Going Wireless. Yes or No?

[Chasbo]

Old School Bassist, Tethered to a chord for many years. Last Year I bit the bullet and went wireless with a G-50, Yes there are batteries and spare batteries and more to carry on stage but the freedom that wireless allows makes it all worth it. Line 6 is not cheap but there is a lot of junk wireless systems on the market so buyer beware. I carry a chord as a backup in my stage box but so far I havent needed it. My 2 cents worth.

[bassmeknik]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Yes. Line6 G50.

+1 I didn't know how much I hated cords until I got a G50 and then broke it by rough handling (had to use a cord again recently, UGG) I'm never going back to cords even for the smallest stages. I move a lot and often needed to untangle my cord multiple times per SET so wireless I am.

I do recommend buying new and getting an accidental damage warranty. Worth every penny they will fix it or give you 100% store credit towards a new one if yours is not repairable. I will have a working wireless for another 2 1/2 years regardless and I love it.

If you tour get 2, one for back-up they do take a beating. EDIT or maybe just 2 transmitters and an extra cable to go from the transmitter to the bass, they are an odd connector (mini XLR) and very hard to find in the Detroit erea. I carry extras of ALL cords ALWAYS.

[Medford Bassman]

I use a shure wireless for the past 4 years and love it. It's always been a solid performer for me. Tone is solid. I use good rechargeables and it has never failed.

[klejst]

Wireless although it offers convenience, I still stick with the chord. Just plug it in and go. If you are stuck on wireless make sure you get a good one. My buddy tried to skimp getting a cheap one and it was a nightmare for him. Needless to say he went back to plugging in with a chord.

[Steve Dallman]

I play a Variax 5 string. I used an AKG wireless and have never had a problem or issue with it. But to use it, I have to run the Variax on batteries. It takes 6 AA's and they last through two gigs, plus adds more weight to an already heavy bass. I finally went back to a cord, lightening my bass, and saving me some money. I even went to a shorter cord, to help keep the cord mess under control. I'm sure gigs will come up where I'll want the wireless again, but for now, the places we play are small, and the need to use it isn't there.

[Kmonk]

I have been using a Sennheiser wireless for year and definitely prefer it over a cable. If you decide to get one, you are better off spending a little more money and get a good one.

[bigdbass]

What is an example of "good" rechargables?

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by bigdbass

What is an example of "good" rechargables?

Sanyo Eneloop are generally considered good. You just need to be careful about the voltage. Rechargeable batteries, like Eneloops, put out 1.2v. A lot of equipment doesn't like that.

[MC1970]

What bassgod0dmw wrote concerning batteries is right, if you want to be sure usually wireless systems which offer the rechargeable battery pack option can handle rechargeable AA's well.
Systems which don't offer same option might like AA's as well, but you'd better check before purchase ;-)

M.

[rzpooch]

I've been using a shure pgx for about 5 years with no issues. I will never go back to cords! Sure you have more to bring in, but it's not that big a deal. Batteries last 2 4 hours gigs. You can go out front and hear how you actually sound, not how you think you sound. Of course you can dance with the crowd too. I usually wander around and say hi to everyone, thank them for coming out too. cut the cord baby!

[FuturePrimitive]

Need? I suppose nobody needs wireless but I'll never go back to wired. I have an older X2 and a set of rechargeable 9Vs that still work great. I don't even use a cable at home when I'm practicing! Silly yes, but even at home I love being able to roam around without stepping or tripping on my cable. I'm not exactly a wild man on stage but I don't stand still or in one spot. I've never had a wireless issue live but I still have a backup cable "pre-deployed" and ready to plug in when I'm playing out, as much as I love my wireless nothing is fool-proof, especially for this fool.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by FuturePrimitive

I've never had a wireless issue live but I still have a backup cable "pre-deployed" and ready to plug in when I'm playing out, as much as I love my wireless nothing is fool-proof, especially for this fool.

always wise!

i keep my G50 receiver on top of the amp, and use the same long cable i'd use anyway to go from it to my pedalboard out front; should the worst happen and i can't fix it in a few seconds, i'll just yank the cable out of the wireless receiver and plug it into my instrument and carry on.

[bigdbass]

Originally Posted by walterw

always wise!

i keep my G50 receiver on top of the amp, and use the same long cable i'd use anyway to go from it to my pedalboard out front; should the worst happen and i can't fix it in a few seconds, i'll just yank the cable out of the wireless receiver and plug it into my instrument and carry on.

Hey that's a great idea!

[seanm]

Originally Posted by walterw

always wise!

i keep my G50 receiver on top of the amp, and use the same long cable i'd use anyway to go from it to my pedalboard out front; should the worst happen and i can't fix it in a few seconds, i'll just yank the cable out of the wireless receiver and plug it into my instrument and carry on.

+2 My XDS-95 used to randomly fail at the end of the night, so I just plugged in. Took no time at all.

[millsbass5]

I've used the same wireless system since the late-80's/early-90's, and I've never had a problem with it. It's an older model from Sennheiser. Back in the day, that model cost me almost a grand! It better be good for that kinda jack. The big perception using one on a bass is that you'll lose some low-end. I imagine that may be the case with some of the lower-end models. When it comes to that, the old addage is usually true with gear 95% of the time..... "You get what you pay for."
It really does add another wrinkle to the gig experience at first. That feeling of freedom. Kinda like the feeling of power you get when you hold a gun in your hand.

[pbass6811]

Although I'm "corded" at the moment, I've used wireless units in the past and I think they're great AS LONG AS YOU GET A GOOD QUALITY ONE! But a wireless unit(Line 6 G50)is a lower priority at this moment(I need to "finish" my pedalboard-which will include the wireless). They do reduce stage clutter and it does look cool. Having said that, there's no way I'd tell you to get one to satisfy your singer unless that fool wants to help pay for it! If you're happy doing what you do the way you do it, then keep doing it!

When I do finally get one, it'll mainly be to keep me from standing on my cord, which I find pretty uncomfortable. I use an 18' and I move around a lot. I'm always moving the cord out of my way, but, invariably, I will find myself standing on my cord at some point, which sucks...

[bigsnaketex]

I love the wireless!! Do I need wirelless - NO. But it sure is cool.

As we all know in the music buisness - need and want are two entirely different things but I suspect once you untether yourself, you'll not want to go back.

But yes, yes, yes - do spend the money up front.

I for one, buy batteries in bulk and don't use rechargeable ones. I've had "issues" with rechargeable batteries on stage.

But as with everything on Talk Bass - Your Mileage May Vary!!

[bassgod0dmw]

I finally bit the bullet and ordered a G50. We recently upgraded our PA and now I need to run out front to take a listen to the mix. Wireless will make that much easier.

Besides, the last gig I was tripping over my cable left and right. It was annoying. Plus I'm sick of my drummer coming out from behind the kit and standing all over my cables.

[bass12]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

Besides, the last gig I was tripping over my cable left and right. It was annoying. Plus I'm sick of my drummer coming out from behind the kit and standing all over my cables.

Speaking of standing on cables, it never ceases to amaze me how many sound guys will step on my cables during set up/sound check. These guys should know better! Anyway, after having now done a few shows with my new wireless setup I can say that I'm really pleased.

[masterFlash]

Wireless is the best. Even when my 5 piece band is crammed on a 8'x10' stage.

there is no untangling
there is no stepping on your cord

but.
bring extra batteries (and a bttery tester is agood idea)
have an extra patch cord deployed and ready to go.