BOSE F1 Flexible Array Loudspeaker System Subwoofer Owner’s Manual
- June 9, 2024
- Bose
Table of Contents
F1 Flexible Array Loudspeaker System
F1 Model 812 and F1 Subwoofer
Owner’s Guide
BOSE PROFESSIONAL
pro.Bose.com
Important Safety Instructions
Please read this owner’s guide carefully and save it for future reference.
WARNINGS:
- To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose the product to rain or moisture.
- Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on or near the apparatus. As with any electronic products, use care not to spill liquids into any part of the system. Liquids can cause a failure and/or a fire hazard.
- Do not place any naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on or near the apparatus.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle
alerts the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the
system enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electrical shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle, as marked on the system,
is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance instructions in this owner’s guide.
This product contains magnetic material. Please contact your physician if you
have any questions on whether this might affect the operation of your
implantable medical device.
Contains small parts which may be a choking hazard. Not suitable for children
under age 3.
CAUTIONS:
- This product shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
- Do not make unauthorized alterations to the product; doing so may compromise safety, regulatory compliance, system performance, and may void the warranty.
Notes:
- Where the mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, such disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
- The product must be used indoors. It is neither designed nor tested for use outdoors, in recreational vehicles, or on boats.
This product conforms to all applicable EU directive requirements.
The complete Declaration of Conformity can be found at
www.Bose.com/compliance.
This product conforms to all applicable Electromagnetic Compatibility
Regulations 2016 and all other applicable UK regulations. The complete
declaration of conformity can be found at:
www.Bose.com/compliance
**** This symbol means the product must not be discarded as household waste, and should be delivered to an appropriate collection facility for recycling. Proper disposal and recycling helps protect natural resources, human health and the environment. For more information on disposal and recycling of this product, Contact your local municipality, disposal service, or the shop where you bought this product.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at their own
expense.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Bose Corporation could void
the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way: such as power supply cord or plug is damaged; liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus; the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
For Japan only:
Provide an earth connection before the main plug is connected to the mains.
For Finland, Norway, and Sweden:
- In Finnish: “Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoituskoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan”
- In Norwegian: “Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt”
- In Svenska: “Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag”
For China only:
CAUTION: Only suitable for use at areas with altitude less than 2000m.
China Importer: Bose Electronics (Shanghai) Company Limited, Part C, Plant 9,
No. 353 North Riying Road, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone EU Importer:
Bose Products B.V., Gorslaan 60, 1441 RG Purmerend, The Netherlands
Mexico Importer: Bose de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. , Paseo de las Palmas
405-204, Lomas de Chapultepec, 11000 México, D.F.
For importer & service information: +5255 (5202) 3545
Taiwan Importer: Bose Taiwan Branch, 9F-A1, No. 10, Section 3, Minsheng East
Road, Taipei City 104, Taiwan. Phone Number: +886-2-2514 7676
UK Importer: Bose Limited, Bose House, Quayside Chatham Maritime, Chatham,
Kent, ME4 4QZ, United Kingdom
Please complete and retain for your records
Now is a good time to record the serial numbers of your product. Serial
numbers can be found on the rear panel.
You can register your product online at
www.Bose.com/register or by calling
877-335-2673. Failure to do so will not
affect your warranty rights.
F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker ____
F1 Subwoofer ____
Introduction
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.
The loudspeaker and subwoofer each have 1,000 watts of power, so you can fill
nearly any venue with sound.
And now getting there is easier, too. The loudspeaker and subwoofer feature
light weight, high impact composite materials and strategically placed handles
for easy transport.
For the first time, the F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker allows you to focus sound
where it’s needed. So no matter where you perform, your PA has you covered.
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.
*The appropriate power cord(s) for your region is included.
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.
Adjusting the array
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:
-
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” on page 19.
F1 Subwoofer Control Panel
Note: For a complete list of LED indications and behaviors, see “LED
Indicators” on page 19.
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 followed by input sources and mixing
consoles.
Setting EQ selector switches
Recommended settings for the EQ selector switches on the F1 Model 812
Loudspeaker and the F1 Subwoofer are describe in the following table.
System Setup| F1 Model 812 EQ Switch| F1 Subwoofer LINE OUTPUT EQ
Switch
---|---|---
F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker used without F1 Subwoofer| FULL RANGE| Not applicable
Signal input to F1 Subwoofer, F1 Subwoofer output to F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker|
WITH SUB| THRU
Signal input to F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker, F1 Model 812 output to F1 Subwoofer|
FULL RANGE
or WITH SUB*| No affect
*Provides more bass extension.
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
- Turn the INPUT 1 VOLUME fully counter-clockwise.
- Set the SIGNAL INPUT switch to MIC.
- Plug the mic cable into the INPUT 1 connector.
- Adjust the VOLUME to your desired level.
Setting Up INPUT 1 with a Source
- Turn the INPUT 1 VOLUME fully counter-clockwise.
- Set the SIGNAL INPUT switch to LINE LEVEL.
- Plug the source cable into the INPUT 1 connector.
- Adjust the VOLUME to your desired level.
Setting Up INPUT 2 with a Source
- Turn the INPUT 2 VOLUME fully counter-clockwise.
- Plug the source cable into an INPUT 2 connector.
- Adjust the VOLUME to your desired level.
