S1 Pro+ vs. S1 Pro

Before we dive into the details, let’s uncover, in a nutshell, exactly what the differences are between the S1 Pro and the S1 Pro+.

Firstly, the most recent speaker is slightly smaller and weighs 14.4lbs, 1lb less than the Pro. Mic/line and instrument wireless transmitters (sold separately) are also available for the S1 Pro+, which pair with the integrated wireless RF receivers. These can be stored in the Pro+’s built-in charging bays, which charge the transmitters when they’re not in use. Better still, when they are in use, you can turn that channel’s 1/4” input into an effects input. This is a convenient and extremely easy setup for guitarists with a pedalboard!

As for the actual user interface of the S1 Pro+, this has been greatly improved on since the Pro. There are intuitive rotating OLED displays on the updated model – and these are for each channel, making it easy to adjust independent EQ, reverb, ToneMatch controls, and more. The old unit, on the other hand, did have independent volume knobs for each parameter, but no OLED displays.

Further enhancing the wireless nature and portability of the speaker is the Bose Music app. With this, you can access all those OLED controls on the speaker remotely as well as Bose’s full collection of ToneMatch EQ presets.

And finally, the latest and greatest feature – Live Stream mode. This transforms the unit into an audio interface when it’s connected to a computer via USB-C, so you can record whilst monitoring yourself through the S1 Pro+ or perform for an online audience. Pretty nifty!

Bose S1 Pro+ review

Portability

Some redesigned internal electronics and housing make the S1 Pro+ lighter, coming in at an easily portable 14.4 pounds. It’s still powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with up to 11 hours of battery life. This is an upgrade from the original speaker that gives the S1 Pro+ improved longevity and adaptability.

Bose also offer custom play-through covers. These protect your speaker in transit while letting you access all the important controls and built-in handle, and you can even play your entire show or event through the speaker without impacting the sound whatsoever!

Interface and usability

The S1 Pro+ has OLED displays on all three channels on the mixer, giving you instant feedback on volume settings, EQ, and reverb.

To make life even easier, you can also control the speaker via the Bose Music app. This expands the mixing capabilities of this speaker, letting you access the mixer settings and ToneMatch presets from a smartphone or tablet. And for even greater usability, there’s Live Stream mode.

Sound quality and adaptability

We’ve mentioned the ToneMatch presets, but they’re worth highlighting even further. These are custom EQ curves attuned to specific microphones or instruments. Whatever you connect, the S1 Pro+ has a specific EQ curve to get the most out of it. Plus, with multi-positioning capabilities and EQ that automatically adapts, you can use the S1 Pro+ as a front-of-house speaker for compact live gigs and parties, a stage monitor wedge, or kicked back to get maximum coverage during street performances.

Most important, though, is the sound. The S1 Pro+ delivers a beautifully rich, full, and clear sound that fills the room of any small gig. It’s surprisingly powerful for such a compact, lightweight speaker – but that’s the point of the S1 Pro+; it’s a gig-ready portable speaker that’s ready to deliver a professional output.

Connectivity

The S1 Pro+ comes with two combo jacks, a TRS 1/4″ aux input, a 1/8″ aux input, and an XLR line output along with Bluetooth streaming.

There are built-in wireless receivers that work at the 2.4 GHz frequency range, and two optional transmitters are also available – one for instruments and one for microphones, so you can wirelessly connect whatever you need to the S1 Pro+. This adds to the freedom of this speaker and avoids cluttered performances where you have to dodge cables.

Who is the Bose S1 Pro+ suited to?

The Bose S1 Pro+ is designed for great sound quality and versatility first, so if you’re a gigging musician or a busker, this is a PA speaker for you. Any time, any place that you might want sound, this speaker can and will handle it. In live venues or DJ sets, the S1 Pro+ can either be a stage monitor for personal playback or a front-of-house speaker to deliver your music to the audience.

However, these are very far from the only use cases it can adapt to; it’s also great for busking and street performances and parties – both indoors and outdoors.

FAQs

Can I carry the Bose S1 Pro+ on a flight?

You can carry the Bose S1 Pro+ on a flight, but you will need to take it on as hand luggage due to the lithium battery. 

How long does Bose S1 Pro+ last?

The Bost S1 Pro+ has a battery life of up to 11 hours – more than enough for gigs and busking! The rechargeable battery eliminates the need for cables, meaning you can set up and play pretty much anywhere. 

What are the benefits of the Bose S1 Pro+?

The main benefits of the Bost S1 Pro+ are how portable and easy it is to use, yet also how extensive its feature set is. It gives you plenty of ways to sculpt the sound to your environment with its ToneMatch presets and multi-positioning capabilities. In essence, it’s a powerful do-it-all portable PA speaker. 

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a new PA speaker to easily take to and from gigs, we hope our Bose S1 Pro+ review has highlighted why this small yet mighty powerhouse is so popular! Take a look at the speaker for yourself via the link below.