Best wireless unit for bass?

daveonbass · #1 07-31-2005, 11:27 AM

I love my old XWIRE unit, but they've been out of business for a while and it's taken a beating on the road and I'm not sure how much life is left in the damn thing...

What's the best wireless for bass out there right now? I haven't had to even THINK about this for years...

marc40a · #2 07-31-2005, 11:51 AM

I've been using the Shure ULSX and it's pretty tight.

My only complaint has more to do with rechargeable batteries than the wireless unit. The unit really demands a lot from the batteries.

I have 9.4v rechargeables and they have to be conditioned before they work properly. Usually I have to burn them in for 10 minutes before they work properly. That time seems to be decreasing as I go through multiple cycles so I'm hoping that they'll be plug and and play after a few dozen cycles.

That and the lifespan of a quality rechargeable is about 2 hours and 15 minutes - not even enough for a full night's playing. When they go, they go - total dropout w/ no warning.

Regular alkalines run the unit flawlessly for 9 + hours.

daveonbass · #3 07-31-2005, 11:56 AM

That's actually one of the leading units I'm thinking about: http://www.shure.com/wireless/ulx/ulx_standard.asp

They also make a ULX Professional series, costs a lot more... Dunno if it's worth it or not: http://www.shure.com/wireless/ulx/ulx_professional.asp

I'm gonna hafta go shopping tomorrow, though - I can't STAND using cords and my XWIRE ain't working so good - but I'll also see if I can get someone here in Wisconsin to fix it up into useable shape as well... Nothing wrong with carrying a backup EVERYTHING...

bassist286 · #4 07-31-2005, 12:00 PM

dude get senahizer(sp?) $499 pretty much complete freedom when it comes to selecting channels, plus pretty much evey wireless touring rig has it.

daveonbass · #5 07-31-2005, 12:21 PM

http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/icm_eng.nsf

Sennheiser bought XWIRE - if they make a similar unit to the old XWIRE unit it would also be a consideration...

Just read the sticky post about wireless units... whoops!

tplyons · #6 07-31-2005, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveonbass

Just read the sticky post about wireless units... whoops!

Was about to point that out, but I'll move it for you instead.

To me, a Sennheiser EW100G2 should do the trick.

marc40a · #7 07-31-2005, 12:28 PM

I went with the standard over the professional w/ the clinching factor being that it's the same transmitter for both.

I figured I'd save a few bucks and I definitely don't miss the additional receiver features. A feature like group scan is only handy if there's multiple wireless units runnig at once. Volume lock? It's locked anyways unless you manually change it.

daveonbass · #8 07-31-2005, 12:37 PM

Well, I finally found a Sennheiser site that gives me the instrument wireless options:

EW372-G2 looks like their top of the line unit at $1285 list: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite...?transid=G2-18

EW172-G2 only other unit listed ($767): http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite...?transid=G2-11

Probably either one of these or the Shure ULX models are best ideas so far I guess...

Either those or I could get me one o' these Nady Encore 200 VHF systems: http://www.nadywireless.com/products...encore2_pg.htm

tplyons · #9 07-31-2005, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveonbass

Well, I finally found a Sennheiser site that gives me the instrument wireless options:

EW372-G2 looks like their top of the line unit at $1285 list: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite...?transid=G2-18

EW172-G2 only other unit listed ($767): http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite...?transid=G2-11

Probably either one of these or the Shure ULX models are best ideas so far I guess...

Either those or I could get me one o' these Nady Encore 200 VHF systems: http://www.nadywireless.com/products...encore2_pg.htm

For me, I decided that the EW172 and 372 are nearly identical except for a few minute features and should sound exactly the same. Except for more available presets and a few more small things, they're statistically identical.

The Nady unit was impressive. They fixed all the problems I ever had with Nady before.

daveonbass · #10 07-31-2005, 01:10 PM

I have a friend who'll sell me one of the Nady systems used dirt cheap - heck, they're dirt cheap at LIST price: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/275551/

I'm thinking I'll pick it up as a backup system to carry around in case I can't get the Xwire working properly again...

But I doubt it'll be a decent enough unit to use as my main wireless...

daveonbass · #11 07-31-2005, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc40a

I went with the standard over the professional w/ the clinching factor being that it's the same transmitter for both.

I figured I'd save a few bucks and I definitely don't miss the additional receiver features. A feature like group scan is only handy if there's multiple wireless units runnig at once. Volume lock? It's locked anyways unless you manually change it.

Just spoke with a Shure/Sennheiser dealer (on a Sunday? Yeah, well - helps to have his cell number...) who said the PRO series would be the way to go for me because of the difference in how many frequencies it offers... We play 130+ shows a year and have multiple wireless units onstage for guitars, mics, and in-ear monitors... I need a top of the line unit...

Even though he's a Sennheiser dealer as well, they must not sell many of the Sennheiser wireless units because he was relatively unfamiliar with them. The sound company he owns does a lot of touring acts that come through Wisconsin and he said he's never seen one... I know the guy pretty well, so I'm pretty sure he's not blowing smoke up my ass just trying to get me to buy a Shure for some unscrupulous reason...

So, right now I'm still up in the air with Shure vs Sennheiser - most likely looking at the ULX Professional Shure vs the EW372 Sennheiser... unless I find another brand that comes highly recommended it'll be between those two... That got narrowed down pretty quickly, awesome to get such a quick response!

