Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker

Oct 29

In this article, we will be reviewing the Bose F1 Model 812. It is a Flexible Array Loudspeaker designed to be used for small performances or as a party speaker for medium-sized events. It’s popular with mobile DJs and bands for mobile performances or clubs looking to extend existing sound systems. We will give our honest opinion and recommendations as well as provide some alternatives to help you make an informed purchase.

The Concept

The Bose F1 812 is a large array speaker consisting of multiple drivers. This loudspeaker is a self-contained powerhouse with an internal 12-inch Subwoofer designed and eight smaller woofers to provide full-range sound.

Internally you will also find a 1000w amp capable of fully driving the unit, so there is no need for external amplification.

The purpose is to provide everything you need in a speaker setup without having to drag along extra components like external amplification and cables. It is designed to travel and take up as little room as possible. It can be mounted on traditional speaker stands or used in conjunction with the Bose F1 Subwoofer.

How did we test the Bose F1 Model 812?

This was a really different experience for our installer friends. They had a friend and client who had previously installed a set of Klipsch Heresy IV and was having a party for his engagement next to the pool area. He had hired both a local DJ and a blues band, so he wanted a simple solution he could use again in the future. He requested two Bose F1 Model 812’s be installed on a small elevated stage.

Really there was no installation process to speak of. The speakers were delivered, and we installed them on a set of tripod stands. After that, we configured the array in the J position as the crowd would be slightly down from the stage on a makeshift dance floor.

The Bose F1 812 allows you to optimize the sound directionally depending on the situation. You can have a straight pattern for if your audience is level with the speaker, Reverse J is for auditorium settings with the crowd level and above, and the C pattern is for a crowd that starts below and finished sable. Basically, it changes the directionality of the small drivers to ensure full coverage of the audience.

Specification

Frequency Response (-3 dB): 52 Hz - 16 kHz
Frequency Range (-10 dB): 43 Hz - 20 kHz
Nominal Dispersion: C: 100° H x 40° V
Maximum SPL @ 1 m: 132 dB SPL (peak)
Rated Power: 1,000 W
Number Of Drivers: 9 ( 8x Diaphragm woofers and one 12-inch subwoofer)
Dimensions: 26.1" H x 13.1" W x 14.6" D
Weight: 45lbs
Inputs: 2 input channels with independent volume controls and Line Level/Mic switch on Channel

Build Quality and Finishing

The F1 is a workhorse product. It’s designed for uses more extreme than just sitting in your living room. Accordingly, the build quality is very good and on par, if not better, than many PA speakers I have used in the past.

The body is made from a high-impact composite material; it has a little rough texture on the outside and isn’t completely smooth. This will stop it from rolling about in transport, but I would still advise anyone to get the official carry case. My concern isn’t for the body but for preventing denting of the grille, which we will discuss below.

The grille is made of perforated steel and is finished in black powder coating. It protects the driver array blow and can be removed by simply prying it off. The drivers will be safe. I don’t see anything getting through it, but if you care about the aesthetics, I advise you to be careful in transport because it is prone to denting.

It feels like an absolute solid unit which you expect from professional equipment. Even when picked up from the integrated rear carry handle it feels robust with no creaking or hint of cheapness.

Styling

The style of the F1 812 is very calm, and it stands out from the usual boxy design of other PA systems. The north to the south convex curve adds a touch of modernity while the angular design fits better into corners.

It looks somewhat of a cross between specialized audio equipment and consumer design.

Functionality

Ok, so a few people have asked us before if the Bose F1 Model 12 has Bluetooth, and I can tell you it does not. As I mentioned above, it is a speaker designed for work and less of a consumer-grade product. However, for those wanting to set it up in such a way, you can attach a small Bluetooth module to the line in connection. We have done this before and attached it using a 3M dual lock which essentially makes it a Bluetooth speaker. Maybe not what you wanted to hear, but the reality of the design, and to be honest, I do wish Bose had included Bluetooth connectivity to the unit as there are times when you just want to play music for a crowd rather than use it as a PA.

Inputs

There are two options in which to input to the system XLR and RCA. Both of these have an independent line volume control on the system's rear panel. There is also a line-level mic control.

The operation was very simple; you connect your input and then use the channel selection to make sure that line is currently active. In our setup, the band was inputting via XLR, where the DJ went with the RCA. Gain could be controlled via the attenuation pots on the back.

Other than that, there are a couple of status indicator lights, one on the front and another one on the rear, which let you see if the speaker is powered on and what source is selected dependent on the color of the LED.

Additional Info

There is no remote for this speaker, which I think would be useful, and there is also no app connectivity.

Sound

This thing is insane sounding as a stand-alone unit, immense when paired with a second, and downright wonderful when used with the subwoofer unit. I have heard all three, but for the purpose of this review, I want to talk about the sound from a single F1 Model 812.

The ability of the speaker to fill the space is incredible. Indoors we are talking a fairly large space, with crowds of up to 300 people will. It’s big and bold, and the 12-inch subwoofer punches harder than I expected. I don’t think you need the additional subwoofer power for those size crowds unless you intend on playing some deep EDM.

Clarity was another high point, I had expected that with the size of the subwoofer, the smaller drivers would be canceled out, but it’s just not the case. Right through the frequency chart, everything sounds distinct and clear. Mids are full and detailed, and highs articulate and crisp. I would consider the overall tuning to be natural and accurate to the source.

Now, we did have time to play about the different settings, and I want to give some advice on how to use it best. Bose claims four positions that the speaker array can be used in, but we created a 5th that gives more versatility and better sound in the right situation.

I explained the official settings and for what use case they work best, but when using a single speaker, the focus of the “straight” setting was next to useless. Here we found the sound to be far too centrally focussed with greater presence straight down the middle. To resolve this, one engineer suggested mounting the speaker horizontal and using the “C” position of the speaker array.

This widened the target of the speaker and gave far better coverage from left to right. In this position, you sacrifice some height and depth, so it isn’t as suitable in an auditorium scenario and best for crowds on a level surface.

How does it sound as a PA speaker?

These sorts of speakers are useful for all sorts of events and not just for playing music. We can certainly recommend them in churches or places or worship, lecture halls, and anywhere you need to amplify your voice for a crowd. Vocals through the Model 812 are extremely natural, with no extra boominess from the subwoofer. Her vocals sound well defined and very, very clear. Consider it an excellent, easily transportable speaker for such situations.

Positives

Excellent Build Quality and Modern Design
Adaptable sound is excellent and not just a gimmick
Well-made and capable of taking abuse
Integrated subwoofer and amplifier negates the need for external components

Negatives

The inclusion of Bluetooth would have expanded wireless functionality.
No Remote meaning you have to control volume via source or the back of the speaker

Final Verdict

I think Bose hit the nail on the head with the F1 Model 812. Not only is it extremely well made and sounds great, but the flexible speaker array's versatility gives it an advantage over standard PA speakers. The connectivity between units and the availability of an additional subwoofer unit on to which the 812 can be mounted shows us Bose is seriously committed to the line, and for the money, it’s what I would consider the class leader in this segment right now.

Official Website of the Bose F1 812: www.bose.com

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