wireless unit question

[dadofsix]

I've been offered a pretty old rack mountable Audio Technica ATW-R11 wireless unit to use on stage with my bass. We haven't even discussed price yet. I haven't been able to find anything about it on the internet other than descriptions of its use as a microphone receiver.

I'm told that the old bass player used it just fine. However, I'm concerned about the units' ability to pick up the low frequencies on my bass guitar -- especially when I pull out the five-string. I've been looking to go wireless for a while but I'm not willing to sacrifice sound for convenience.

Are my concerns warranted? I won't be able to use it in a large room with my performing gear for at least a week. All I can do now is use it with my rehearsal amp. Our rehearsals are low volume -- the amp only has a little 12" speaker.

Any insights and/or information would be greatly appreciated.

<><Peace

[carl h.]

You missed the more important issues with older wireless systems - is it legal to use it now?

Wireless Microphones | FCC.gov

[seanm]

That unit is ok, it is *way* below the 700Mhz band.

[dadofsix]

Thanks for your reply. It does not appear that the Audio Technica ATW-R11 is on the list of prohibited units. I guess I will have to call Audio Technica tomorrow to make sure. If it's not ok, then, end of discussion. If it IS ok, then we're back to square one.

<><Peace

[dadofsix]

Seanm it looks like our posts crossed like "two ships in the night." lol

Do you know anything about this unit? More specifically, is it something that is capable of running my bass sound through it and let me go wireless?

Thanks for your help.

<><Peace

[ksandvik]

I would rather pay a little bit more and get one of the new Line 6 units.

[dadofsix]

I like the fact that it is rack mountable. The only rack mountable Line 6 that I've been able to find is the G-90. digital=nice but cost=NOT nice. lol

If I do buy this unit (and it is a complete unit), it will probably be in the $100.00 range, maybe less.

<><Peace

[seanm]

Sorry, I don't know anything about that unit. I just looked up the frequency spec to see if it was in the 700MHz range.

Can you try it before you buy it? I have used cheap guitar oriented wireless units before and the loss of low end is very noticeable, not subtle. You should hear it even at a low level practice. Although I would really want to do a gig volume test.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

One word:

VHF

Ok, that's three words actually, but depending on the locations RF noise and band usage, You may want to check who else uses that band.

I have an old VHF Nady, and whle it works very well, it does operate on an illegal band, and is pretty low on power (=range, fortunately).

And do remember the age old mantra when using any wireless: "Do Bring A Cord".

Regards
Sam

[LowBstring]

I've always wondered if you "lose anything" with wireless.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by LowBstring

I've always wondered if you "lose anything" with wireless.

With an analog wireless transmission of any kind, one always loses information and "gains" interference. The losses are greatest on low frequencies. AFAIK that's one of the reasons true Hi-Fi recievers died a slow death back in the day, not much program to be recieved. That's also one of the reasons why there's bezillion wireless uits for vocals and guitars, only a handful for bass.

Regards
Sam

[seanm]

I agree with T-Bird. Analog wireless will always be a trade off of sound versus convenience.

That is what I like about my Line6 wireless. Since it is digital, it doesn't have the noise problems analog versions do (you don't have to mess around with a squelch control). And it has better than CD quality audio, which frankly is overkill in a live situation.... but nice to have