Munjibunga · #12 07-31-2005, 06:55 PM

Everyone seems to be overlooking the audio frequency range of these units. The EW372 goes down to only 40 hz, while both the ULXS and ULXP go down to 25 hz. I'd want the one that goes to 25 hz for my 5-strings. The 40 hz is OK for 4-strings, and probably would work for 5-strings with just a little drop-off for the B string.

Also, both the ULXS and ULXP offer over 1440 available frequencies. The differences are in certain frequency locking features. I investigated the ULXS vs. ULXP a while back and didn't feel that the additional features of the ULXP warranted the extra cost. Also, it is more complicated to operate, and didn't seem to me to be user-friendly on stage.

The ULXP can be obtained from Northern Sound and Light for something under $600. That's pretty good for a unit of this caliber. I elected to avoid the SLX because it only reaches 45 hz, not ideal for bass, in my book.

Here's a link to the comparison chart of the Shure units. Your buddy is a bit misinformed on the number of frequencies available.

ULXS - ULXP Comparison

daveonbass · #13 07-31-2005, 07:13 PM

Very good information to have - I've been leaning towards the Shure... The comparison link is very nice - I e-mailed it to him to look over... perhaps I misunderstood what he was telling me... I'll have to see what the difference in price is and have a good look at the difference in the two units vs. cost, then make a decision tomorrow - I gotta have a new unit by Friday!

daveonbass · #14 07-31-2005, 07:31 PM

Is it even worth messing with either of the two NADY el-cheapo VHF systems as a backup?

http://www.nadywireless.com/products/wireless_pg.html

The Encore 200 or the MK-2B? Anyone have any experience with either of these? Be nice to bring a 2nd unit along in case of any future problems with my main unit...

Munjibunga · #15 07-31-2005, 08:47 PM

My usual advice is to avoid Nady and Samson. If you can afford to have a squirrelly backup, move ahead.

daveonbass · #16 07-31-2005, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

My usual advice is to avoid Nady and Samson. If you can afford to have a squirrelly backup, move ahead.

I understand. I'm just thinking having a wireless that can maybe get me through a night or two might be better than no wireless at all in a pinch. But if the Xwire can be fixed up it's a more than adequate backup... Too many issues to remain my main wireless anymore, though...

Maybe Nady should make a model and call it "the nady squirrelly el-cheapo backup to your REAL wireless"... I'd buy it on sheer humor value alone!

tplyons · #17 07-31-2005, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveonbass

Is it even worth messing with either of the two NADY el-cheapo VHF systems as a backup?

http://www.nadywireless.com/products/wireless_pg.html

The Encore 200 or the MK-2B? Anyone have any experience with either of these? Be nice to bring a 2nd unit along in case of any future problems with my main unit...

The Encore 200 is a good unit, good clean signal, reliable, especially wonderful for the price. My biggest negative is the fact that all the rack hardware was another $80.

garagebassman · #18 08-18-2005, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Everyone seems to be overlooking the audio frequency range of these units. The EW372 goes down to only 40 hz, while both the ULXS and ULXP go down to 25 hz. I'd want the one that goes to 25 hz for my 5-strings. The 40 hz is OK for 4-strings, and probably would work for 5-strings with just a little drop-off for the B string.

Also, both the ULXS and ULXP offer over 1440 available frequencies. The differences are in certain frequency locking features. I investigated the ULXS vs. ULXP a while back and didn't feel that the additional features of the ULXP warranted the extra cost. Also, it is more complicated to operate, and didn't seem to me to be user-friendly on stage.

The ULXP can be obtained from Northern Sound and Light for something under $600. That's pretty good for a unit of this caliber. I elected to avoid the SLX because it only reaches 45 hz, not ideal for bass, in my book.

Here's a link to the comparison chart of the Shure units. Your buddy is a bit misinformed on the number of frequencies available.

ULXS - ULXP Comparison

This is helpful info Munji....are you currently using Shure wireless as well ?

I've recently been using a borrowed/hand-me-down setup (nady), and have become somewhat comfortable with the freedom, although, it really only sounds good with my 4 stringers....I'm looking into the ulx, hopefully used .

I saw this model,
http://cgi.ebay.com/SHURE-UT14-THE-G...QQcmdZViewItem but can't find it anywhere on Shure's website to see what the frequency response might be, any clue ?

Justice · #19 08-18-2005, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Everyone seems to be overlooking the audio frequency range of these units. The EW372 goes down to only 40 hz, while both the ULXS and ULXP go down to 25 hz. I'd want the one that goes to 25 hz for my 5-strings. The 40 hz is OK for 4-strings, and probably would work for 5-strings with just a little drop-off for the B string.

ULXS - ULXP Comparison

Ahhh...this must be why my Sennheiser Digital 1000 sounds so good on bass..it goes down to 20hz.

FWIW - the discontinued Digital 1000 is the unit Sennheiser built using the X-Wire technology...dunno if they carried that into other units though

Munjibunga · #20 08-18-2005, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garagebassman

This is helpful info Munji....are you currently using Shure wireless as well ?

I've recently been using a borrowed/hand-me-down setup (nady), and have become somewhat comfortable with the freedom, although, it really only sounds good with my 4 stringers....I'm looking into the ulx, hopefully used .

I saw this model,
http://cgi.ebay.com/SHURE-UT14-THE-G...QQcmdZViewItem but can't find it anywhere on Shure's website to see what the frequency response might be, any clue ?

That's the newer Shure PG unit, and it goes down to 45 hz. It replaces the older UT, which goes down to 25 hz. I don't know why they changed the electronics. I use the UT, and it's great. BTW, the BIN price on that is too high. You can talk them down to $300 or less at GC.