That Was a Very Well Made Video..I'm Listening With 2 1978 KA-3500 AMPS Paired With 4 Old School Advent Legacy Speakers, Running Through a Mackie DFX.12 Mixing Board..At High Volume..And I Must Say..After Several Listens..The L1 Is More Stable As You Walk Around The Room..But The Fishman Sounds So Much Brighter...More Of a True Live Sound........I Like The Fishman Over The L1!!...The Bose Almost Sounds Muddy...Your Voice And Guitar Shine On The Fishman..On The Bose You Sound Compressed....Just My Opinion...Thanks For Posting!!!
I have both as well. Tho, I have the old, heavy as crap, Bose l1 S1 with B2 Sub...it's a monster. But, it's not even close with that one. That old Bose is the best small PA I've ever heard, has a gazillion speakers all the way from top to bottom, so just don't hear highs at the top of unit. I love the artist for Portability, weight, effects, all the connections ins-outs and it can get loud. However, even in this demo, I find it a bit harsh. Louder is not always better. To my ears, the Compact l1 is a little more refined and smoother, but it's more "compressed" sounding than my old Bose. The Fishman is louder and harsher and a little "boxy." I still use the fishman and it's a fantastic amp for what it is. I get good comments on it as well. But, I just like the Bose sound...and I've tried to find something else. Even tho I don't think I can beat my old Bose sound, it's just too damn heavy. Going to look at the new Mesa Boogie Acoustic 300 1-10 today...Until then, I'm using the Artist. I do solo acoustic with a "beat buddy" drum machine in the auxillary channel. Works pretty damn good. Excellent demo here. You put a lot of effort into it. 6 years ago? Wow...Time flies, eh? ;)
From my experience the both are the perfect combination. I sold my Fishman SA220 for buying a Allen & Heath Mixer with the Bose L1 Compact and I regret myself. I will sell the mixer and get back with Fishman for a better and warmer reverb sound, and like I said, connecting my guitar to the Fishman and sending a Post mix to the Bose is just like playing in Heaven!!!! Greetings!
I couldn't agree with you more. I did get a smaller Fishman Loudbox and love it. Very small, portable with onboard effects and so easy to setup. It sounds great.
When you connect the guitar to he Fishman and then to the Bose, from the Fishman to send audio to the Bose with kind of cable do you use, or should you use? A XLR to the mic channel in the Bose? or to the Plug 1/4 to the Line Channel? And what is the best audio results for you?
Didn't connect them on this. I used the Boss Looper outputs, left/right (set to mono) using a 1/4 trs to the input of channel one on the Bose and channel one for the fishman. All EQ to mid, effects off. I have run the back main outputs of the Bose into the Aux input of the Fishman using a 1/4". Very nice sound with the two.
I put a heavier gauge, flatwound string on the Tele and the sound is amazing. The heavier, flatwound strings are a bit harder to play and they are not for bending but the sound is the cleanest, warmest sound for a guitar. Non of the residue string ring. I get nice, warm sounds, that are crystal clear and precise with the Tele where as the acoustic guitar has a combined, orchestral ring to it. You should try it sometime and be as surprised as I was. Both of these amps are pretty versatile as far as what guitar I use. I have the Tele, Taylor T5, Martin acoustic, Guild 12-string, Taylor 12-string and they all have very different sounds through these systems.
Well done! I've owned both. Depends on the venue, like you indicate. My preference is the Fishman. I liked that the Bose rarely feeds back. But it's too digital sounding for me. A little brash. I use two Fishman Loudbox units: the Artist for audience and Mini Charge for monitoring. Probably overkill. lol
I had a Fishman Solo tower. Oh, that was so nice. Sold it for the Bose. Bose is a bit sterile sounding where as the Fishman has the truest harmonics for guitar.
The L1 does sound like a blanket over the speakers compared with the Artist. I’ve owned and gigged with a Solo Artist since winter 2014 and it’s never let me down! I had a much larger Bose L1 system Two with Tone Matchd preamp and subwoofer around that same time. I ended up getting rid of it because I was at a gig in an auditorium with about 150 people and they complained that they couldn’t hear it. I had a Line 6 powered cab for a while and finally bought a Turbo sound IP 2000. It does everything that the L1 system two wouldn’t do for less than half the price. I like being able to choose between two different set ups for shows and the weight of the Artist is another plus. If you decide to get one, invest in a studio slips canvas cover for it. They are incredible protection!
I disagree with the Bose sounding like a blanket. I find the sound to be very clean, maybe even a bit sterile? I totally agree about the Fishman amps. I had a Fishman Solo Amp for a while and really loved it. I think the Bose shines with vocals and the Fishman shines with guitar. Fishman has the best sound for guitar that I’ve ever experienced.
