Positive viewer comment: I bought 4 of the S1 pro speakers and sent them all back, the battery was a big fail for music playback and voice, I only got 3 hrs max and when I buy a product I expect it to work as stated, I waited to see if something else would come out and the Buskers I bought 2 and the battery life is amazing, the sound is loud and clear and the mixer is far superior as far as features, I am buying 4 more my experience , I am 15 gigs in with these , they are loud and portable, 4 hrs and the battery doesn't come off the green!
The Bose has a slightly higher fidelity overall, and seems to have deeper bass. The Alto Busker has real nice highs to it coming out of that tweeter. I have 2 Bose S1 Pros and love them for cocktail hour music and ceremony use. I also am a big Alto fan! I had the Alto TS110A speakers first back in 2013. Still have them sitting in storage. I had the Alto TS112 speakers. Traded those in towards Alto TS215 speakers. I purchased the Alto TS212s too. Also have a Alto TS212W still! Sold all the 2 series speakers except the TS212W, and I bought the TS312 speakers. I have been using the 312s as my mains since. Typical wedding or corporate event with 120+ guests I take the pair of Alto TS312 speakers along with an Alto TS212S Subwoofer, and the two Bose S1 Pros for ceremony/cocktail hour use.
For male tenor vocalists, the smooth midsection of the Bose are excellent. I guess choosing a box depends on the purpose you need it for. For performers who need a sound that is pleasing to the majority without a lot of fuss, the Bose is hard to beat. I have used the new Bose ToneMatch mixer with the original Bose s1 and that combo with a Bose sub is ear candy for lite lifting duties. I really like your videos and approach. Glad to have found your channel. Subscribed!
@@hotchpotch3278 Aren’t we all!! Indeed, it’s good to be alive with smaller footprint equipment that has powerful, clear and lightweight technology on its side. Last night I used two both S1 with a large QSC sub and the results were pretty amazing for the immediate area AND 25 feet away. The 120° coverage really covers a lot of sins when it comes to creating an aural landscape in difficult spaces.
My QSC K8.2 and RCF TT10 both at 27 lbs are the heaviest I want to carry around. 51 lbs QSC KW122 and 74 lbs QSC K Sub, stay parked at home, in reserve for only the largest gigs!@@hotchpotch3278
Been watching your videos on live speakers for a while Will, invaluable stuff, no fancy studio backdrops, just honest in-depth empirical analysis of gear, they’re really very helpful thanks! I’d like to ask you a few questions on the Alto if I may: 1) Small size and low weight are the main factors that push me towards the Alto. Concerning its lack of low end, and considering as you also pointed out that it’s strange since it has a 6,5” woofer while the Bose has a 6”, could one get it any better by boosting the lows with the EQ on the Alto app? Or will the original factory tuning prevent any minor low end improvement? Not expecting any subwoofer performance of course, but maybe something closer to the Bose S1 low end could be achievable? 2) Main use will be live keyboard playing over stereo pop/orchestral tracks all coming from a laptop’s headphone out so the AUX input sounds like my best choice I guess. It is not unheard of AUX inputs having latency in some speakers, do you happen to know if the Alto’s AUX input has latency? 3) I’ve read of many issues with the Alto’s app repeatedly losing bluetooth connection to smartphones, have you had any experience with that? Thanks for your help Will, keep the videos coming!
Thanks for your kind words-much appreciated! Only reason to go with Alto is $$$. I would not play live with it. Lack of mids/low end will make your keys sound like a Casio toy! EQ on Alto is a joke, will not boost low end. I've had no issues with Bluetooth or latency with Alto. There are a number of complaints about quality control/mainly static on second channel. Spend the extra money and get either Bose S1 Pro Plus or EV Everse 8. Adding a subwoofer to the Alto is the only way to go for live sound.
Unfortunately using my iPhone 13 as my microphone, you can not hear the nice full bass of the S1Pro or the cleaner highs of the Alto! Alto has a dedicated tweeter that is missing from all of the Bose pro line. This results in the Alto's 20hz high end that Bose rolls off at 18hz. Use of multiple mid range drivers give the Hi-fi mid sound Bose is famous for. Multiple small drivers also give the 120 degree dispersion that Alto can not match.
Should work in that application. If it doesn't cover 100 people outdoors especially with wind, next step up would be the much more expensive EV Everse 8.
