Mixing on Bose 301 Series IV????

[stepXinXtheXmix]

I have a pair of Bose 301 Series IV that my dad gave me as shelf speakers.....they sound AMAZING on a normal stereo. Has anyone tried mixing on these or similar speakers? If so what kind of results did you get from your mix and if it's worth mixing on what kind of amp should push them? Thanks.

 

[heatmiser]

I use Bose 301 speakers for mixing. I like them a lot and I think I get good results with them. I power them with a Denon 80 watt amp.

I bought the amp and speakers in the early '90's (not sure about series IV specifically - probably a much newer model?) and have used them exclusively since then. Needless to say, I am quite familiar with their sound which probably helps.

A lot of people here will recommend against home stereo speakers, and I see Bose in particular being singled out as not recommended. The perception seems to be that they are particularly gimmicky or hyped or inaccurate or something. That has not been my experience, but then again, I have little experience with other speakers, so I am obviously very biased. I would recommend at least giving them a try, especially since you already have them for free.

 

[mixsit]

Aside from freq and other measures of accuracy (don't know, haven't heard them.. plus Bose doesn't even pretend to give specs), my first question would be regarding..

-Direct/Reflecting Speaker Technology Delivers a blend of reflected and direct sound similar to a live concert. You experience the power, impact and emotion of a concert hall performance in your own home.

-Stereo Everywhere Speaker Performance Delivers balanced stereo sound almost anywhere in your room. Hence it's called "Stereo Everywhere".

I've actuall wondered for quite a while though if that kind of spread and bounce' might make for a fairly cool acoustic guitar amp.

(as you can see in my sig I went the opposite in monitoring- point source down to around 600

 

[BushmasterM4]

I use several vintage consumer speakers to "Check Mixes", but never mixed with them. Like any speakers, mix on them, play the mix elsewhere on different systems and adjust the mix till it sound ok on all.

 

[stepXinXtheXmix]

I'll definitely give them a try, just have to buy an amp for them. Would there be any particulars to look at as far as type, brand, wattage, that I should consider? I'm kind of stoked to try them...like i said my Dad gave them to me, so I may have a secret weapon on my hands....

 

[BushmasterM4]

I'll definitely give them a try, just have to buy an amp for them. Would there be any particulars to look at as far as type, brand, wattage, that I should consider? I'm kind of stoked to try them...like i said my Dad gave them to me, so I may have a secret weapon on my hands....

If your dad has an old stereo system that powered them, use it. I power my vintage speakers with a Sansui 9090db receiver. But I would power them with an old receiver instead of an amp, and make sure the bass, mid and treble controls on the receiver are in the mid position (flat response).

 

[stepXinXtheXmix]

If your dad has an old stereo system that powered them, use it. I power my vintage speakers with a Sansui 9090db receiver. But I would power them with an old receiver instead of an amp, and make sure the bass, mid and treble controls on the receiver are in the mid position (flat response).

My dad JUST got rid of a Marantz head....mint condition...

 

[BushmasterM4]

There are plenty of old receivers on craiglist and at thrift stores. A good Pioneer or Marantz, Sansui, Techniques, Yamaha will do nice. Plus you can pick up a turntable and listen to vinyl !!! I personally would do the receiver route, but a monitor amp (any power amp) should work. But check out the Bose power specs and choose an amp close to its specs. If its 120 watts @ 8 ohms then choose an amp rated close to that. Hell a 20 watt vintage receiver will power those to nice levels. I pick up old receivers all the time for under $20 at thrift stores. I collect old vintage gear, you just cant beat the sound of those "silver face" 70's stereos.

 

[rayc]

Bose's reputation has taken a hit in the last decade or so particularly when they pushed the Lifestyle system of micro speakers & sub. A similar thing happened to Altec Lansing when they moved into computer audio.
I have early 90's era floor standing Bose in the living room & they are brilliant. I have an A/L EQ unit that is superb.
I used to monitor on AR speakers through a Sansui amp. I knew that combination very, very well & the mixes that resulted weren't too bad for that period & my experience.
I still have those speakers hooked up - now through a Yamaha amp as the Sansui eventually died - & use them for loud monitoring.
Ido close monitoring on cheapish purpose designed "monitors" now. The combination has resulted in better mixes.
In short - go with what you have. Upgrade if/when you feel the need.can afford to.

 

[BushmasterM4]

I just love old Sansui stuff !!!! Been keeping my eye out for a Sanui Pure Power G7000, 8000, or 9000.

Just Beautiful !!!!

 

[stepXinXtheXmix]

^I love the look of that. He had an old marantz receiver he sold on ebay for 400+/- and i wish i would have grabbed it before he did. I'll look around see what I can't find. I've been some ns10s but, like everyone else in the real world, i haves no moneys...