Connection Scenarios
Full band, mixing console stereo output to L/R F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers
Full band with mixing console, one F1 Subwoofer and two F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers
Mixing console stereo output to F1 Subwoofer and left/right F1 Model 812
Loudspeakers
Note: The recommend 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
Stereo input to Left/right F1 Subwoofers and F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers
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
DJ Console to two F1 Subwoofers and two F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers
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.
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker is plugged in, power switch is on, but power LED is off. | •Make |
sure the power cord is fully engaged into both the Fl Model 812 Loudspeaker
and the AC outlet.
•Make sure you have power at the AC outlet. Try operating a lamp or other
equipment from the same AC outlet.
•Try a different power cord.
Power LED is on (green),but no sound.| •Make sure the VOLUME control is turned
up.
•Make sure volume control is turned up on your instrument.
•Make sure your instrument or audio source is plugged into the appropriate
input connector.
•If the Fl Model 812 Loudspeaker is receiving input from the Fl Subwoofer,
make sure the subwoofer is turned on.
Instrument or audio source sounds distorted.| •Lower the volume of the
connected audio source.
•If you are connected to an external mixing console, make sure input gain to
the mixing console input channel is not clipping.
•Reduce the output of the mixing console.
Microphone is encountering feedback.| •Reduce the input gain on the mixing
console.
•Try positioning the microphone so it nearly touches your lips.
•Try a different microphone.
•Use the tone controls on the mixing console to reduce the offending
frequencies.
•Increase the distance from the loudspeaker to the microphone.
•If using a vocal effects processor, make sure it is not contributing to the
feedback.
Poor Bass Response| •If using the Fl Model 812 Loudspeaker without the Fl
Subwoofer, make sure the EQ switch is set to FULL RANGE.
•If using the Fl Model 812 Loudspeaker with the Fl Subwoofer, check to see if
the POLARITY switch is in NORMAL mode. If there is a fair amount distance
between the Fl Subwoofer and the Fl Model 812 Loudspeaker, setting the
POLARITY switch to REV may improve bass.
•If using two Fl Subwoofers, make sure that the POLARITY switch is in the same
position on each subwoofer.
Excessive Noise or System Hum| • When connecting a microphone to the F1 Model
812 Loudspeaker, make sure the INPUT 1, SIGNAL INPUT switch is set to MIC.
• Check to make sure that all system connections are secure. Lines that are
not completely connected could create noise.
• If using a mixing console, external source or receiving input from the F1
Subwoofer, make sure the INPUT 1 SIGNAL INPUT switch on the F1 Model 812
Loudspeaker is set to LINE.
• For best results, use balanced (XLR) connections on the system inputs.
• Keep all signal-carrying cables away from AC power cords.
• Light dimmers can cause hum in loudspeaker systems. To avoid this, plug the
system into a circuit that is not controlling lights or dimmer packs.
• Plug the audio system components into power outlets that share a common
ground.
• Check cables at mixing console inputs by muting channels. If the hum goes
away, replace the cable at that mixing console channel.
LED Indicators
The following table describes LED behavior on both the F1 Model 812
Loudspeaker and F1 Subwoofer.
Type| Location| Color| Behavior| Indication|
Required Action
---|---|---|---|---|---
Front LED (Power)| Front Grille| Blue| Steady state| Loudspeaker is on| None
Blue| Pulsing| Limiter is active, amplifier protection engaged| Reduce volume
or source input level
SIGNAL/CLIP| INPUT 1/2| Green (nominal)| Flicker/Steady state| Input signal
present| Adjust to desired level
Red| Flicker/Steady state| Input signal too high| Reduce volume or source
input level
POWER/FAULT| Rear panel| Blue| Steady state| Loudspeaker is on| None
Red| Steady state| Amplifier thermal shutdown active| Turn loudspeaker off
LIMIT| Rear panel| Amber| Pulsing/Steady state| Limiter is active, amplifier
protection engaged| Reduce volume or source input level
Limited Warranty and Registration
Your product is covered by a limited warranty. Visit pro.Bose.com for warranty
details.
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.
Technical Information
Physical
| Dimensions| Weight
---|---|---
F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker| 26.1″ H x 13.1″ W x 14.6″ D (665 mm H x 334 mm W x
373 mm D)| 44.5 lb (20.18 Kg)
F1 Subwoofer| 27.0″ H x 16.1″ W x 17.6″ D (688 mm H x 410 mm W x 449 mm D)|
55.0 lb (24.95 Kg)
F1 system stack| 73.5″ H x 16.1″ W x 17.6″ D (1868 mm H x 410 mm W x 449 mm
D)| 99.5 lb (45.13 Kg)
Electrical
| AC power rating| Peak inrush current
---|---|---
F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker| 100–240V ∼ 2.3–1.2A 50/60Hz| 120 V RMS: 6.3A RMS
230 V RMS: 4.6A RMS
F1 Subwoofer| 100–240V ∼ 2.3–1.2A 50/60Hz| 120 V RMS: 6.3A RMS
230 V RMS: 4.6A RMS
Input/Output Connector Wiring Reference
Additional Resources
Visit us on the web at pro.Bose.com.
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(USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America)
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Framingham, MA 01701 USA
Corporate Center: 508-879-7330
Americas Professional Systems,
Technical Support: 800-994-2673|
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Suites 2101-2105, Tower One, Times Square
1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
852 2123 9000
---|---
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See website for other countries
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Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
AM740743 Rev. 02