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 new S1 Pro+.

Firstly, the new speaker is slightly smaller and weighs 14.4lbs, 1lb less than the Pro. New 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 ¼” 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 new 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!

A closer look…

A new and improved take on Bose’s already-incredible S1 Pro portable, battery-powered speaker, the S1 Pro+ takes the functionality of the original unit and expands upon it greatly.

It’s still powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with up to 11 hours of battery life. The same multi-positioning capabilities with EQ that automatically adapts lets you use this 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.

Also carried over from the original model are handy ToneMatch presets, which 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. And at the heart of both, the three-channel digital mixer with reverb and high and low EQ controls is still present and accounted for, with an auxiliary input and Bluetooth streaming.

What can the new version do?

So, while we’ve covered the familiar aspects of the S1 Pro+, it’s time to look at what else is on offer. Firstly, some redesigned internal electronics and housing make the S1 Pro+ lighter, coming in at an easily portable 14.4 pounds. Combined with the extended battery life, the S1 Pro+ has improved longevity and adaptability.

The S1 Pro+ has added OLED displays on all three channels on the mixer, giving you instant feedback on volume settings, EQ, and reverb. App control via the Bose Music app has also been added, making it easier to control and expand the mixing capabilities of this speaker, letting you access the mixer settings and ToneMatch presets from a smartphone or tablet.

Plus, launching with the S1 Pro+ are some optional wireless transmitters (the speaker has built-in wireless receivers that work at the 2.4 GHz frequency range).

There are two optional transmitters 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, so you can avoid those cluttered performances where you have to dodge cables.

Bose are also releasing new 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!

Who’s it for?

The Bose S1 Pro+ is designed for great sound quality and versatility first. 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.