The Bose S1 Pro+ is a compact and portable Bluetooth speaker marketed towards professionals, particularly musicians and performers. This review delves into its strengths and weaknesses, examining its portability, durability, charging method, connectivity options, and most importantly, its sound quality. We'll explore whether its convenient size and professional-grade inputs outweigh its potential drawbacks for both live performances and casual listening.This in-depth analysis will cover the speaker's impressive volume output despite its small footprint, evaluating its build quality and vulnerability to damage. We'll examine the convenience (and potential inconvenience) of its unique charging system and its versatile connectivity options, including XLR and Bluetooth capabilities. Finally, a critical assessment of the S1 Pro+'s sound signature, including its bass response and overall audio fidelity, will determine if it lives up to the Bose name and its target market's expectations.
Pros And Cons
- Super small for its loudness
- Built-in battery
- Two XLR and 1/4-inch combo jacks for microphones, instruments, or mixers
- Built-in screen for quick volume adjustment per channel
- App support for sound settings adjustment
- Two audio jacks (1/4 inch and 1/8 inch)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Built-in carrying handle
- High retail price ($700)
- Not super durable (thin middle grill)
- Exposed ports (not waterproof)
- Advertised battery life of 11 hours
- Charges via a three-prong AC cable (less common than double barrel)
- Bright sound signature
- Bass bottoms out and distorts at higher volumes
- Separate volume controls for the speaker and the audio source.
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Design and Portability
The Bose S1 Pro+ is surprisingly compact, especially considering its impressive volume output. Its small size makes it highly portable, ideal for musicians or performers on the go. The built-in carrying handle adds to its convenience.
While the speaker boasts portability, its durability might be a concern. The thin middle grill on the front suggests potential vulnerability to damage, and the exposed ports make it susceptible to water damage. Careful handling is advised.
Battery Life and Charging
The Bose S1 Pro+ features a built-in battery, advertised to last 11 hours. However, its charging method may be a point of contention for some users. It charges via a three-prong AC cable, unlike the more common double-barrel AC cables found in similar products.
The less common charging method could present challenges in finding a replacement cable, especially when traveling. This is a factor to consider before purchasing, particularly when comparing to other portable speakers.
Connectivity and Controls
A standout feature of the Bose S1 Pro+ is its excellent connectivity. The speaker offers two XLR and 1/4-inch combo jacks, making it suitable for connecting microphones, instruments, or mixers. The built-in screen for each channel allows for easy volume adjustments.
Beyond XLR inputs, the speaker also includes 1/8-inch and Bluetooth connectivity, providing versatile options for various audio sources. However, the separate volume controls for the speaker and the connected device might require some adjustment.
Sound Quality and Performance
While the Bose S1 Pro+ gets impressively loud for its size, its sound quality is a point of contention. The speaker tends to favor a bright sound signature, sometimes producing a screeching effect. Bass reproduction is often lacking or distorts at higher volumes.
The sound test in the video demonstrates the speaker's sound characteristics at various volume and EQ settings. While the volume is noteworthy, the sound quality might not appeal to users who prioritize balanced sound reproduction.
Conclusion: Who is the S1 Pro+ For?
The Bose S1 Pro+ is a powerful, compact speaker with excellent connectivity, especially for its XLR inputs. However, its sound quality might disappoint casual users who are primarily interested in listening to music. The bright sound signature and weak bass response are significant drawbacks.
This speaker is best suited for live performers who need a portable, small-footprint solution for microphones and instruments. For general music listening and parties, alternative Bluetooth speakers offer superior sound quality at similar price points or lower.