I've been seeing some interesting portable PAs with a big bass cabinet and then a very narrow set of midrange or high cones sticking out the top. One example would be the Bose L1 Pro32 (https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/spe ... kg_sub2_us) type system. However, I've seen similar ones from other manufacturers. (Bose is not cheap.)

Has anyone used this sort of PA for their setups? How well do they work for you? They look more portable than the more traditional setup, but they also seem more expensive, too. But they do look cool.

This post is probably a good piece of evidence that I'm out of the loop.

My keyboardist used an L1 to good effect for quite awhile. I haven't used one for my NS, but when I worked at a convention center we used these:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/IP1000V2--turbosound-inspire-ip1000

I was so impressed with the sound I later used a pair of their ip300's for a church install I did.

YMMV. I hold down bass in a trio and I *wouldn't* use these for that purpose. .they don't have that kind of low end. But I think they'd be good for more solo/"acoustic"/coffeehouse kind of stuff.

I use an Electrovoice EV50 when I need more volume. Wood cabinet, bass goes down near 35-37HZ. Very clear sound, no noise, the most quiet amplification I’ve ever used, when you don’t play it’s very silent. While it’s portable, having a case to carry the high frequency speakers and the pole that goes in between can have you making an extra trip. I’ve finally had the chance to play live twice in the last couple of weeks, everyone liked the sound. I also used a Beatbuddy. To my ears these work better for my Line6 Helix&Stomp vs the QSC K12’s they replaced.

The drawback of the EV vs the Bose products is the Bose has a much larger spread, amplifies at 180degrees vs 120-149 of the EV, so placement is critical if you want to hear yourself. Some of the reviews I’ve read on another forum I’ve read that when turned up really loud, the EV will sound better than the Bose. Never tried the “stick-PA’s” by Bose, but I do have an S1.

Not tried the latest JBl, they have a model I believe also has a battery, and the subwoofer can hole the pole and high frequency speakers so you can carry it all in one hand. Not as loud as the Bose you speak of though.