Thinking about wireless-dual channel?

RAM · #1 09-25-2007, 01:51 AM

I'm currently using both my basses and run them into an EBS Microbass II, which I use as an A/B box. I also use the effects loop in the EBS box for my Fulltone pedals and my Strobostomp. Unfortunately, I get tangled up quite a bit with all these cables running from my 2 basses to the pedalboard, then running the pedalboard to my rig. Quite a mess!

So, I've been thinking about adding a wireless system but haven't quite figured out what I want to do, so I'm looking for some thoughts.

One possibility (but not my favorite idea) is to use a standard wireless, and when I switch basses, unplug the transmitter from one bass and plug it into another. This seems like a cheaper way than some of the alternatives, of course.

Another possibility is to get a dual-channel wireless, where I could have two transmitters (one per bass) but I don't know who makes them and if they're as good as single-channel...suggestions are welcome, of course.

An issue I've been thinking about, however, is that if I go with a rackmount unit (which seems like the better units *tend* to be), I'd be losing 2 cables, but gaining one, as I'd need to run a cable between my rig and pedalboard for the wireless. Of course, there are pedalboard units, like the X-wire, but to my knowledge (and I could be wrong), they don't make a dual-channel box.

So...of these choices, or any others you can think of, which would you go with. I'm thinking somewhere under $600/street, if possible, but could be somewhat flexible if need be.

bluestarbass · #2 09-25-2007, 06:41 AM

I could be wrong, becuase wireless's confuse me but I dont think youd need a "dual channel" wireless. When they say dual channel I think it just means it has a better range and reception. IF you just got one unit, and 2 packs that were the same frequency youd be fine. Then just only turn one on at a time. I'm pretty sure you could do this with xwire.

**Rune Bivrin** · #3 09-25-2007, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluestarbass

I could be wrong, becuase wireless's confuse me but I dont think youd need a "dual channel" wireless. When they say dual channel I think it just means it has a better range and reception. IF you just got one unit, and 2 packs that were the same frequency youd be fine. Then just only turn one on at a time. I'm pretty sure you could do this with xwire.

You're referring to diversity, which uses two antennas and receivers for better reception.

But yes, two transmitters and a single receiver would do the trick here.

I just did my first wireless gig this weekend. It's a cheap UHF wireless that I bought from Thomann in Germany for 85€ ~ $120 (plus 15€ shipping). The cable from body pack to base was a bit iffy, but I made a new which works well.
After that it was flawless for the range I needed. And what a relief!

RAM · #4 09-25-2007, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rune Bivrin

You're referring to diversity, which uses two antennas and receivers for better reception.

But yes, two transmitters and a single receiver would do the trick here.

I just did my first wireless gig this weekend. It's a cheap UHF wireless that I bought from Thomann in Germany for 85€ ~ $120 (plus 15€ shipping). The cable from body pack to base was a bit iffy, but I made a new which works well.
After that it was flawless for the range I needed. And what a relief!

How did you manage 2 transmitters with one receiver...can you set the frequency on both transmitters to be the same so the receiver can find them both?

I know there *are* dual channel wireless units out there designed for exactly this application, where one channel is dedicated to one transmitter, and the other channel is dedicated to the other transmitter. Perhaps this isn't necessary? That'd be interesting.

BTW: Here's an example of a dual channel made by Shure: http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Produc...o_U14D_content

IanStephenson · #5 09-25-2007, 07:53 AM

You don't need both transmitters operating simulatneously - just turn off the one you're not using. The dual channel ones are for (for example) singing and playing guitar AT THE SAME TIME.

i got one of the Thomann/TBone (TWS16PT) systems too - absolute bargain. I'm sure they're not as good as the top end units, but so far I've had no problems. The best thing about it is that it has a battery charger built in. There's a little cable plugs between the receiver and the transmitter (obviously when you're NOT using it ;-)) which recharges the battery between sets. Having charged it initially the battery went a few months just on these short top-ups (finally gave out at the weeken - time for a full recharge). Also nice is that turning transmitter on/off is popless, so it works as a nice mute between sets.

If you do need two channels at once, then at the price, you can buy two of them (actually you'll need two, as you can't buy the transmitters seperatly). They come with an adapter so you can bolt two units together into a rack mountable unit. Mines on a rack shelf (held on with velcro) next to my half rack fx unit.

Ian

bluestarbass · #6 09-25-2007, 08:26 AM

Quote:

If you do need two channels at once, then at the price, you can buy two of them (actually you'll need two, as you can't buy the transmitters seperatly).

Not to interject as I was wrong earlier but I know for a fact you can do this. I used to work at a sam ash and people would do this often. You just need to write down the frequency so you can order the right one. They dont sell them off the shelves but if you go to a dealer they will order one for you.

IanStephenson · #7 09-25-2007, 01:11 PM

Sorry (wasn't clear):I just meant for that particular model - it's Thomann's own brand, and if it's not listed on their website, it doesn't exist.

Sure, for the more mainstream brands you can buy transmitters individually.

Ian

RAM · #8 09-25-2007, 10:16 PM

I called X2 Digital Wireless today and spoke with someone in the tech department. He told me both of their units (rack and floor) can operate with 2 separate transmitters in exactly the same manner I'm talking about.

I've read parts of the X-Wire is Back thread (got a headache since it's so long), and didn't see much bad about it. Some complain that it's pretty "plastic-y". I did ask the tech about this and his reply was that they took a video of a truck driving over both the transmitter and the receiver, and although they suffered scratching from the asphalt, they still worked flawlessly.

For the frequency range of X2 Wireless, coupled with the price range, it seems like a definite win. I just wish I knew more people with them and had more feedback on these things...I guess I'll keep using the search function.