Nord User Forum

by **Rusty Mike** » 29 Jan 2018, 23:16

Based on what info I've managed to get on the S1 Pro (The Bose website is useless - they're pretty stingy with the technical specs), I still think the K8.2 is the better value. The S1 has a 6" woofer and weighs only 15 pounds; I can't imagine it pushing a high SPL unless they've invented some physics-defying technology.

Full disclosure - I've never played through a Bose system in my life, so I have absolutely no frame of reference. And, I admit that I am fully biased toward my K8.2's.

by **cphollis** » 30 Jan 2018, 02:56

Yeah, Mike, I had to convince you to try the K8.2s, but now you're a hopeless shill just like me

by **cphollis** » 30 Jan 2018, 03:19

ajstan wrote:I'm also interested in comparisons between the QSC K8.2 and the Bose L1 Compact, as I already have an L1c and am considering adding a single K8.2 as an alternative for practice and to use as a monitor at gigs.

I use the Bose T1 Tonematch mixer, which I primarily use for EQ (and a noise gate), as running direct to the L1c from my NS3 results in a boxy sound with too much bass and to a lesser degree, too much midrange. Once the EQ is dialed in, the pianos sound real, and the organ and synth sections sound great too. I don't doubt that stereo would be even better, but the NS3 really does a great job in mono mode.

If I'm playing alone, or with a singer and/or guitarist at a moderate level, I am very happy with the sound and get compliments from bandmates and people in the audience on how great things sound. So, for those scenarios, I'll happily keep the L1c.

The reason I am looking for alternatrives, is that when I play in a group with a drummer (not even loud players), there are two issues: 1) there is usually not enough space on-stage or in the practice area to place the L1c far away enough for me to catch a good sound, and 2) even if I do, I have to turn the L1c up too high and the sound gets boxy again, so I don't enjoy it as much.

Here's my wish list in order of importance:
1. Loud enough to use at practice with bands with a drummer playing at reasonable volume.
2. Clear sound so I can hear well enough to play expressively when used as a floor monitor and/or placed on a pole close to me.
3. Onboard EQ so I don't have to carry a separate device.
4. Would also be nice to use a monitor/PA combo for my NS3 for smaller gigs (with a drummer).

I think that the K8.2 covers #2 and #3, but would like to hear from K8.2 owners regarding the limits of it covering #1 and #4. Thanks in-advance for any thoughts!

Sorry, I missed this one.

My go-to amp for teensy stages is the CPS SSv3. Yes, there's a learning curve. But for those 30-patron bars with a postage stamp for a stage, works out pretty well.

To your questions?

#1 -- sure. Put it on a pole, it'll keep up with most drummers. Put a pair on poles, even moreso. When sitting on the floor, it gets loud but not insanely loud.

#4 -- sure. My drummers sometimes whine about kick drum thump, so I've got a small sub for that. It's their deal, not mine. I thought the bass drum coming out of the K8.2s was more than enough.

by **ajstan** » 30 Jan 2018, 04:41

Thanks, Chuck. Your post to Upbeat was helpful as well. BTW, love the Late Bloomer blog. Lots of great info and ideas. Looking forward to the next post!

by **Rusty Mike** » 30 Jan 2018, 14:38

cphollis wrote:Yeah, Mike, I had to convince you to try the K8.2s, but now you're a hopeless shill just like me

I have to admit Chuck that you were the one to push me over the edge!

I had a mild interest in the K.2's, but was very happy with my original K8's. After reading your accolades, I started planning and scheming. Quite by coincidence, a certain US retailer sent me a 20% off coupon by email. You know the ones - they only apply to certain items in the store. I put a pair of K8.2's in the cart and applied the coupon just to see if it would work. The next thing I knew, they were on their way.

In all honesty, though, they are a great purchase. It's an amazing sonic experience when you surround yourself in the stereo bath of the K.2's. Most of the time I only use one, and it still sounds stellar. The QSC's (old and new series) have amazing projection. I constantly get compliments on the quality of my sound.

The next tier up in speaker technology is much more than I care to spend, and these have amazing bang for the buck. I sold my old 8's for a decent price, so I feel I'm ahead of the game anyway. I'll be using the K8.2's for many years to come.

by **ajstan** » 05 Feb 2018, 01:01

Rusty Mike wrote:I just did a big band rehearsal last night with a single K8.2 and, well, let's just say I need more time to dial it in. I wasn't very happy with what came out of the speaker. I had it up on a small pole (about 3' off the ground), and was waaaaay to close to it. I sounded alright, but I think it can be drastically improved.

Hi Mike - I’m getting close to pulling the trigger on some of the K8.2s and reading through this whole thread. Were you ever able to get a single K8.2 dialed in for practice? If so, what did you do?

by **Rusty Mike** » 05 Feb 2018, 14:41

ajstan wrote:
Rusty Mike wrote:I just did a big band rehearsal last night with a single K8.2 and, well, let's just say I need more time to dial it in. I wasn't very happy with what came out of the speaker. I had it up on a small pole (about 3' off the ground), and was waaaaay to close to it. I sounded alright, but I think it can be drastically improved.

Hi Mike - I’m getting close to pulling the trigger on some of the K8.2s and reading through this whole thread. Were you ever able to get a single K8.2 dialed in for practice? If so, what did you do?

Tony, I have mine set with the Default preset, No Sub, with a -4.0dB at 1kHz. I also run both the 1 and 2 outputs from the Stage into the A and B channels on the K, and I do not use the Mono setting.

A little context: I mostly play in big bands or small jazz combos, and tend to prefer a darker, warmer sound over one that cuts. My go-to AP’s are the Grand Lady D and Amber Upright. So my preference to cut at 1kHz may not be favored for a rock player. I’m pretty sure Chuck runs his EQ flat.

Even so, I will fidget with the Nord’s EQ settings and speaker placement at the rehearsal/gig, and sometimes it just doesn’t sound right to me. There are many more times that it sounds great, but it’s very dependent on the room. It’s important to keep in mind that the K’s project amazingly well, and they sound better from 20 feet away than they do from 2 feet away.

Since it’s my only amplification, I use a short speaker pole to project into the room, and try to position it so it is at least 2-3 feet behind and to the side, and that it is not pointing directly at me.

I never have a problem with volume, and one of the bands can get pretty loud.

by **ajstan** » 05 Feb 2018, 23:41

Thanks, Mike. I've got a pair of 8.2s on the way. Can't wait to try them out at rehearsal this weekend. Also getting a Radial Key Largo - don't know if will make that big of a difference with the QSCs, but I know I wouldn't stop thinking about it until I got one. You and Chuck are dangerous.

Looking forward to turning off the Mono button!

by **Rusty Mike** » 06 Feb 2018, 02:36

Yea, certain people can be dangerous

But just remember that Chuck is worse! :lol:

For what it’s worth, I bought some real nice covers from an eBay retailer known as Connie’s Covers. They’re made out of moving blanket material and just slide right on. They’re a perfect fit. I recall they were less than $75 for the pair.

by **ajstan** » 06 Feb 2018, 06:33

I checked out the Connie’s Covers. They are a really neat solution. Making me rethink my purchase of the QSC totes. At least this suggestion will save me money!

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