New Line6 Wireless - Relay G55

Addni · #1 09-29-2012, 10:32 AM

For those interested (taken from http://soundforums.net/hub/1191-line...ar-system.html)

Sounds interesting! One thing I dislike about my G50 unit is it's shape, I'd like an amp top with optional rack ears and the lack of some sort of lock for the power cable. G55 has both.

CALABASAS, Calif.—September 25, 2012—Line 6, Inc. today announced shipment of Relay® G55, a tour-grade digital wireless in a compact, half-rack format that enables guitarists to experience wireless freedom without compromising their tone. Built upon the patented, fourth-generation Line 6 digital wireless platform, Relay G55 joins the rest of the Relay instrument wireless family in leading the digital wireless revolution for guitarists.

“Proven on countless stages worldwide, Relay guitar wireless systems are the only option for musicians who really care about their tone,” says Steve Devino, live sound product manager at Line 6. “The new Relay G55 system brings the superior audio quality and reliability of the patented, fourth-generation Line 6 digital wireless platform to touring musicians who need a compact form factor for amp-top or rackmount use.”

Unlike analog wireless gear, Relay systems never use signal companding to compress and expand the signal, and therefore have the unique ability to deliver full dynamic range. With 12 channels of 24-bit audio, full 10Hz–20kHz frequency response and 117dB dynamic range (A weighted), the Relay G55 digital wireless signal is indistinguishable from a high-quality guitar cable, up to 300 feet. Unique, selectable Cable Tone functionality simulates the subtle frequency roll-off characteristics of a standard 25-foot cable.

Relay G55 operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band, which is free from audio interference from TV broadcasts, white space devices and countless other sources that plague analog wireless systems. In addition, Line 6 digital wireless systems use encoded DCL™ (Digital Channel Lock) technology to distinguish and protect signals from third-party sources.

Like all Line 6 digital wireless systems, Relay G55 is easy to set up and use. Customers can simply pick any of the 12 available channels and the transmitter and receiver lock together instantly. Worldwide, license-free operation eliminates worry about fees or compatibility issues.

All Line 6 digital wireless products share the same technology platform, making it easy for customers to mix and match instrument and vocal systems to suit their needs. Customers can use up to 12 Relay G55 systems simultaneously, or combine Relay and XD-V products, to create a rig ready for any live sound scenario.

Relay G55 is built for rock-solid performance night after night. Featuring a robust metal body, the bodypack transmitter is rugged, reliable and ready for the road. The receiver is housed in a solid aluminum chassis and fits easily on top of an amplifier—while the optional rack mount kit makes it easy to adapt Relay G55 to any professional installation.

Relay G55 is now available at a USMSRP of $629.99. Learn more at line6.com/relay-G55.

seamonkey · #2 09-29-2012, 11:00 AM

"Relay G55 operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band, which is free from audio interference from TV broadcasts, white space devices and countless other sources that plague analog wireless systems. In addition, Line 6 digital wireless systems use encoded DCL™ (Digital Channel Lock) technology to distinguish and protect signals from third-party sources."

This is just a silly marketing statement. 2.4Ghz is full of digital devices. It's radio frequencies, not audio. And Line 6 is digital, so it's not going to pass through radio interference. It will just cut off - pick a less congested channel on the front.

You'll be seeing a lot more white space devices coming out in the next few years.
Much longer distances, goes through obstacles. Super WiFi is white space. I bet even Line 6 gets into these bands.

This is great wireless system. Digital is best. Line 6 has been turning out great systems for years.

$500 for a cable is unheard of, $500 for a digital wireless - its better than a $500 cable.

walterw · #3 09-30-2012, 01:25 AM

looks pretty sexy, but it uses the same beltpack with the same plastic jack, with the same issue of the cable not locking securely into it.

here's the upgrade they need to make!

this was a bitch to wire up, but it solved all my reliability problems with the beltpack.

Munjibunga · #4 09-30-2012, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

looks pretty sexy, but it uses the same beltpack with the same plastic jack, with the same issue of the cable not locking securely into it.

here's the upgrade they need to make!

this was a bitch to wire up, but it solved all my reliability problems with the beltpack.

Yeah, I was going to ask if they fixed the transmitter jack. I haven't had any problems with mine, but I use Shure cables.

