What to choose Line 6 G30 or G50? Help me decide!

Mooch · #1 02-19-2012, 08:08 PM

So after hours upon hours of research on these bad boys all over the net I cannot decide which one to go with.

They both seem to have 1 big issue. The G30 has the battery door issue, what I read about half the people that have these things have an issue with the door. BUT, it has a simple 1/4" plug.

G50 has the TAF4(or whatever its called) to 1/4" chord that seems to short out or break on about half the people that use it. Where to find another I have no idea, from what I read they aren't cheap or easy to find.

What "issue" would you rather deal with? I'm never going to be farther than 100 feet away so that's not the issue as the 50 will fo farther away, but it has more channels and a metal case but I don't plan I smashing to bits either.

Please help me decide Talkbass, you help me decide everything else!

I would rather here personal experience or "how to's" from folks on how to fix said issues as I know there CS sucks.

Thanks

Gearhead17 · #2 02-19-2012, 08:31 PM

I have the G50 and I did start a thread on this, but I have no idea where it went. The cable for the G50 can easily be replaced on Musiciansfriend: Shure WA-304 Instrument Cable: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

That is the exact one I use. Cheap & easy to find! The G30 will work just fine too, but I like the metal casing of the G50's transmitter unit much better. No drop outs with G50 EVER and you get around 8 to 9 hours on two AA's.

The only downside is the Transmitter tends to exaggerate how much time you have left for the batteries. Keep a mental note of how long you have used the batteries since you last changed them.

1954bassman · #3 02-19-2012, 08:54 PM

I just bought a G50 to replace my Sennheiser and so far I am totally satisfied. I went to ebay and found replacement cables and bought two, even though I have not had mine long enough to fail. Plus I wanted 90 degree ends.

One was $25 the other was $38.88

The G50 is much clearer than the Sennheiser. I could always hear a little static in the Sennheiser. I went with the G50 to keep from gassing later if I had bought the G30, I know I would have ending up wanting the G50, so I just got one to start with.

NicJimBass · #4 02-19-2012, 08:57 PM

I bought a G30 recently, and see no reason to go with the G50. The battery door is a bit of a pain, but if you slide the latch on the door with your fingernail, you'll have a better chance of it catching on the first try. The thing that sold me on the G30 was the 1/4" plug... I've had other wireless units with the other type of plug, and they gave me problems. I also want a 90 degree plug, and I know I can find 1/4" cables with them all day long... not sure about the other type of plug.

burl0029 · #5 02-19-2012, 09:26 PM

I have the G50 and have no problems with it. I actually prefer the TA4f connector as it locks into the transmitter, while the G30 1/4" does not (at least from what I can tell). It would really suck to have the cable come unplugged while wailing away. I'm currently using the standard cable, but will soon be making my own (or buying a one; not sure yet) with a right angle plug on the bass end of it.

I don't use it, but the G50 receiver also has a tuner out so you can plug it into the receiver and keep it out of your signal chain (if you so desire). I have my tuner plugged into the special output on my volume pedal.

The metal casing is a nice touch. It feels very sturdy.

The battery door is a non-issue for me. It works fine and, if it were ever to break, I could just order a spare from Line 6 as it's an easy part to replace. All you need is a really small Torx screwdriver to open up the transmitter.

I don't need it currently, but the 200' range is really sweet. Plus, I like having more channels to choose from just in case.

Mooch · #6 02-22-2012, 08:21 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys. I also am curious, do these things need a power supply? I see them for sale but don't see why. I don't have a pedal board or anything, but doesn't it get power from the guitar chord coming off your amp or have batteries in transmitter? Some info on that would be helpful.

Thanks!

Muttleybass · #7 02-22-2012, 09:29 AM

I looked at the G30, but it seemed like cheap plastic. I'm pretty hard on gear.

I went with the G50 because it's metal, the battery indicator, the distance, the battery door, and it just seemed like a more solid unit. I'd rather pay the extra $100 now and get it over with than to have to deal with it falling apart later.

To answer your last question, 2 AA bateries in the transmitter that seem to last a gig and a half, plus it comes with the adaptor for the reciever to plug into the wall.

**Ryan L.** · #8 02-22-2012, 12:28 PM

I used to own the G50, and was completely, totally happy with it. Never had any issues with it whatsoever. And replacement cables are easy to get, should you ever need one.