Hi again Bill and thanks for your reply. Unfortunately the Everse is out of budget... but I'm also concerned about throw/dispersion so maybe the Bose S1 Pro (and more 'hands on') would be a good compromise on price and requirements? Thank you.
thaks a lot...i have maui5 go and been watching your videos...no possibiility to hear the mackie or the alto..i live far away ..chilean Patagonia .. could you have an opinion..? i am not a musician, i am hearing house and tech ..although 70 years..and thinking going urban dj...grateful!
I also have the Maui5 Go. Bose S1 Pro and this new Alto both have a cleaner high end than the Maui. Maui will have better bass than the Bose, Mackie, and much better bass than the Alto. Running the Alto from the line out of the Maui would be an excellent improvement in the high end clarity and an economical combination!
Review was confusing. At 6.33 ish you said you were going to start with the Alto, then bring in the Bose, but you shone the light on the Bose immediately which suggested you started with the Bose. I didn't know where i was after that. Thanks for the effort though
I am toying with the idea of replacing my S1 with two Alto Buskers to get the stereo with less bulk than two S1s. I need to listen for clean max volume headroom.
Nice comparison as always... but would you say 2 alto buskers would sound better than 1 bose s1 pro.. considering which bass would sound better and which bass would go deeper before distorting..
Neither speaker has much bass but Bose has a fuller sound that extends down a little from their nice midrange. Getting a second Alto would increase volume but add zero bass. Instead of getting a second Alto, use that same $350 and get a Behringer B1200 subwoofer. You will have an incredible full range sound that would but the Bose to shame!
Yes it can but I have heard it has low gain for mics, not recommended. Viewer wrote: I eventually bought the Alto and I was very disappointed. I so far used a QSC cp8, which is unbeatable, but, as you said, requires AC, plus, if you are a musician you will need a preamp to model voice and guitar. So I was looking for something more compact and light for those days when I don't feel like loading myself too much; something small and ready to go. In my opinion, the ALTO might work out as a very portable PA system for DJs, but, as a street musician, it's virtually useless, unless it's paired to a preamp for both voice and guitar. On it's own it's so quiet, in particular the vocals. The effects are very weak and the eq it's pretty much a joke. I used it with a vocal/guitar preamp (BOSS VE-8) and finally something came out and I manage to get a decent sound and a decent volume, but still had to keep the volumes at, at least, 85/90%, so not much headroom. Positive note, it was holding the low notes of my baritone guitar fairly well, for such a small speaker. I, of course, wasn't even hoping to get the same output of the qsc from such a tiny thing, but, on it's own, there's no use for a busker (funny enough that what they decided to call it). I have to admit that the BOSE S1, which I always kind of snobbed, would be a better solution for those musicians who are looking for something light and compact. I haven't given up on the Alto yet, since carrying the boss ve-8 is not big deal and price and size are still attractive, but I am gonna have a look at the Everse 8. An 8" speakers might make me miss the QSC less on the lazy days.
No, it is all high end, little mids, no bass. It does have the volume though. Add a small subwoofer and you would have a great full range sound! ruclips.net/video/JyYHXJIk21w/видео.html
No, keep your S1Pro which sounds more full range. Alto is louder with a cleaner high end but NEEDS a subwoofer to sound full. Save up and get the new S1Pro Plus! ruclips.net/video/OnOYrrvYUC8/видео.html
Positive viewer comment: I bought 4 of the S1 pro speakers and sent them all back, the battery was a big fail for music playback and voice, I only got 3 hrs max and when I buy a product I expect it to work as stated, I waited to see if something else would come out and the Buskers I bought 2 and the battery life is amazing, the sound is loud and clear and the mixer is far superior as far as features, I am buying 4 more my experience , I am 15 gigs in with these , they are loud and portable, 4 hrs and the battery doesn't come off the green!
The Bose has a slightly higher fidelity overall, and seems to have deeper bass. The Alto Busker has real nice highs to it coming out of that tweeter. I have 2 Bose S1 Pros and love them for cocktail hour music and ceremony use. I also am a big Alto fan! I had the Alto TS110A speakers first back in 2013. Still have them sitting in storage. I had the Alto TS112 speakers. Traded those in towards Alto TS215 speakers. I purchased the Alto TS212s too. Also have a Alto TS212W still! Sold all the 2 series speakers except the TS212W, and I bought the TS312 speakers. I have been using the 312s as my mains since. Typical wedding or corporate event with 120+ guests I take the pair of Alto TS312 speakers along with an Alto TS212S Subwoofer, and the two Bose S1 Pros for ceremony/cocktail hour use.
