- Bose 650 Review: Is This System Worth It? - May 18, 2023
- FL Studio Review: Is It The Best For Your Needs? - January 5, 2023
- The Dynaudio Contour 30 Review – All You Need to Know! - July 24, 2022
One of the most common types of speakers you’ll find on the market today is portable options. These are great if you’re going on a trip, having an outdoor get together, or just hanging out with your family. They’re handy, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. All you have to do is pick it up and take it with you.
Arguably one of the best portable speakers on the market is the Bose S1 Pro. This speaker is perfect if you’re going somewhere that doesn’t have an outlet handy and you want to listen to some music. The Bose S1 Pro offers plenty of features and functionality, so you know you’re getting plenty of speaker for the money.
As one of the best all-around speakers out there, the Bose S1 Pro offers microphone and instrument inputs, Bluetooth capability, and other high-quality sensors. So whether you’re a mobile DJ, a party planner, or just want a portable speaker added to your collection, the Bose S1 Pro is a powerful choice.
The S1 Pro comes with a full-featured, 3-channel mixer with reverb, tone controls, and line-outs for connecting to other systems.
Bose S1 Pro Review
So now that we’ve built up the Bose S1 Pro, you’re probably chomping at the bit to get into the details about this portable speaker. Let’s start first with the unit’s design.
Design
The Bose S1 Pro is made of high-quality materials, which gives it a robust and durable design. To protect the speakers from damage and keep them secure, a sturdy grill made of metal resides in front of them. This portable speaker is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to move around without much effort on your part.
Measuring 11.1 by 9.4 by 13.1, the Bose S1 Pro is easy to store. You should have no trouble finding room for it in your garage, car, RV, or home. Plus, since it’s only 11 inches long and 13 inches high, it’s low profile. As a result, you’re getting plenty of sound from a speaker that’s relatively out of sight.
One of the things I like about the Bose S1 Pro is what the company refers to as multi-position. This means you can place the speaker in various positions and angles to get just the sound you want. You can put it on its side, lay it on its back, or stand it straight up. The Bose S1 Pro is designed so well; it will remain in any position without wobbling.
Under the base of the speaker is a stand socket that allows you to insert a stand. With a stand inserted into the socket, you can raise the speaker to the exact height you want. Controls on the back of the speaker are user friendly and set back into the speaker a bit, so nothing sticks out. This reduces the risk that something might break while the speaker is in transit.
The Bose S1 Pro speaker includes the speaker itself, a cord to supply power to the unit, and the operating instructions. This makes using the speaker simple and easy, even for those that aren’t comfortable with technology.
Sound
Bose is one of the most recognizable brands when it comes to sound and speakers. That’s why it’s no surprise that the Bose S1 Pro provides a powerful and robust sound from a small, lightweight, and compact device.
You’ll hear a fantastic sound and excellent playback quality. Whether you choose to use Bluetooth or a cable, you’ll get a sound that’s both distinct and clear.
The unit also offers an automated equalizer if you’re not all that into adjusting the sound manually. With this feature, your unit will respond to the sound the unit produces and make changes accordingly. This type of feature is unique to the Bose S1 Pro because each side of the unit offers a varying interface.
So, the unit determines the beam angles, then changes the sound based on its position. Bose does this through a position sensor that you install on your smartphone or tablet. When the speaker’s position or location changes, the sensor is notified, which then automatically makes adjustments to the sound via the equalizer.
Interface
Also included with the Bose S1 Pro is a mixer you can use to enhance the sound yourself. There are a pair of inputs you can use, along with a pre-select switch. With these features, you can set up your speaker to give you better vocals and signals from an acoustic guitar.
With the unit’s interface, you can control both the treble and the bass as well. Additionally, you use the Bose Reverb control to create a reverb effect. With the reverb feature, you can control the sound output no matter what size room you’re in. Even if you’re in a small confined space, it’ll sound like you’re in a stadium.
The Bose S1 Pro also has LEDs that communicate the status of the speaker. This feature helps users know exactly what’s going on with the speaker. For example, a green LED indicates that everything is okay, while a red one means that an overload is imminent.
At roughly 600 Hertz, the crossover frequency between the woofer and the mid-high speakers is low, which results in excellent sound quality. You’ll experience great clarity, speech, and vocals with your Bose S1 Pro.
The S1 Pro comes with a full-featured, 3-channel mixer with reverb, tone controls, and line-outs for connecting to other systems.
Additional Features
The Bose S1 Pro is sleek and sophisticated and looks professional no matter what type of setting or instrument you’re using. Bose put its badge on the speaker’s front, just above the grill, which you can rotate as needed. The speaker also comes with a travel bag, which aids in protecting the speaker while in transit.
You’ll also enjoy other features like stereo mode, which are accessible through the Bose smartphone app. The app is free to download and is available on both Android and iOS.
One additional feature I want to point out is the ability to update the firmware of the unit. It’s simple and straightforward. Just connect your smartphone via a micro USB port on the device and load the new software.
Pros and Cons
All devices have their advantages and disadvantages, and the Bose S1 Pro is no exception. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this high-quality speaker.
Pros
The Bose S1 Pro can quickly adapt to nearly any situation to provide you with excellent sound quality, for starters. You can put it on a stand, on a table, on the floor, or tilt it back, and you’ll still get a great sound. It’s tough to find other speakers that can say the same.
Also, part of the unit is a three-channel mixer. With this feature, users can enhance the performance of electric and acoustic guitars, or vocals, all done through the speaker.