The only reason I sold it is because I went back to an all-rack setup, so I replaced it with a G90 rack mount version.

Mooch · #9 02-22-2012, 06:18 PM

Well I decided on the G50. I was kind of in the mind set that I always go with the cheaper thing then have some stupid issue and I hate it. So I dropped more cash and went with the 50. I would rather deal with a chord then getting on stage and for some reason the batteries being almost dead and not being able to get the door closed and having a fit. I will post a review somewhere when I get it and test it out for people that might be interested. Thanks for you help guys!

Jason P Bass · #10 02-22-2012, 07:20 PM

I have the G30. A little black gaffer's tape or duct tape fixes the battery door issue. I also have it permanently taped to a strap. Without the tape, it fell off the strap no matter what I tried.

The actual performance of the system is fantastic.

I have lost & found the 1/4" cable half a dozen times. I have a backup, and it cost me $5.

Gearhead17 · #11 02-23-2012, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason P Bass

I have the G30. A little black gaffer's tape or duct tape fixes the battery door issue. I also have it permanently taped to a strap. Without the tape, it fell off the strap no matter what I tried.

The actual performance of the system is fantastic.

I have lost & found the 1/4" cable half a dozen times. I have a backup, and it cost me $5.

Neotech Wireless Pouch: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

I have three - works wonderfully.

churchpark · #12 02-25-2013, 07:57 PM

I plan to use it on both 5 to 6 string bass guitars and I just need to know how authentic is the sound source coming from this unit. Does it truly delivers a more better signal as a regular connection?

Marley's Ghost · #13 02-25-2013, 08:00 PM

I've had the G30 for about a year and never had a problem with the battery door in about 20 shows and numerous rehearsals. I've changed batteries in the middle of a song without a hitch.

Gearhead17 · #14 02-25-2013, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by churchpark

I plan to use it on both 5 to 6 string bass guitars and I just need to know how authentic is the sound source coming from this unit. Does it truly delivers a more better signal as a regular connection?

I use 5 string Spector Euro's all the time with it - I will NEVER use a cable live ever again! The sound quality is exactly the same as a cable and in many cases, you will get more high end out of your signal. You lose nothing and gain tons of freedom.

jgroh · #15 02-25-2013, 08:45 PM

I got the G30 because of the 1/4 inch plug. I do agree it does have a battery door issue, as a matter of fact, the little clip that holds the door closed broke off of mine after it fell off the belt clip. I use some gaffers tape to keep it closed so it works fine. I also got the neotech pouch too. Overall, besides the door it has been working great.

hrodbert696 · #16 02-26-2013, 04:56 AM

I got a G30 used from a TBer, haven't gigged with it yet but have used it in practice. The clip was missing from mine, I got a $10 digital camera case and run the strap through the case's loop and it's perfectly secure. I agree the battery door could use some improvement, but it works on mine and doesn't need a rubber band or anything. Still, you have to close it carefully to get it to latch properly and I could easily see it getting messed up. Tone is great, I can't hear any difference between the wireless and a cable.

Smit_Dogg · #17 02-26-2013, 10:52 AM

I find myself in a similar situation as the OP, Im unsure which one of these to go with the G30 or the G50. The G30 is a lot cheaper and its not like i play arena's or need to travel far from the stage. But i notice the g50 has a more solid receiver and a larger frequency range. How does the G30 handle a low B? as well as the G50?

please help me decide lol!

bassgod0dmw · #18 02-26-2013, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smit_Dogg

How does the G30 handle a low B? as well as the G50?

Both are digital so that's not an issue at all. Basically, it either works or it doesn't.

I went with the G50. It has a more robust transmitter and receiver, and more channels. The extra range isn't needed but the way I see it, even at 10' away the G50 is going to have a stronger signal between the transmitter and receiver.

For me, it was between the G50 or the G55. I went with the G50 in the end because the receiver is smaller than the G55's.

Smit_Dogg · #19 02-26-2013, 01:29 PM

Thanks for the reply bass god. What I'm after answering though is;. Is the g30 frequency accentuated to handle the b note? Or does it not go that low? I know the g50 can.

Marley's Ghost · #20 02-26-2013, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smit_Dogg

Thanks for the reply bass god. What I'm after answering though is;. Is the g30 frequency accentuated to handle the b note? Or does it not go that low? I know the g50 can.

I've used the G30 for the past year with an SR5 and 2 Carvin 5 'ers and no loss of low B at all.