I mean you move to fast around witch the mic. There is no note and you change the place. And it's an accoustic Amp, why do you play an e-guitar? I will buy a fishman. Even though thnk's for the demo.
Buying a small acoustic preamp or pa mixer can get you some nice eq settings. The differents between the fishman and bose will be alot smaller. As an artist you hear the differents but most of the audience wont. Dont let sound be the only thing in mind. If you want to play with a little acoustic group pick up the Bose compact. You can get some drums + vocals out of it easy. If you want to play outside, get the bose compact because the 180 degree line array. If you want to use guitar + vocal only and you travel alot: Buy the Fishman amp.
Thanks. I just decided to buy the fishman this morning. Since I don't know enough I have been looking at this reviews. I didn't check the boss. Are they in the same price range?
They are in the same price range. I prefer the Fishman Solo. I'm selling my Bose to get the Fishman SA330X. I'm a guitar player and the Fishman has a warmer sound than the Bose. A true vocalist will appreciate the clean, clear sound of the Bose L1. They both have enough volume for solo/duets. The Bose L1 is $899 amzn.to/2d14OFK The Fishman Solo Amp $999 amzn.to/2ltkCja
The reason I ended up here is that I have the same FishMan Combo but I have issues with feedback when I play my Martin D16RGT with L.R.Baggs M80 soundhole pickup. What is your experiences with feedback levels on the Fishmann and Bose?
make sure the mic or pickups are not directly facing the speakers. You need to be slightly off to right or left. If you stand directly in front of any speaker you will get feedback. I experimented with it and I had to be really close for feedback. the Fishman will be a bit more sensitive than the Bose.
Jim R I am in the market for a new dynamic mic. I have the audix om2. I like the sound but I’ve had problems with it. Have really been looking at the om5 and om7.
@@DebErney I have been using the OM7 for years in my sologig with backing tracks, great mic if you have enough gain in your mixer as it is about 10 dB lower in gain and practically impossible to get to feedback. You do have to get used to singing pretty close to the mic though but it sounds great, like a studio condensor mic
Good review! That is great when you move the mic around. My problem is I'd never buy Bose, ever. I watched your review for because I'm interested in buying a Fishman.
Very excellent demo, Deb. Much appreciated. I do question one part of your methodology though - volume selection. While I appreciate that you were trying to do an apples to apples comparison, in actual use with any amplifier, one would choose to set the volume based on the loudness needed for a given situation, not by the number on the dial. Furthermore, the volume resulting from any given setting may not be linear, thus 5 on one brand amplifier would not equal 5 on another. I think a truer test would be to use an SPL meter and set matching volumes for a selected reference tone, then conduct the test that you did here. Of course, it is also interesting to determine the maximum possible volume in comparing two amps, but the only thing that really matters in this regard, is the size of the crowd or room that the amp can handle. Your comments about hearing the Bose down the hall, suggest that even at a lower SPL setting, the Bose has the upper hand in reaching the maximum audience. All of that aside, I applaud your thoroughness, and the quality of your comparison.
Mark Hastings this is by no means a “measured” comparison. I love both systems and was curious to see the differences. Thought others may be curious as well and decided to film/record my little experiment. Love to experiment with equipment. Find differences and similarities. Yes, indeed, all settings, all equipment, all areas are going to sound different. Technically, every person in the audience will hear something different just based on location and their hearing interpretations.
My keyboard player/singer uses the Fishman. We're going to try the Mackie Reach this weekend . Reviews are mixed but the specs are impressive . If I return it I'll look into the Fishman 330X . Bose is just too expensive. I compared the different models and the only one that is Great is the one with 24 speakers.
That Was a Very Well Made Video..I'm Listening With 2 1978 KA-3500 AMPS Paired With 4 Old School Advent Legacy Speakers, Running Through a Mackie DFX.12 Mixing Board..At High Volume..And I Must Say..After Several Listens..The L1 Is More Stable As You Walk Around The Room..But The Fishman Sounds So Much Brighter...More Of a True Live Sound........I Like The Fishman Over The L1!!...The Bose Almost Sounds Muddy...Your Voice And Guitar Shine On The Fishman..On The Bose You Sound Compressed....Just My Opinion...Thanks For Posting!!!
Mike Sanford both units definitely have a unique sound.
PS...Your Voice..Your Playing..And Your Overall Feel In This Video Are GREAT!!