Lastly, the Bose S2 Pro has a feature it calls ToneMatch. With this, the speaker will optimize the sound of any instruments or peripherals you’re using, including mics, guitars, or pianos.
Cons
Bose does not offer information about its amplifier outputs, and it lacks in performance data, which many users would consider vital. Additionally, while the Bose S1 Pro delivers excellent high and mids, the low-end output could be better.
Lastly, if you’re not near an outlet, you may find the battery life lacking. The battery does not last long on its own, and it drains quickly, even when it’s on standby.
Alternatives
If the Bose S1 Pro isn’t your cup of tea, here are a few other speakers you might consider.
Sonos Move Portable Speaker
The Sonos Move Speaker is an excellent portable speaker alternative to the Bose S1 Pro. There’s plenty to like about this unit, so much so that you might decide to make the Sonos Move your primary in-home wireless speaker.
There are plenty of features available with this speaker, including a mobile app that provides access to many wireless capabilities, two high-level drivers, and smart, automated tuning that adjusts the sound based on your surroundings. These features and more make the Sonos Move one of the best portable speakers on the market.
There are plenty of portable speakers in today’s mobile market, but the Sonos Move stands out by making itself versatile and easy to use. There are drawbacks to the unit – it’s a bit heavier than its competitors, but it is feature-rich and offers great sound quality.
Amazon Alexa is built right in so in Wi-Fi you can play music, check news, set alarms, get your questions answered, and more, completely hands free.
JBL Eon One Compact Speaker
JBL’s Eon One speaker is a compact and portable PA system that you can take with you wherever you go. As a matter of fact, the unit will easily fit in the front seat of your vehicle.
The unit comes with a 1” tweeter and an 8” woofer, so you know you’re going to get a good sound. These two work together to give you a balanced output, perfect for a decent-sized audience.
For those of you that are songwriters or singers, the JBL Eon One is the ideal unit for you. It comes with built-in handles and runs on a battery that will let you use the speaker anywhere you want. If you use it on stage, few people will notice it as the unit’s design is low-profile.
The speaker offers 120 watts of power, and you’ll get 112dB of sound, which means your audience is sure to be up and out of their seats all night long. And for those times when you need a break, you can simply play some music through the speaker’s Bluetooth playback feature. It will last up to 12 hours on one charge, so the party doesn’t have to stop just because you do.
The JBL EON ONE Compact powered PA system delivers professional sound in a portable package. Despite its small size, it features a versatile 4-channel mixer and Bluetooth control.
Mackie FreePlay Live
Mackie’s FreePlay Live is a portable speaker with Bluetooth capabilities. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, so you can take it with you anywhere you go. This compact speaker will easily fit on your table and puts out 150 watts. As a result, if you’re playing outside, you’ll have no trouble being heard.
Plus, with its built-in battery, your audience will be able to listen to your music for up to 15 hours. And if you get tired before the battery runs out, you can always stream some music through the Bluetooth functionality on the unit. The FreePlay’s massive power and its compact size show that big things can come in small packages.
Check out our full Mackie Review here.
FreePlay LIVE is the ultra-portable, personal PA of your dreams. With tons of power, crystal clear sound, up to 15 hours of battery life, and much more, FreePlay LIVE is perfect for performers, buskers, presenters, and even for rocking out to your favorite playlist.
FAQs
There are plenty of questions about the Bose S1 Pro, but unfortunately, we don’t have time to answer them all. Here are a few of the more commonly asked ones, though.
Question: Can I connect my Bose S1 Pro to my television?
Answer: If your television has an optical output, you have the ability to connect your Bose S1 Pro. You will, however, need an optical/digital converter. Get one of those, and you’ll have a left and right output, which will let you connect your S1 Pro.
Question: Is the Bose S1 Pro waterproof?
Answer: The Bose S1 Pro is not waterproof, so don’t get so excited that you throw it in the pool. It’s perfectly fine to use your speaker in dry conditions, but if it starts raining, you better get it into dryer conditions as quickly as possible.
Question: How long does it take the Bose S1 Pro battery to charge?
Answer: Bose estimates that it takes roughly 6 hours to charge the battery on a trickle charge, which is when the system is idle or on Standy. However, if you connect to your AC power and switch over to Fast Charge, your Bose S1 Pro will fully charge in 2.5 hours.
Question: Do I need the Bose Connect App?
Answer: You don’t have to have the Bose Connect app to use your Bose S1 Pro, but you’ll miss out on many features and capabilities without it. The app works with both Android and iOS, so if you own a device with either of these operating systems, why not give it a try?
Is the Bose S1 Pro the Way to Go?
If you’re in the market for a lightweight, portable, and compact speaker, the Bose S1 Pro just might be the unit you need. It’s one of the best options in the industry. There are plenty of flexible options available with the S1 Pro, which means that no matter how you set it up, you’ll get excellent sound quality.
The speaker is sturdy and robust, which makes it perfect for traveling. Bose makes it easy to take the S1 Pro with you without having to worry about dings and dents. Plus, a built-in battery means you don’t have to go searching for a power outlet every time you want to use it. You’ll get up to 11 hours of playback before you need to plug it in again.
Plenty of features are available with the Bose S1 Pro, including a three-channel mixer, ToneMatch, and Bluetooth. These capabilities and others make this unit an excellent speaker. Plus, you can easily update the firmware through the Bose Connect app.
So if you’re on the fence and not sure which portable speaker to buy, be sure to check out the Bose S1 Pro!
The S1 Pro comes with a full-featured, 3-channel mixer with reverb, tone controls, and line-outs for connecting to other systems.