Sennheiser FreePort Wireless System??

twdavis13 · #1 10-11-2009, 03:37 PM

Does this system look worthy of merit?? I don't want it to destroy my tone.

HogieWan · #2 10-11-2009, 04:04 PM

never heard of this one, but sennheiser makes good stuff. The entry Line 6 wireless is $50 less and I have heard good things about that system

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/XDS95/

ashtray · #3 10-12-2009, 12:23 AM

I had that same model - Freeport - and it's a decent quality setup. Range was really good - to the point that the biggest issue was how slow sound waves moved. I'd set up my system, then walk about 70-80' away and play. The sound never cut out or anything, but there was a decent delay that would make it very difficult to play that way with a band. (I believe the delay was not so much related to the wireless, but a combination of the wireless signal needing to travel to the amp, and then the sound wave needing to travel back to my ears.)

But - that all said, I wouldn't use the Freeport system for bass guitar! It completely robbed the low end. It must not transmit signals under 120k or something. I dunno - but my tone completely went bright and lost all the bottom. Very disappointing. I ended up selling the system cheap. (It worked fine with my guitars - which don't have heavy bass frequencies.)

The other issue with the Freeport is the FCC (if you live in the USA). The channels it uses is now owned by the government (that whole reason TV went digital, etc) - and those channels could be in use and make the whole wireless system worthless. (also I think it's illegal to transmit on those frequencies now, but really, unless they're within a couple hundred feet of you, I don't think they'd be picking up your bass guitar through their equipment...)

The Line6 unit is digital, and not subject to the FCC regulation ban - though I've heard it eats batteries pretty quick. (my friend had the "pedal" system and it would last 2-3 hours at a time!)

rokkitt · #4 10-12-2009, 07:17 AM

GW 172. Senny

Get it. Save for it. All metal. More money. Worth it. One part of my gear stable that I never questionn. And my ric. That is not a qyesstion either!

MNAirHead · #5 10-12-2009, 08:00 AM

I've owned several systems.. ranging from cheap to expensive.. they're good for sound checks.. unfortunately they all take tinkering to get right.. every time you play them.

Sten · #6 10-12-2009, 08:28 AM

The delay mentioned comes almost completely from the low travel speed of sound.

The Line6 X2 devices last about one gig with regular Duracell battery you get from a store. Look out for Duracell Powercell 9V batteries which are sold in wholesale networks if you can find a channel to get them from. They cost half as much and last 4 times (!) as long. Sold by packages of 10 usually.

Justice · #7 10-12-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashtray

I had that same model - Freeport - and it's a decent quality setup. Range was really good - to the point that the biggest issue was how slow sound waves moved. I'd set up my system, then walk about 70-80' away and play. The sound never cut out or anything, but there was a decent delay that would make it very difficult to play that way with a band. (I believe the delay was not so much related to the wireless, but a combination of the wireless signal needing to travel to the amp, and then the sound wave needing to travel back to my ears.)

But - that all said, I wouldn't use the Freeport system for bass guitar! It completely robbed the low end. It must not transmit signals under 120k or something. I dunno - but my tone completely went bright and lost all the bottom. Very disappointing. I ended up selling the system cheap. (It worked fine with my guitars - which don't have heavy bass frequencies.)

I have been using a Freeport for a couple of years now and never had any issue with loss of low end, even with 5 string basses.

ashtray · #8 10-12-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justice

I have been using a Freeport for a couple of years now and never had any issue with loss of low end, even with 5 string basses.

Weird. It was night/day difference. Standing next to my amp with the wireless, and then plugging in with a cable - the difference was shocking. It didn't sound "bad" with the Freeport, but it was just lacking bottom end - my sound was a lot thinner.