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DJ Tech Reviews

Bose F1

A compact powered sub with two 10-inch drivers and a built-in stand for the F1 Model 812; pricey for its size.

Bose F1 Subwoofer at an angle

Photos: Bose Professional

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4 of 4 reviews recommend it4.9/5 from 77 Thomann owners

See reviews
Best for
Mobile DJs and bands who carry their own PA and use the F1 Model 812.
Skip it if
You need deep sub-bass for large rooms, or a pole mount for other tops.

The Internet’s Opinion

From 4 professional reviews and 36 owner reviews: a fair amount of evidence.

Reviewers and owners agree it gets deep, punchy bass out of a compact box that one person can carry, and that the built-in stand makes it a natural partner for the F1 Model 812. The reservations are the price, a stand that suits only the 812, and a grille that offers little protection from moisture.

4 recommend0 mixed0 avoid

What people praise

  • Deep, punchy bass from a compact box with two 10-inch drivers
  • Light and compact enough for one person to carry and fit in a car
  • Works with other tops too, including Bose S1 Pro and L1 systems
Show 2 more
  • Built-in stand for the F1 Model 812 makes setup quick and tidy
  • Clean, professional look

What to know first

  • Expensive for what it is
  • Built-in stand only suits the F1 Model 812; other tops need a separate pole or stand
  • Steel grille gives little protection against moisture
Show 1 more
  • Some owners find it awkward to carry or lift with two people

Owner ratings, as the retailers publish them

  • Thomann4.9/5from 77 ratings · read Oct 15, 2026
  • Guitar Center5.0/5from 12 ratings · read Oct 15, 2026
See the 4 reviews behind this

4 professional reviews (4 recommend, 0 mixed, 0 avoid); 36 owner reviews read at Thomann (26) and Guitar Center (10)Compiled 2026-10-10How this is compiled

Video reviews

  • HappyRider ReviewsOct 2018Recommends

    Bose F1 Subwoofer Owner REVIEW - Best Sub & Powerful

    Bose F1 Subwoofer Owner REVIEW - Best Sub & Powerful

    HappyRider ReviewsOct 2018Recommends

Plays from YouTube when you press play. Picked from the reviews counted above, including one that disagrees where there is one.

Prices

Before you buy

Released
August 2015
Status
Current

Works with

  • Bose F1 Model 812Built-in stand

    A bracket stored in the subwoofer raises to hold the F1 Model 812 above it, with channels to hide the cables, so no pole or tripod is needed. Bose Professional, checked 2026-10-12

  • Other powered topsTwo XLR line outs

    Line outputs 1 and 2 send balanced signals to powered loudspeakers or more subwoofers; a switch sets them to full range or a 100 Hz high-pass. Bose Professional (owner's guide), checked 2026-10-12

  • Mixer or DJ controllerLine-level inputs

    Two XLR or quarter-inch combo inputs accept line-level signals, such as a mixer's or controller's master outputs. Bose Professional (owner's guide), checked 2026-10-12

You’ll also need

  • A full-range top speakerNot in the box

    The sub covers 40 to 250 Hz. The box holds the subwoofer with its built-in stand, a power cord and the owner's guide. Bose Professional (owner's guide), checked 2026-10-12

  • A mixer for microphonesNo mic input

    The inputs take line-level signals only, so microphones need a mixer or a top speaker with mic inputs. Bose Professional (owner's guide), checked 2026-10-12

  • F1 Subwoofer travel bag (optional)Sold separately

    Bose Professional lists a travel bag for the F1 Subwoofer as an optional accessory. Bose Professional, checked 2026-10-12

Key specs

Configuration
Powered subwoofer, two 10-inch drivers
LF drivers
2 × 10 in (254 mm) high-excursion
Amplifier power
1000 W, Class D
Max SPL
130 dB SPL at 1 m (peak)
LF extension
38 Hz (−10 dB)
Frequency response
40 Hz – 250 Hz (−3 dB)
All 13 specifications
Inputs
2 × XLR/¼-in combo, line level
Weight
24.9 kg (55.0 lb)
Outputs
2 × balanced XLR line outputs
Crossover
40–100 Hz bandpass; switchable 100 Hz high-pass on the line outputs
Dimensions
688 × 410 × 449 mm (H × W × D)
Power
100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 200 W max, IEC inlet
Enclosure
Wood cabinet, composite end caps, powder-coated steel grille

13 of 13 figures sourced; hover one for its source

Our take

Rory TassellWritten from the sources on this page, not from a loan unit.

All four professional reviews recommend it, and the 36 owner reviews read are all five-star: two 10-inch drivers give deep, punchy bass from a box one person can carry, and the built-in stand makes it a natural partner for the F1 Model 812. Owners note the price and that the stand fits only the 812; Home DJ Studio suggests a larger woofer for big sub-bass. Buy it with the 812 or S1 Pro tops for portable gigs.

What it is

Status, October 2026: current. Bose Professional still lists it among its portable PA products.

What it is

The F1 Subwoofer is a powered subwoofer from Bose Professional, made to pair with the F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker (Bose Professional product page). Bose announced that both were shipping in August 2015, as reported by rAVe.

Two 10-inch high-excursion drivers sit in a wood cabinet with composite end caps and a powder-coated steel grille, driven by a 1,000 W Class D amplifier. Bose Professional rates it at 130 dB SPL peak at 1 m, with a frequency response of 40 to 250 Hz (−3 dB) and bass down to 38 Hz (−10 dB). The cabinet has carrying handles.

A bracket stored in the cabinet raises to hold an F1 Model 812 above it, with channels that hide the cables, so no pole or tripod is needed.

The rear panel has two line-level XLR/1/4" combo inputs, for a mixer's or DJ controller's master outputs, and two balanced XLR line outputs for a powered top speaker or more subwoofers. A Line Output EQ switch sets those outputs to full range or a 100 Hz high-pass, and a Polarity switch corrects low-frequency overlap with the top speaker. Microphones need a mixer, since the inputs take line level only. A front LED shows power or limiting, or can be turned off.

It measures 688 x 410 x 449 mm (H x W x D) and weighs 24.9 kg. The box holds the subwoofer with its built-in stand, a power cord and the owner's guide; a travel bag is an optional accessory.

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