cut the frequency that causes feedback when the vocalist is moving around on stage and accidentally comes near the sound source during a live performance.

4. Difference in Sound

As a disclaimer, please note that my opinions on these speakers are based on my personal feelings. To be honest, my impression is that all three models sound good even without adjusting the EQ settings. The sound will depend on your taste but for me, I like the L1 Pro16 best, the PRX ONE second best and the L1 Pro8 the least in terms of volume and low-frequency depth. All of them have a good balance from low to high frequencies, so one model isn’t any better than the other, but I think I can adjust settings to make the sound closer to my ideal preference.

5. Criteria for Choosing

If you are looking for a simpler and easier way to create a good sound, I recommend choosing the BOSE L1 Pro. If you like the freedom of being able to manually adjust each setting, you might want to give the JBL PRX ONE a shot.

Also, the number of channels is different depending on the model. So, the BOSE L1 Pro is the solution if you need a speaker for simple setups such as 1 mic plus 1 guitar or just vocals with guitar. If multiple instruments are connected, I would recommend the JBL PRX ONE.

Honestly, it’s hard to choose one because they are both really good speakers, but I guess what I’m trying to tell you is that either choice is correct.

The column speaker not only has a large coverage area and a subwoofer for bass range, but it is also easy for anyone to control and it has a built-in mixer function, so you can hold a music event with just one of these all-in-one speakers. I think this convenient multifunctionality matches today's needs.

More column speaker models are available at Sound House. We also have sound sources for comparison, so please come check them out.

■List of Column PA Speakers

■Popular Column Speaker Comparison