I have both as well. Tho, I have the old, heavy as crap, Bose l1 S1 with B2 Sub...it's a monster. But, it's not even close with that one. That old Bose is the best small PA I've ever heard, has a gazillion speakers all the way from top to bottom, so just don't hear highs at the top of unit.
I love the artist for Portability, weight, effects, all the connections ins-outs and it can get loud. However, even in this demo, I find it a bit harsh. Louder is not always better. To my ears, the Compact l1 is a little more refined and smoother, but it's more "compressed" sounding than my old Bose. The Fishman is louder and harsher and a little "boxy." I still use the fishman and it's a fantastic amp for what it is. I get good comments on it as well. But, I just like the Bose sound...and I've tried to find something else. Even tho I don't think I can beat my old Bose sound, it's just too damn heavy. Going to look at the new Mesa Boogie Acoustic 300 1-10 today...Until then, I'm using the Artist. I do solo acoustic with a "beat buddy" drum machine in the auxillary channel. Works pretty damn good.
Excellent demo here. You put a lot of effort into it. 6 years ago? Wow...Time flies, eh? ;)
From my experience the both are the perfect combination. I sold my Fishman SA220 for buying a Allen & Heath Mixer with the Bose L1 Compact and I regret myself. I will sell the mixer and get back with Fishman for a better and warmer reverb sound, and like I said, connecting my guitar to the Fishman and sending a Post mix to the Bose is just like playing in Heaven!!!! Greetings!
I couldn't agree with you more. I did get a smaller Fishman Loudbox and love it. Very small, portable with onboard effects and so easy to setup. It sounds great.
When you connect the guitar to he Fishman and then to the Bose, from the Fishman to send audio to the Bose with kind of cable do you use, or should you use? A XLR to the mic channel in the Bose? or to the Plug 1/4 to the Line Channel? And what is the best audio results for you?
Didn't connect them on this. I used the Boss Looper outputs, left/right (set to mono) using a 1/4 trs to the input of channel one on the Bose and channel one for the fishman. All EQ to mid, effects off.
I have run the back main outputs of the Bose into the Aux input of the Fishman using a 1/4". Very nice sound with the two.
fishman by a long shot
+TheAgentAssassin I tend to lean towards the warmer sounding FISHMAN as well.
Excellent review. One of the best reviews ive seen in comparing 2 products. Well done. The fishman won the contest in my most humble opinion.
It would be fair to compare the Bose to the Fishman sa330x and not the loudbox. If you’re playing an acoustic guitar nothing can beat the sa330x.
I regret selling my 330 for the Bose. Beautiful with acoustic guitar.
The fishman is a true acoustic amp. Not sure why you ran a tele through them.
I put a heavier gauge, flatwound string on the Tele and the sound is amazing. The heavier, flatwound strings are a bit harder to play and they are not for bending but the sound is the cleanest, warmest sound for a guitar. Non of the residue string ring. I get nice, warm sounds, that are crystal clear and precise with the Tele where as the acoustic guitar has a combined, orchestral ring to it.
You should try it sometime and be as surprised as I was.
Both of these amps are pretty versatile as far as what guitar I use. I have the Tele, Taylor T5, Martin acoustic, Guild 12-string, Taylor 12-string and they all have very different sounds through these systems.
Deb Erney I love my Fishman just a Super all-in-one!
Couldn't agree with you more!
Well done! I've owned both. Depends on the venue, like you indicate. My preference is the Fishman. I liked that the Bose rarely feeds back. But it's too digital sounding for me. A little brash. I use two Fishman Loudbox units: the Artist for audience and Mini Charge for monitoring. Probably overkill. lol
I had a Fishman Solo tower. Oh, that was so nice. Sold it for the Bose. Bose is a bit sterile sounding where as the Fishman has the truest harmonics for guitar.
@@DebErney Agreed. And the Fishman tower would have been great, no doubt.
A rare damn good job of making a demo. *applauds*
If you turn on the ToneMatch you will get more of that rich sound but it will be warmer yet still very clear.
I could have sworn the Tonematch was on.
atleast according to the video at about 2:10 the switch is down which indicates it was off. : )
The L1 does sound like a blanket over the speakers compared with the Artist. I’ve owned and gigged with a Solo Artist since winter 2014 and it’s never let me down! I had a much larger Bose L1 system Two with Tone Matchd preamp and subwoofer around that same time. I ended up getting rid of it because I was at a gig in an auditorium with about 150 people and they complained that they couldn’t hear it. I had a Line 6 powered cab for a while and finally bought a Turbo sound IP 2000. It does everything that the L1 system two wouldn’t do for less than half the price. I like being able to choose between two different set ups for shows and the weight of the Artist is another plus. If you decide to get one, invest in a studio slips canvas cover for it. They are incredible protection!