A very helpful video. All three on the subject. Thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback.
Great video comparison Will. Liked the Bose more but it neeed a subwoofer if you use drums or backing rhythm 🎵
For male tenor vocalists, the smooth midsection of the Bose are excellent. I guess choosing a box depends on the purpose you need it for. For performers who need a sound that is pleasing to the majority without a lot of fuss, the Bose is hard to beat. I have used the new Bose ToneMatch mixer with the original Bose s1 and that combo with a Bose sub is ear candy for lite lifting duties. I really like your videos and approach. Glad to have found your channel. Subscribed!
Agree, application is everything! Welcome to the channel:)
I'm attracted by the idea of making everything smaller, lighter and multipurpose without sacrificing too much in the way of quality.
@@hotchpotch3278 Aren’t we all!! Indeed, it’s good to be alive with smaller footprint equipment that has powerful, clear and lightweight technology on its side. Last night I used two both S1 with a large QSC sub and the results were pretty amazing for the immediate area AND 25 feet away. The 120° coverage really covers a lot of sins when it comes to creating an aural landscape in difficult spaces.
My QSC K8.2 and RCF TT10 both at 27 lbs are the heaviest I want to carry around. 51 lbs QSC KW122 and 74 lbs QSC K Sub, stay parked at home, in reserve for only the largest gigs!@@hotchpotch3278
Great Video Sir ❤
that was a very good comparison Bill, my favorite is always the Bose in stereo with the sub 1. thanks Bill.
Thank you Sir, great video. I'll use for guitar and voice. What do you recomend?
Bose S1 Pro is more full range sounding and has better 120 degree throw. Bose also probably has better reliability. If you have the extra $$$ go Bose.
Been watching your videos on live speakers for a while Will, invaluable stuff, no fancy studio backdrops, just honest in-depth empirical analysis of gear, they’re really very helpful thanks!
I’d like to ask you a few questions on the Alto if I may:
1) Small size and low weight are the main factors that push me towards the Alto. Concerning its lack of low end, and considering as you also pointed out that it’s strange since it has a 6,5” woofer while the Bose has a 6”, could one get it any better by boosting the lows with the EQ on the Alto app? Or will the original factory tuning prevent any minor low end improvement?
Not expecting any subwoofer performance of course, but maybe something closer to the Bose S1 low end could be achievable?
2) Main use will be live keyboard playing over stereo pop/orchestral tracks all coming from a laptop’s headphone out so the AUX input sounds like my best choice I guess.
It is not unheard of AUX inputs having latency in some speakers, do you happen to know if the Alto’s AUX input has latency?
3) I’ve read of many issues with the Alto’s app repeatedly losing bluetooth connection to smartphones, have you had any experience with that?
Thanks for your help Will, keep the videos coming!
Thanks for your kind words-much appreciated! Only reason to go with Alto is $$$. I would not play live with it. Lack of mids/low end will make your keys sound like a Casio toy! EQ on Alto is a joke, will not boost low end. I've had no issues with Bluetooth or latency with Alto. There are a number of complaints about quality control/mainly static on second channel. Spend the extra money and get either Bose S1 Pro Plus or EV Everse 8. Adding a subwoofer to the Alto is the only way to go for live sound.
Unfortunately using my iPhone 13 as my microphone, you can not hear the nice full bass of the S1Pro or the cleaner highs of the Alto! Alto has a dedicated tweeter that is missing from all of the Bose pro line. This results in the Alto's 20hz high end that Bose rolls off at 18hz. Use of multiple mid range drivers give the Hi-fi mid sound Bose is famous for. Multiple small drivers also give the 120 degree dispersion that Alto can not match.
I don't think I mentioned, the Alto Busker has a USB charge port to charge your devices, original Bose S1Pro doesn't have this!
Great video, thanks Bill. I want it for outdoor garden speech event - up to 100 people. I think the Alto has it 👍
Should work in that application. If it doesn't cover 100 people outdoors especially with wind, next step up would be the much more expensive EV Everse 8.
Hi again Bill and thanks for your reply. Unfortunately the Everse is out of budget... but I'm also concerned about throw/dispersion so maybe the Bose S1 Pro (and more 'hands on') would be a good compromise on price and requirements? Thank you.
thaks a lot...i have maui5 go and been watching your videos...no possibiility to hear the mackie or the alto..i live far away ..chilean Patagonia .. could you have an opinion..? i am not a musician, i am hearing house and tech ..although 70 years..and thinking going urban dj...grateful!
