Wireless Shopping

ZiggyDude · #1 01-05-2009, 09:02 AM

Greetings!

It looks like I may need to replace my Shure "Guitarist" wireless. It is a really great unit, but my frequency was sold by the FCC and eventually it will fail. That - and I have a repair needed and before dropping another $50 into it maybe time to change.

I like the present unit as I get long range and no drop outs when I walk about walls and stuff. Tone is good, though I sometimes need do a reality check with a cord, in order to make sure I have it set hot enough not to lose some of the thicker low end.

I don't want to get stupid expensive - but know several hundred is going to leave me.

I was wondering what is working for you guys in the current line ups being offered. I have heard some sample, others are analog, just looking for ideas.

Thanx,

- Ziggy -

uaudio · #2 01-05-2009, 09:09 AM

The Line6 X2 series works so well for the price, its scary. Also there are about ten million threads on this, you might try the misc section.

mimaz · #3 01-05-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uaudio

The Line6 X2 series works so well for the price, its scary. Also there are about ten million threads on this, you might try the misc section.

I'm a big fan of my XDS Plus. There are a bunch of threads out there, lots of good info.

Bloodfist · #4 01-05-2009, 10:47 AM

Me and my guitarist both use the Sure PGX14, and they didn't fall into that frequency range that was sold. Whatever you decide to pick up, I would just look at it before you buy and check the frequency, might save you from another headache.

Double Agent · #5 01-05-2009, 11:27 AM

Line6 X2 Digital Wireless FTW. Sounds great, simple to operate, its everything a $300 wireless should be. Love mine.

CardinalFan984 · #6 01-05-2009, 11:39 AM

**NOLA Bass** · #7 01-05-2009, 12:46 PM

I've had Nady and Shure, but the X2 is all that and a bag of carrots.

lindseyp · #8 01-05-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOLA Bass

..., but the X2 is all that and a bag of carrots.

No future frequency issues to worry about? I have the Sennheiser precursor to the X2 (love it), wouldn't mind getting the X2.

ZiggyDude · #9 01-05-2009, 01:10 PM

Hi everyone - keep it coming.

I was doing some research on the digitals. Is there a slight delay when they sample the signal and then send it?

I tried a Sennheiser a few years back - but got drop outs when i walked around walls. I returned it and the SHure did better. I am not aware of a Sennheiser and Line6 connection though.

Any loss of tone - or problems when you hit a really powerful note on an active bass?

kickstand22 · #10 01-05-2009, 01:16 PM

I've had really good luck with my Shure ULXP. Kinda expensive, but hard to tell cord vs. no cord. The Shure ULXS is a little more affordable, just not as many whistles.

Bloodfist · #11 01-05-2009, 06:08 PM

The only problem I've ever had with my PGX14 is it fall off my strap lol. I solved that problem by using GAF tape to secure it. I've never experienced dead spots, or loss of signal, or delay, and I am very rough on my equipment per say.

DonovanBankhead · #12 01-05-2009, 10:12 PM

Another vote for the X2. Better tone than with a cable, no interference, well made, reasonably priced. Why go any further?

lindseyp · #13 01-05-2009, 11:40 PM

My Sennheiser had no dropouts behind walls. I could walk outside my apartment with it when I lived in Watertown NY. There was no delay, my guitar sounded like it was still attached to the amp via a cable ("lead" for our European friends).

Guy Coker, the creator of the original XWire X905 worked a deal with Sennheiser for a while (my Sennheiser digital 1000). Later, he re-took control of the product to develop the X2. Seems to be pretty popular.

tommixx · #14 01-05-2009, 11:49 PM

I have had them all...no joke....ALL of them and at every price point. I currently use the X2 Rack model and I have 3 of them...I keep one in my rack, one in my spares, and my guitarist is using my other one. I have a total of 6 of the belt packs so you could say I have a LOT of experience with them! It is no doubt, hands down the best thing out there at ANY price. I have had some that cost 5 or 6 times as much and the X2 is the shizzle...just go get one! I have had NO dropouts, NO delay and it sounds great. I had Butch at Bayou Cables make me a right angle plug for all of beltpacks (and I have 2 spares...yes I am nuts but I HIGHLY recommend his cables over the stock one, you can actually hear the difference no joke!) I had the non rack version first which was great if you don't have a rack. If you do have a rack DEFINITELY get the X2 rack mount....Good Luck!

Peace,

T

ZiggyDude · #15 01-06-2009, 11:00 AM

I was looking at the X2 series. It seems the non rack "Plus" has about the same specs as the rack mount. A little shorter in range - but at 200 feet still pretty good.

Reading some other reviews it seems the downside is battery life at about 5 to 6 hours. That is less than two gigs.

The other was that the cable to the belt pack fails. The idea of getting a Bayou cable sounds nice - is that because the stock ones failed?

Thumper · #16 01-06-2009, 11:13 AM

The stock cables are the weak link and are prone to failure. I had Bayou make one for my X2 and one for my original Xwire.

I'm running rechargable 9v batteries in mine. easily last a gig.

mimaz · #17 01-06-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZiggyDude

I was looking at the X2 series. It seems the non rack "Plus" has about the same specs as the rack mount. A little shorter in range - but at 200 feet still pretty good.

Reading some other reviews it seems the downside is battery life at about 5 to 6 hours. That is less than two gigs.

The other was that the cable to the belt pack fails. The idea of getting a Bayou cable sounds nice - is that because the stock ones failed?

Have you ever played on a stage bigger than 200 ft?

The XDS Plus range is great, and has never been an issue for me, even on the largest festival/concert stages.

Battery life at 5-6 hours sounds about right, and I don't believe this will change based on rack mount or non-rack mount receiver. I try to be careful about turning my transmitter off on breaks, etc, but if I get 2 full gigs out of a battery, it's a bonus. I also have noticed that battery brand may be an issue........so far I seem to get a bit better life out of Duracell as opposed to Energizer, but that really needs some additional testing to be certain.

Get a real cable. Get a real cable. Get a real cable. My stock cable failed on about the 3rd gig, and I refused to pay X2 for their "upgrade" cable.....it should have been included with the unit anyway. I got a cable from Butch at bayoucables.com and its great. Did I mention, get a real cable?

the_ruckus · #18 01-06-2009, 08:01 PM

X2 FTW!!

ZiggyDude · #19 01-07-2009, 06:24 AM

Nope - no stage bigger than 200 feet. Wow - that would be a trip, "my guitar player is doing what??"

But I do run about the club a lot. And outdoor gigs. I wind up in the kitchen, sitting at people's tables, the guitar player and I chase each other about sometimes, but 200 feet would be fine.

The feedback about the cables is excellent. If i get the X2 - that is what I will do. Actually, considering I am on my third with the Shure "Guitarist" unit I have - maybe I should call him anyway.

Thumper · #20 01-07-2009, 07:29 AM

Keep in mind Bayou Cables is a one man operation. If you want a cable, order it 3-4 weeks (give or take) before you need it. Well worth the wait IMO.