I disagree with the Bose sounding like a blanket. I find the sound to be very clean, maybe even a bit sterile? I totally agree about the Fishman amps. I had a Fishman Solo Amp for a while and really loved it. I think the Bose shines with vocals and the Fishman shines with guitar. Fishman has the best sound for guitar that I’ve ever experienced.
I mean you move to fast around witch the mic. There is no note and you change the place. And it's an accoustic Amp, why do you play an e-guitar? I will buy a fishman. Even though thnk's for the demo.
Buying a small acoustic preamp or pa mixer can get you some nice eq settings. The differents between the fishman and bose will be alot smaller. As an artist you hear the differents but most of the audience wont.
Dont let sound be the only thing in mind. If you want to play with a little acoustic group pick up the Bose compact. You can get some drums + vocals out of it easy. If you want to play outside, get the bose compact because the 180 degree line array.
If you want to use guitar + vocal only and you travel alot: Buy the Fishman amp.
Bose sounds like a blanket has been thrown over it....... It does have better coverage
Thanks. I just decided to buy the fishman this morning. Since I don't know enough I have been looking at this reviews. I didn't check the boss. Are they in the same price range?
They are in the same price range. I prefer the Fishman Solo. I'm selling my Bose to get the Fishman SA330X. I'm a guitar player and the Fishman has a warmer sound than the Bose. A true vocalist will appreciate the clean, clear sound of the Bose L1. They both have enough volume for solo/duets.
The Bose L1 is $899 amzn.to/2d14OFK
The Fishman Solo Amp $999 amzn.to/2ltkCja
Let me know how it goes!!
The reason I ended up here is that I have the same FishMan Combo but I have issues with feedback when I play my Martin D16RGT with L.R.Baggs M80 soundhole pickup.
What is your experiences with feedback levels on the Fishmann and Bose?
make sure the mic or pickups are not directly facing the speakers. You need to be slightly off to right or left. If you stand directly in front of any speaker you will get feedback.
I experimented with it and I had to be really close for feedback. the Fishman will be a bit more sensitive than the Bose.
The Fishman
the Fishman Solo Amps have them all beat.
great voice!
your voice deserves a better mic than the hard and nasal sounding SM57, try the Audix OM7 and you will never go back :-)
Jim R I am in the market for a new dynamic mic. I have the audix om2. I like the sound but I’ve had problems with it. Have really been looking at the om5 and om7.
@@DebErney I have been using the OM7 for years in my sologig with backing tracks, great mic if you have enough gain in your mixer as it is about 10 dB lower in gain and practically impossible to get to feedback. You do have to get used to singing pretty close to the mic though but it sounds great, like a studio condensor mic
Good review! That is great when you move the mic around. My problem is I'd never buy Bose, ever. I watched your review for because I'm interested in buying a Fishman.
I'd like to sell my Bose and get the Fishman Solo again. I also have the Fishman Artist which is really nice.
Nice video. Thanks for taking the time.
Very excellent demo, Deb. Much appreciated.
I do question one part of your methodology though - volume selection. While I appreciate that you were trying to do an apples to apples comparison, in actual use with any amplifier, one would choose to set the volume based on the loudness needed for a given situation, not by the number on the dial. Furthermore, the volume resulting from any given setting may not be linear, thus 5 on one brand amplifier would not equal 5 on another. I think a truer test would be to use an SPL meter and set matching volumes for a selected reference tone, then conduct the test that you did here.
Of course, it is also interesting to determine the maximum possible volume in comparing two amps, but the only thing that really matters in this regard, is the size of the crowd or room that the amp can handle. Your comments about hearing the Bose down the hall, suggest that even at a lower SPL setting, the Bose has the upper hand in reaching the maximum audience.
All of that aside, I applaud your thoroughness, and the quality of your comparison.
Mark Hastings this is by no means a “measured” comparison. I love both systems and was curious to see the differences. Thought others may be curious as well and decided to film/record my little experiment. Love to experiment with equipment. Find differences and similarities. Yes, indeed, all settings, all equipment, all areas are going to sound different. Technically, every person in the audience will hear something different just based on location and their hearing interpretations.
Measured or not, your review was one of the most useful that I have seen. Thanks for posting it!
My keyboard player/singer uses the Fishman. We're going to try the Mackie Reach this weekend . Reviews are mixed but the specs are impressive . If I return it I'll look into the Fishman 330X . Bose is just too expensive. I compared the different models and the only one that is Great is the one with 24 speakers.
I had the Fishman Solo 220x(?). I loved it.
Damn good demo!