Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array loudspeaker User Guide

Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array loudspeaker

F1 Flexible Array Loudspeaker System

Product Description

The Bose® F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker is the first powered portable loudspeaker that lets you control its vertical coverage pattern. Simply push or pull the array into position to create “Straight,” “C,” “J” or “Reverse J” coverage patterns. And once set, the system automatically changes the EQ to maintain optimum tonal balance for each coverage pattern. So whether you’re playing at floor level, on a stage, or facing raked seats or bleachers, you can now adapt your PA to match the room.

Engineered with an array of eight high-output mid/high drivers, a high-powered 12″ woofer and a lower crossover point, the loudspeaker delivers high SPL performance while maintaining vocal and midrange clarity that’s dramatically better than conventional loudspeakers.

For extended bass response, the Bose F1 Subwoofer packs all the power of a larger bass box into a more compact design that’s easier to carry and fits in a car. A mounting stand for the loudspeaker is integrated right into the body of the subwoofer, so you always know where it is, making setup fast and easy. The stand even includes cable channels to neatly hide the wires.

Features and Benefits

• The flexible, eight-loudspeaker array of the F1 Model 812 allows you to select one of four coverage patterns to direct sound to where the audience is located resulting in better overall clarity throughout the venue.
• The vertical orientation of the eight-driver loudspeaker array helps deliver wide, consistent sound coverage, providing better clarity and tonal balance for speech, music, and instruments.
• F1 Subwoofer provides a unique built-in speaker stand for the F1 Model 812, eliminating the need for a conventional pole mount.
• Attractive design creates a unique system with a rugged but professional look.
• The bi-amplified design includes powerful, lightweight amplifiers that provide consistent output over long durations with extended dynamic range and lower operating temperatures.

Carton Contents

Each loudspeaker is packaged separately with the items indicated below.

F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker

Note: The F1 Model 812 comes with threaded M8 inserts for rigging or attaching accessory brackets.

CAUTION: Only professional installers with the knowledge of proper hardware and safe mounting techniques should attempt to install any loudspeaker overhead.

F1 Subwoofer

Using the Flexible Array

You can shape the coverage pattern by moving the position of the top and bottom array. The array position is held in place by magnets that trigger internal sensors that adjust EQ according to array shape.

Four coverage patterns

Applications

Straight pattern

Use the straight pattern when the audience is standing and their heads are approximately at the same height as the loudspeaker.

Reverse-J pattern

The reverse-J pattern is good for an audience in raked seating that starts at loudspeaker height and extends above the top of the
loudspeaker.

J pattern

The J pattern works well when the loudspeaker is up on a raised stage and the audience is seated below on the floor.

C pattern

Use the C pattern for raked seating in an auditorium when the first row is on the floor with the loudspeaker.

Setting Up the System

Using the F1 Model 812 with the F1 Subwoofer

The built-in loudspeaker stand is stored in the rear of the subwoofer. Setting up the F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker with the F1 Subwoofer is easy:

1. Remove the built-in speaker stand from the back of the F1 Subwoofer and insert it into the stand slots.

Lift the F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker and place it on the stand.

Plug in your audio cables. Feed the cables from the F1 Model 812 through the channels in the speaker stand to help keep them organized.

Using the F1 Model 812 on a Tripod Stand

The bottom of the F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker includes pole cup for mounting the loudspeaker on a tripod speaker stand. The pole cup fits a standard 35 mm post.

WARNING: Do not use the F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker with a tripod stand that is unstable. The loudspeaker is only designed for use on a 35 mm pole, and the tripod stand must be capable of supporting a loudspeaker with a minimum weight of 44.5 lb (20.2 Kg) lbs and an overall size of 26.1″ H x 13.1″ W x 14.6″ D (665 mm H x 334 mm W x 373 mm D) inches (mm). Using a tripod stand that is not designed to support the size and mass of the F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker may lead to an unstable and hazardous condition that could result in injury.

Operation

F1 Model 812 Control Panel

Note: For a complete list of LED indications and behaviors, see “LED Indicators.

SIGNAL/CLIP: Displays the input signal status in color.

• Green = signal present.
• Red = signal clipping, input signal too high

VOLUME: Adjusts channel volume.
SIGNAL INPUT: Selector switch sets input sensitivity for input type. Combo connector accepts XLR mic connector or ¼” phone
plug (TRS balanced or TS unbalanced cables).

• MIC selects sensitivity for microphone inputs (dynamic or self-powered mics only) – use only when a mic is connected directly to the input.
• LINE selects sensitivity for line-level inputs, for example, from a mixing console or DJ controller.

SIGNAL/CLIP: Displays the input signal status in color.

• Green = signal present.
• Red = signal clipping, input signal too high.

VOLUME: Adjusts channel volume.

RCA connectors: Analog stereo input for audio sources such as DJ controllers and other line-level sources. Left and right are
summed, producing a mono audio output and mono signal to LINE OUTPUT (XLR).

• Left (White)
• Right (Red)

¼” phone connector: Provides analog input for guitars and other instruments. Accepts TRS balanced or TS unbalanced cables.