I also have the Maui5 Go. Bose S1 Pro and this new Alto both have a cleaner high end than the Maui. Maui will have better bass than the Bose, Mackie, and much better bass than the Alto. Running the Alto from the line out of the Maui would be an excellent improvement in the high end clarity and an economical combination!
Review was confusing. At 6.33 ish you said you were going to start with the Alto, then bring in the Bose, but you shone the light on the Bose immediately which suggested you started with the Bose.
I didn't know where i was after that.
Thanks for the effort though
Yeah I know, it was really hard juggling the flashlight while holding the phone!
I am toying with the idea of replacing my S1 with two Alto Buskers to get the stereo with less bulk than two S1s. I need to listen for clean max volume headroom.
I'm thinking about the same myself, but I like the quality of Bose.
I'm a pro musician but the Alto is maybe a bit hobbyist.
Vocals won't trouble the tweeter at all
Nice comparison as always... but would you say 2 alto buskers would sound better than 1 bose s1 pro.. considering which bass would sound better and which bass would go deeper before distorting..
Neither speaker has much bass but Bose has a fuller sound that extends down a little from their nice midrange. Getting a second Alto would increase volume but add zero bass. Instead of getting a second Alto, use that same $350 and get a Behringer B1200 subwoofer. You will have an incredible full range sound that would but the Bose to shame!
Can the Alto accommodate two microphones for karaoke use?
Yes it can but I have heard it has low gain for mics, not recommended.
Viewer wrote: I eventually bought the Alto and I was very disappointed. I so far used a QSC cp8, which is unbeatable, but, as you said, requires AC, plus, if you are a musician you will need a preamp to model voice and guitar. So I was looking for something more compact and light for those days when I don't feel like loading myself too much; something small and ready to go. In my opinion, the ALTO might work out as a very portable PA system for DJs, but, as a street musician, it's virtually useless, unless it's paired to a preamp for both voice and guitar. On it's own it's so quiet, in particular the vocals. The effects are very weak and the eq it's pretty much a joke. I used it with a vocal/guitar preamp (BOSS VE-8) and finally something came out and I manage to get a decent sound and a decent volume, but still had to keep the volumes at, at least, 85/90%, so not much headroom. Positive note, it was holding the low notes of my baritone guitar fairly well, for such a small speaker. I, of course, wasn't even hoping to get the same output of the qsc from such a tiny thing, but, on it's own, there's no use for a busker (funny enough that what they decided to call it). I have to admit that the BOSE S1, which I always kind of snobbed, would be a better solution for those musicians who are looking for something light and compact. I haven't given up on the Alto yet, since carrying the boss ve-8 is not big deal and price and size are still attractive, but I am gonna have a look at the Everse 8. An 8" speakers might make me miss the QSC less on the lazy days.
Thank you for the thorough response
Do you think the Alto can handle a keyboard ?
No, it is all high end, little mids, no bass. It does have the volume though. Add a small subwoofer and you would have a great full range sound! ruclips.net/video/JyYHXJIk21w/видео.html
I have a friend who uses his S1 Pro with his Yamaha YC61. It has pretty good sound IMHO.
if you have the money of course Bose wins but Alto is an excellent buskers speaker and less $$$
Agree! Couldn't have said it better myself:)
Excuse me what it's better alto busker or Bose s1 pro?
@@victorastovilca9087 BOSE ... but for 1/4 of the price you can buy ALTO but quality and sound is just a bit inferior
Alto more hi...bose is good
What do you recommend, I have s1pro, what to do, sell it and get alto, it's worth it
No, keep your S1Pro which sounds more full range. Alto is louder with a cleaner high end but NEEDS a subwoofer to sound full. Save up and get the new S1Pro Plus! ruclips.net/video/OnOYrrvYUC8/видео.html
I tested both, the alto has more power but the quality is poor, the bose has more bass and clearer for singers, I don't recommend it
Thanks, tend to agree. If you pair with a sub, I would take the Alto for cleaner high end and better head room.
Alto Busker over Bose Sub1- my new #1 Micro PA! Of course Everse8 is better but much more $$$$ ruclips.net/video/JyYHXJIk21w/видео.html
Alto Busker over Bose Sub1- my new #1 Micro PA! Of course Everse8 is better but much more $$$$ ruclips.net/video/JyYHXJIk21w/видео.html