Bose 802 Loudspeaker System Manual

The Bose 802 Loudspeaker System is a professional-grade, full-range loudspeaker designed for a wide variety of sound reinforcement applications. It features eight 4.5-inch full-range drivers arranged in a unique array, providing wide, even coverage and high output with low distortion. The system requires an external equalizer (typically the Bose 802C or 802IIIC) for optimal performance. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Connections 6. Connecting to Systems 7. Equalizer Setup & Use 8. Applications 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Loudspeaker Enclosure with eight full-range drivers, Optional Floor Stand or Mounting Hardware, Required External Equalizer (802C/802IIIC).

Feature	Description
Driver Array	Eight 4.5-inch full-range drivers for wide dispersion
Frequency Response	55 Hz - 16 kHz (with proper equalization)
Power Handling	240 watts continuous, 960 watts peak (per IEC standard)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	96 dB-SPL, 1watt at 1 meter (with equalization)
Connectors	Two Neutrik NL4MP Speakon connectors (parallel wired)
Enclosure	Durable, molded structural foam
Coverage Pattern	120° H x 100° V (typical)
Equalizer Requirement	Bose 802C or 802IIIC Controller required for proper response
Applications	Live sound, background music, portable PA, installed sound

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose appropriate location for intended use.

Positioning: Place on floor stands, mount on walls or ceilings using optional hardware. Ensure stable, secure placement.
Connecting to Amplifier: Use approved speaker cable (min 16 AWG) with Speakon connectors. Connect to amplifier output.
Connecting the Equalizer: Insert the Bose 802C/IIIC equalizer between the mixer output and the amplifier input.
Power Sequence: Turn on system in correct order: Source > Mixer > Equalizer > Amplifier. Reverse order when powering down.

WARNING! Loudspeaker is heavy; use proper lifting technique or two people. Ensure mounting hardware is rated for the speaker's weight.

First-Time Setup

For optimal sound quality, proper equalizer setup is essential.

Connect System: Mixer -> 802C Equalizer -> Power Amplifier -> 802 Loudspeakers.
Set Equalizer Controls: Set EQ switch to position for Series I, II, or III speakers as appropriate. Set INPUT LEVEL to match mixer output.
Initial Sound Check: Play pink noise or familiar music at low volume. Adjust amplifier gain for desired level.
Fine-Tuning: In the listening area, make minor adjustments to the mixer's graphic EQ if necessary to compensate for room acoustics.

CAUTION! Never operate the system without the dedicated equalizer. This can cause poor sound and may damage the speakers.

Specifications

Model: Bose 802 Loudspeaker (Series I, II, or III).
Drivers: Eight 4.5-inch full-range (8 ohm each, array wired to 8 ohms total).
Recommended Amplifier Power: Up to 240 watts RMS into 8 ohms.
Maximum SPL: 121 dB peak (with proper amplifier).
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approx. 15.5" x 23.5" x 11.25" (394 x 597 x 286 mm).
Weight: Approx. 28 lbs (12.7 kg).
Finish:Textured black paint.

Required Accessory: Bose 802C or 802IIIC Active Equalizer.

Operating Temp: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C).

Controls and Connections

The loudspeaker itself has no user controls. All system control is via the external equalizer and amplifier.

802C/802IIIC Equalizer Front Panel: POWER switch, INPUT LEVEL control, EQ switch (Series I/II/III), Bypass switch, Clip LED.

802C/802IIIC Equalizer Rear Panel: XLR/¼" combo INPUT jack, XLR/¼" combo OUTPUT jack, AC power inlet.

Loudspeaker Connectors: Two NL4 Speakon connectors (pins 1+/1-). They are wired in parallel. Use either connector.

Amplifier: Set amplifier gain/level controls according to system needs. Ensure amplifier is not driven into clipping.

Connecting to Systems

Basic connection for a mono or stereo system.

Turn off all system components before making connections.

For each channel: Run a balanced cable from the mixer output to the INPUT of the 802C equalizer.

Run a balanced cable from the OUTPUT of the 802C equalizer to the input of the power amplifier.

Connect speaker cable from the amplifier's output (8 ohm minimum load) to the Speakon input on the Bose 802.

For stereo, duplicate steps for the second channel.

Tip: Always use the equalizer's BYPASS switch to compare equalized vs. non-equalized sound for troubleshooting.

Equalizer Setup & Use

The equalizer corrects the speaker's inherent response for flat, natural sound.

Power: Connect equalizer to AC power and turn POWER switch on.

Input Level: Set INPUT LEVEL control so the CLIP LED illuminates only on the loudest peaks.

EQ Switch: Set to position matching your 802 speaker series (I, II, or III).

Bypass: Use the BYPASS switch to engage or disengage the corrective EQ curve. Normally kept engaged.

System Gain Staging: Adjust mixer output, equalizer input level, and amplifier gain so that no stage clips before achieving the desired volume.

WARNING! Do not use a generic graphic or parametric equalizer in place of the Bose 802C/IIIC. The required curve is specific and critical.

Applications

Common uses for the Bose 802 system: Portable PA for live vocals and music, Distributed background music in restaurants/retail, Main or fill speakers in houses of worship, Stage monitors (when placed on side), Installed sound for conference rooms or halls.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug amplifier before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the enclosure. For grille, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents, abrasives, or liquid cleaners. Do not expose to direct rain or excessive moisture. Store in a dry environment.

Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable safety and EMC standards. Copyright © by Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and the Bose medallion are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For technical support and product information, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Professional Division.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

No sound from speaker Power/Connections/Bypass Check amplifier power; verify all cables are secure; ensure EQ is not in BYPASS if signal path is wrong.

Distorted sound Amplifier clipping/Overload Reduce mixer or amplifier gain; check that EQ CLIP LED is not constantly lit.

Weak or thin sound Equalizer not engaged Ensure EQ switch is set correctly for speaker series and BYPASS is off.

Hum or buzz Ground loop/Cable issues Use balanced cables throughout; try lifting ground on one device (use caution); ensure all connections are tight.

One speaker not working Cable/Amplifier channel Swap speaker cables between channels to isolate problem to cable, speaker, or amplifier.

Reset: Power cycle entire system: Turn off amplifier, equalizer, then mixer. Power up in correct sequence.

Service: Do not open the loudspeaker enclosure. Contact Bose Professional Support or an authorized service center.

Bose 802 Loudspeaker System Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from speaker	Power/Connections/Bypass	Check amplifier power; verify all cables are secure; ensure EQ is not in BYPASS if signal path is wrong.
Distorted sound	Amplifier clipping/Overload	Reduce mixer or amplifier gain; check that EQ CLIP LED is not constantly lit.
Weak or thin sound	Equalizer not engaged	Ensure EQ switch is set correctly for speaker series and BYPASS is off.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop/Cable issues	Use balanced cables throughout; try lifting ground on one device (use caution); ensure all connections are tight.
One speaker not working	Cable/Amplifier channel	Swap speaker cables between channels to isolate problem to cable, speaker, or amplifier.