Anyway, how much of a bitch was it to convert yours? Did you go to a quarter-inch jack? Are there any diagrams out there for the conversion?

jonas_24112 · #5 09-30-2012, 09:09 AM

My G50 had less than 6 gigs on it and something went wrong. Has been at an authorized repair shop since July 30 2012. Line 6 says repair parts (cable and board) are on back order till October. Numerous calls to repair shop and Line 6 CS have gotten me nowhere. Once I get something resolved I will be giving numerous and detailed reviews on the whole experience to every board and retailer I can find. It is extremely disheartening to pay that much money for something to get such crappy service.

walterw · #6 09-30-2012, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Anyway, how much of a bitch was it to convert yours? Did you go to a quarter-inch jack? Are there any diagrams out there for the conversion?

it's the same mini 4-pin, just in metal instead of plastic.

the stock jack is attached to a little PC card with 4 contacts that slide into the main system (nice because the jack is thus removable without soldering anything).

i had to remove the plastic jack from its little board (i'm talking 3/4" by 1/4" little) to solder flying leads from the metal jack to it; i also had to rig up a way to mount the metal jack into the unit solidly, since it's a different configuration from the stock one.

all this in a little beltpack with a bunch of tiny parts that have to be removed in a certain order and can go flying out of there if you bump it while it's opened up.

so yes, it was an absolute bitch and i don't wanna do it again, but i'm glad i did it to mine.

the one good thing about it is that since all the surgery was done to the jack's little removable connector card, i could get a replacement jack, slap it in the beltpack and be right back to stock again.

Runnerman · #7 10-01-2012, 08:50 AM

My G50 has been bulletproof. No issues whatsoever. For soundcheck I use the strap clip but for the show I always put it in my pocket as I do jump around quite a bit. Did that after the pack slipped off the strap a couple of times.....once pulling the 1/4 inch right out of the bass. That was fun. Have never had an issue with the cable pulling out of the body pack.

Rickett Customs · #8 10-01-2012, 08:53 AM

the only complaint I had with the transmitters, is the easily opened battery door.

walterw · #9 10-02-2012, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickett Customs

the only complaint I had with the transmitters, is the easily opened battery door.

is that with the G30s? i heard that about them, while the G50's beltpack is pretty solid in that regard.

walterw · #10 10-02-2012, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Runnerman

For soundcheck I use the strap clip but for the show I always put it in my pocket as I do jump around quite a bit. Did that after the pack slipped off the strap a couple of times...

they make little pouches that slip onto guitar straps to hold wireless beltpacks.

i just gaff tape mine in place, carefully tearing a corner away so as not to cover the battery door.

MNAirHead · #11 10-02-2012, 02:25 AM

I sewed elastic to my strap

Rickett Customs · #12 10-02-2012, 06:57 AM

Nope, I have a G50, (the same transmitter as the G90 as well.) All it takes is a "brush" to that little "button" on the battery release and out come the batteries, or even the door opening......

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

is that with the G30s? i heard that about them, while the G50's beltpack is pretty solid in that regard.

Baker69 · #13 10-17-2012, 08:11 AM

I didn't have any problems with the original lead/socket on my G50 but made the investment in a high quality replacement cable and it too has been faultless.

I got them to make the lead a little longer as the stock one I feel is a fraction too short.

Brilliant wireless system though, extremely difficult to tell any difference between using this and an actual cable.

jgroh · #14 10-17-2012, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickett Customs

the only complaint I had with the transmitters, is the easily opened battery door.

Yeah my G30 transmitter battery door "clip" (that holds the door closed) broke off pretty easily and now I have to use a rubber band to keep it closed. The belt clip also was terrible and I dropped it several times until I bought a pouch for my strap.

steve_rolfeca · #15 02-06-2013, 12:51 PM

There are some new players in the 2.4GHz digital market.

Audio Technica and Sony have new devices, and Shure just announced one at NAMM.

The AT seems to be targeted at the G30 on price and specs with a couple of nice upgrades, and the Sony roughly sits in between the G30 and G50 spec with a metal transmitter, but fewer channels.

I've started a thread to track user reports and tech info. I'll add the G55 as well:

Best digital wireless- Line 6, Sony, AT, ???

ThickSounD · #16 02-16-2013, 04:27 PM

I won't say the L word, but this so called "optional rackmount kit" is a myth. Line 6 told me that the never planned on releasing any rack ears or rackmount kit for the G55. I'm really upset because I dropped the $400 to get one while thinking I could put it in the rack. I asked them about it at NAMM and they said I sounded ridiculous. This old white haired dude with indoor sunglasses who was apparently some type of head honcho laughed in my face when I told him the optional rackmount kit is on their website. He straight up told me I was wrong, told me to go buy the G90, laughed at me, then walked away. What a jerk.

There was a Line 6 person there that worked under the Propellarhead division, and he brought up the website and proved that I was correct. He then showed the jerk and he waived his hand as if saying whatever...

The Antennas on the g55 are very delicate and now one of them is broken. The cool line 6 guy is trying to get me a replacement antenna, which is cool, but we'll see what happens. I really just want a rack kit for it. I could put it in a bulky shelf I guess, but a company this large who advertises that their product is capable of something should stand by it - not laugh in a loyal customers face and tell them to go drop another $500!

Line 6 .... More like Line Sucks

Despite all this negativity, the product does work really well.