POWER/FAULT:

• Blue = power on.
• Red = fault condition.

LIMIT:

• Amber = system limiting (protection mode).

FRONT LED:

• POWER enables the front LED to indicate power status.
• LIMIT engages a limiting display on the front LED.
• OFF turns off the front LED.

EQ:

• FULL RANGE allows the loudspeaker to function without high-pass filtering.
• WITH SUB engages a high-pass filter (100 Hz) when using the loudspeaker with the F1 subwoofer. Recommended when using with F1 Subwoofer.

LINE OUTPUT:

• Balanced XLR line output provides a mix of input 1 and 2, post-input volume control. Can be used to daisy chain speakers together

F1 Subwoofer Control Panel

Note: For a complete list of LED indications and behaviors, see “LED Indicators”

LINE OUTPUT 1 & 2: Individual outputs that provide balanced line output signals (pre-volume control) that can be sent to powered loudspeakers or additional subwoofers.
Note: When the LINE OUTPUT EQ selector switch is set to THRU, the LINE OUTPUT signal will be in full range.
LINE INPUT 1 & 2: Combination XLR – ¼” phone connector inputs that accept line-level signals. AC input connector. POWER on/off switch.

POLARITY:

• NORM is used when the F1 Model 812 loudspeaker is mounted on the supplied stand.
• REV may be used to better align the bass when the subwoofer is located further away from the F1Model 812 loudspeaker.

FRONT LED selector switch:

• POWER enables LED to indicate power status.
• LIMIT enables LED to indicate limiting.
• OFF turns off the LED.

POWER/FAULT: indicates power/fault status

• Blue = power on.
• Red = fault condition.

LIMIT: Amber = system limiting.
SIGNAL/CLIP: Displays the input signal status in color.

• Green = signal present.
• Red = signal clipping – input signal too high.

VOLUME – Adjusts subwoofer volume. The middle detent position is 0dB – nominal position when the F1 Model 812 and F1 Subwoofer are connected to a mixing console. Use 0dB position for a line-level signal input.

LINE OUTPUT EQ:

• THRU passes the input signal to the output with no filtering. Recommended when using with F1 Model 812.
• HPF passes input through a high-pass (100 Hz) filter. Affects LINE OUTPUT signals only.

Operation

Power On/Off Sequence

When turning the system on, turn on input sources and mixing consoles first and then turn on the F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker and the F1 Subwoofer. When turning the system off, turn off the F1 Model 812 and F1 Subwoofer first 5followed by input sources and mixing consoles.

Connecting Sources

Before plugging in a sound source, turn the VOLUME control of the channel fully counter-clockwise. The two independent inputs provide a combination of input connectors that can accomodate microphone and line-level sources.
Note: Only dynamic or self-powered microphones can be used for INPUT 1.

Setting Up INPUT 1 with a Microphone

1. Turn the INPUT 1 VOLUME fully counter-clockwise.
2. Set the SIGNAL INPUT switch to MIC.
3. Plug the mic cable into the INPUT 1 connector.
4. Adjust the VOLUME to your desired level.

Setting Up INPUT 1 with a Source

1. Turn the INPUT 1 VOLUME fully counter-clockwise.
2. Set the SIGNAL INPUT switch to LINE LEVEL.
3. Plug the source cable into the INPUT 1 connector.
4. Adjust the VOLUME to your desired level.

Setting Up INPUT 2 with a Source

1. Turn the INPUT 2 VOLUME fully counter-clockwise.
2. Plug the source cable into an INPUT 2 connector.
3. Adjust the VOLUME to your desired level.

Connection Scenarios

Full band, mixing console stereo output to L/R F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers.

Mixing console stereo output to F1 Subwoofer and left/right F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers

Note: The recommended EQ settings are provided under the heading, “Setting EQ selector switches” on page 12. However, for maximum bass response, set the EQ selector switch on both F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers to FULL RANGE and set the EQ selector switch on the F1 Subwoofer to THRU.

Full band with mixing console stereo output to two F1 Subwoofers and two F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers.

Operation

Mic to F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker INPUT 1

Mobile device to single F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker

Mobile device to F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker and F1 Subwoofer

Care and Maintenance

Caring for Your Product

Cleaning

• Clean the product enclosures using only a soft, dry cloth.
• Do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.
• Do not use any sprays near the product or allow liquids to spill into any openings.
• If necessary, you may carefully vacuum the grille of the loudspeaker array.

Getting Service

For additional help in solving problems, contact the Bose Professional Sound Division at (877) 335-2673 or visit our support area online at www.Bose.com/livesound.

Troubleshooting

If you experience problems while using this product, try the following solutions. The recommended troubleshooting tools include a spare AC power cord and extra XLR and 1/4” phone plug cables.

Limited Warranty and Registration

Your product has a limited warranty. Visit pro.Bose.com for warranty details. You can register your products online at www.Bose.com/register or call (877) 335-2673. Failure to do so will not affect your warranty rights.

Accessories

A variety of wall/ceiling brackets, carry bags and covers are available for these products. Contact Bose to place an order. See the contact information inside the rear cover of this guide.

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Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array loudspeaker-FAQs