Why Bose’s S1 Pro+ powered PA speaker is the stage master!

So, what exactly is it?

The S1 Pro+ is a multipurpose speaker. On the one hand, it’s a quality PA speaker suitable for musicians, street performers, and MC gigs, and on the other, it doubles as a Bluetooth speaker that will shake the wildest party.

What’s new with the Bose S1 Pro+?

First up, for the busker or musician on the move, the S1 Pro+ is extremely portable. It weighs just 6.5kgs and has a handle at the top for easy transportation. Fitted with a rechargeable battery, Bose list 11 hours of playback in the specs, but expect less if you’re ripping solos at high volume to your adoring crowd.

On the rear of the speaker is an integrated 3-channel mixer. Channels 1 and 2 can be used for a mic or instrument, with the 3rd reserved for Bluetooth streaming and AUX. There’s also an XLR line out port, a USB port to connect a computer, and a USB-C for system updates.

Each channel has an OLED display where volume, treble, and bass (and reverb for channels 1 and 2) are cycled through with a button press. It’s simple and concise. Rather cleverly, the OLED display follows whatever orientation the speaker position is in.

The speaker can be positioned in three ways: on the side and angled back like a stage monitor (it makes a good monitor, too), upright, or upright and angled back. It can also be placed on a stand. An onboard EQ will automatically optimise the sound whichever way the PA is positioned. Even the Bose logo badge will twist to suit the orientation.

One of the most exciting new additions is the introduction of two optional wireless RF transmitters: one for an instrument and one for a mic. Sold separately, these give musicians or performers the flexibility to wander away from the speaker for up to nine metres without being restricted by cables. Wireless transmitters can be notoriously temperamental, but we had no issues with the initial connection or staying connected while using them.

And, in an absolute masterstroke of design nous, there are two ports cited in the back of the speaker that doubles for convenient storage and charging ports for the transmitters.

The final piece in this exceptional jigsaw is the integration of the Bose music app. Think of it as a mixing desk in your hand. You can adjust the EQ parameters across the three channels from your smart device and save them as ‘scenes’ for easy future reference.

Within the app is another well-conceived idea. ToneMatch will enable a library of EQ presets to be accessed and used across the two instrument/mic channels. For example, if a Gibson 335 guitar is being used, the relevant preset selection in ToneMatch will deliver the best possible sound from the Pro S1+ for that instrument. It’s a superb set of tools to have at your fingertips.

Does it measure up as a good Bluetooth speaker?

Again, the beauty of the S1 Pro+ is the ability to double as a party speaker and a good one at that. Delivering a balanced sound profile suitable for many musical genres, the booming output here will suit a big get-together or a large room.

Our final thoughts

This is a fabulous PA speaker with a suite of features for various uses. It would make an excellent choice for a busker, a street performer, a wedding celebrant/MC, a gigging musician, or just a thumping party speaker to soundtrack a 21st birthday. We used it predominantly with a guitar and mic, utilising the wireless transmitters to go rogue around the house. The output is outstanding. It delivers a big, clean, punchy soundstage that suits many spaces. As an all-rounder PA, the new Bose S1 Pro+ is top of its class.