Bose F1 812, F1 Subwoofer Owner's Manual

F1 Flexible Array Loudspeaker System

F1 Model 812 and F1 Subwoofer

Owner’s Guide

Important Safety Instructions

Please read this owner’s guide carefully and save it for
future reference.

WARNINGS:

• To reduce the risk of re 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 lled

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 re hazard.

• Do not place any naked ame sources, such as lighted candles, on or near the

apparatus.

The lightning ash 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 sufcient 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 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 modications not expressly approved by Bose Corporation could void the

user’s authority to operate this equipment.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s

instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or

other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.

9. 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 t into your outlet, consult an electrician
for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the
manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specied 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.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualied 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.

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 ________________________________________

____________________________

2 - English

Contents

Introduction

Product Description ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Features and Benefits ................................................................................................................................................... 4

Carton Contents ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker .................................................................................................................... 5

F1 Subwoofer ................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Using the Flexible Array ................................................................................................................................................ 6

Adjusting the array .................................................................................................................................................. 6

Four coverage patterns ........................................................................................................................................... 6

Applications ............................................................................................................................................................ 7

Setting Up the System

Using the F1 Model 812 with the F1 Subwoofer ........................................................................................................... 8

Using the F1 Model 812 on a Tripod Stand................................................................................................................... 9

Operation

F1 Model 812 Control Panel .......................................................................................................................................... 10

F1 Subwoofer Control Panel ......................................................................................................................................... 11

Power On/Off Sequence ............................................................................................................................................... 12

Setting EQ selector switches ........................................................................................................................................ 12

Connecting Sources ...................................................................................................................................................... 12

Setting Up INPUT 1 with a Microphone .................................................................................................................. 12

Setting Up INPUT 1 with a Source ......................................................................................................................... 12

Setting Up INPUT 2 with a Source ......................................................................................................................... 12

Connection Scenarios ................................................................................................................................................... 13

Full band, mixing console stereo output to L/R F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers ....................................................... 13

Full band with mixing console, one F1 Subwoofer and two F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers .................................... 13

Mixing console stereo output to F1 Subwoofer and left/right F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers ................................. 14

Stereo input to Left/right F1 Subwoofers and F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers ......................................................... 15

Mic to F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker INPUT 1 .......................................................................................................... 16

Mobile device to single F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker .............................................................................................. 16

Mobile device to F1 Flexible Array Loudspeaker system ....................................................................................... 17

Mobile device to F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker and F1 Subwoofer .......................................................................... 17

DJ Console to two F1 Subwoofers and two F1 Model 812 Loudspeakers ............................................................ 18

Care and Maintenance

Caring for Your Product ................................................................................................................................................. 19

Cleaning .................................................................................................................................................................. 19

Getting Service ....................................................................................................................................................... 19

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................................. 19

LED Indicators ............................................................................................................................................................... 20

Limited Warranty and Registration ................................................................................................................................ 20

Accessories ................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Technical Information .................................................................................................................................................... 21

Physical ................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Electrical ................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Input/Output Connector Wiring Reference ............................................................................................................. 21

English - 3

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.

F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker F1 Subwoofer

AC power cord*

AC power cord*

Owner’s Guide

F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker

*The appropriate power cord(s) for your region is included.

4 - English

Owner’s Guide

F1 Subwoofer with built-in stand

Introduction

FRONT REAR

FRONT REAR

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.

Carry handle

Threaded M8
inserts

TOP

Flexible array

F1 Subwoofer

Built-in speaker
stand

Speaker stand
slots

TOP

Threaded
M8 inserts

Front LED

Carry handle

Front LED

Carry handle

Connections and
controls panel

English - 5

Connections and
controls panel

Carry handle

AC input connector
and power switch

Introduction

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

Pushing the array in Pulling the array out

Four coverage patterns

Straight pattern

Pull top and bottom array out

Reverse-J pattern

Push top array in, pull bottom array out.

J pattern

Pull top array out, push bottom array in.

C pattern

Push top and bottom array in.

6 - English

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.

Introduction

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.

English - 7

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.

Built-in speaker
stand

Stand slots

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

8 - English