"Cheap" Wireless Gear Gig Worthy?

[EdO.]

Wasn't sure this was the correct forum for this so mods please move if necessary.

Anyway. We have an online auction site locally that the wife and I frequent as much out of quarantine boredom as anything and have actually gotten some really good bargains on stuff (and have screwed myself on a couple items as well - all sales final thing...). Mostly Amazon returns, store closing leftover merch etc. Occasionally some musical gear will come through and I've gotten a couple of things at great prices i.e. bought an open box 10' lighting truss setup (truss and two stands) in basically new condition for $40 a while back that we're using live.

Recently I saw this Ammoon wireless guitar receiver/transmitter set come through (photo attached), open box kind of thing but the photos looked like it was basically brand new so I thought what the hell and bid on it, ended up getting it for $26 (retails new for $60 https://www.amazon.com/ammoon-Wireless-Channels-Transmitter-Transmission/dp/B07MC7ZW9T/ref=sr_1_4?crid=R7Q26L7FSQN1&dchild=1&keywords=ammoon+wireless+guitar+system&qid=1612719211&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=ammoon+wireless,aps,1222&sr=1-4). Figured it would be handy for home practice if nothing else and if it's was total junk I wouldn't be out that much.

I've been using it for home practice for the past couple weeks, haven't gigged it yet (booked dates start back up again later March!) but I have to say that I'm actually pretty impressed with it so far. My usual wireless rig is a Audio-Technica System 10 setup that I've used for several years now and has been pretty much bullet proof, no problems. The Ammoon setup is basically just the two small pieces, the transmitter that plugs into the instrument and the receiver that plugs into the amp (or HX Stomp in my case) plus it's rechargeable, no batteries required. I've A/B'd back and forth between the two and while I know I don't have the most discerning ears I honestly can't hear or see any functional difference between the two. The Audio-Technica operates at 2.4 GHz on one channel at a time but has lots of different frequencies to choose from, the Ammoon at 5.8GHz and transmits on four probably set frequencies simultaneously but isn't adjustable.

So I'm just basically wondering if anyone else has tried one of these low priced wireless setups against more expensive setups and any experience/concerns/problems you'd care to share. I personally can't see why this isn't as good as a more expensive wireless setup but again 1) I know I don't have the most discerning ears and 2) I'm playing bars, clubs, private events, outdoor festival events etc so I don't NEED the absolute best. Thoughts?

 

[walterw]

i wouldn't

those things are neat toys for the price but i'd never try to depend on it with a stage full of other wireless systems in a room full of people and their cell phones all pinging for the wifi

also, what's the latency? digital latency is the issue with all digital mixers and especially wireless, anything more than a few milliseconds starts to get noticeable and every digital step in the chain adds up. cheap "bug" systems could have latencies over 10ms, that's just not so great.

hell, even stuff like your system 10 or my line 6 relay G75 are not really 100% pro either, they're bar-band level at best. real touring pros stick to licensed wireless stuff that doesn't use the crowded wifi frequencies at all.

 

[WayneP]

My guitar player buddy is notorious for buying the cheapest stuff on the market, and he has a wireless thing similar to that one. I've been amazed that it seems to work really well. Of course he's the only thing wireless on the stage, so I'll bow to @walterw 's wisdom in "busy" situations...

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[EdO.]

Spec's, from the package it came in -
- 5.8 GHz ISM Band, frequency hopping
- 48K/24 bit high quality signal acquisition/playback
- Superior 110 dB dynamic range
- More than 100 feet range indoors
- Less than 6 ms latency, no lag or signal loss
- Simultaneous broadcasts on 4 channels
- Up to 5 hours playing time per charge

FWIW I'm under no delusions that this would ever replace pro level gear, nor would my System 10 stuff for that matter, which I've used on larger festival stages with no issues. Bar band level, for the sake of simplicity and convenience, yeah maybe worth a shot. As I said I've had no issues with my System 10 stuff and we're two guitarists, myself, and the lead singer's mic all wireless on stage plus six of us running wireless IEM's. So far no issues with the System 10, I'll try the Ammoon at practice later this week (we rehearse with basically the same setup we perform with) and see if there are any issues there. Appreciate the input.

 

[walterw]

- Less than 6 ms latency, no lag or signal loss

puts it in the realm of "OK" for digital wireless so there's that

As I said I've had no issues with my System 10 stuff and we're two guitarists, myself, and the lead singer's mic all wireless on stage plus six of us running wireless IEM's. So far no issues with the System 10, I'll try the Ammoon at practice later this week

i assume if it's the self-selecting type that you'd want to turn on all the other digital wireless stuff first then turn on this one so it can look for a clear channel to live on

 

[EdO.]

i assume if it's the self-selecting type that you'd want to turn on all the other digital wireless stuff first then turn on this one so it can look for a clear channel to live on

Good suggestion, thank you for that. I wouldn't have thought of that, appreciate the tip.

 

[EdO.]

Update. I've now used this for a few live dates and several group rehearsals and I'm so impressed with the Ammoon wireless that I've ordered a second set as a backup. Compared to the Audio Technica I've used for years, in my opinion it's easily comparable if not better in regards to signal/sound quality besides being a simpler plug-and-play type system. One of our guitarists is impressed enough with it that he's also ordering one to replace the Line 6 G-10 he's been using as well. Probably not everyone's cup of tea, YMMV yada yada but this stuff works very well plus it's relatively inexpensive. I have no qualms about using it in big show situations.

 

[Ronzo]

My answer is yes.

I've used the Ammoon system (and the "essentially similar" Lekato system in a black case for two years now. Pre-Covid, I used it in a Church setting, and for the last year in my home studio. No dropouts. No issues with my router or my Church's router. Over 100 feet range. I own three of these systems, and have used all three simultaneously during worship. No issues.

 

[lokikallas]

I've got the line 6 G30 and while it works, it's not quite pro grade and I can tell the difference in build and performance.

 

[MrLenny1]

My Line 6 G10 works great everywhere except one bar downtown.
Drops out a lot and can't play that gig with it.
After 2 years of using it the battery life is down to 30 minutes.
Bad part is the TX is $100 to replace and a whole new system is $160.00.
After researching the battery, it is not replaceable like a regular battery. It
is soldered in and has a custom case so a replacement won't fit in.

 

[EdO.]

My Line 6 G10 works great everywhere except one bar downtown. Drops out a lot and can't play that gig with it. After 2 years of using it the battery life is down to 30 minutes. Bad part is the TX is $100 to replace and a whole new system is $160.00.
After researching the battery, it is not replaceable like a regular battery. It
is soldered in and has a custom case so a replacement won't fit in.

Any of these type of rechargeable systems are going to have a service life after which the battery is shot and requires replacement. The tradeoff is that they're "relatively inexpensive" so I thought having a second set as backup (at $65 bucks a pop) would be a good idea, plus the fact that they operate at 5.8gHZ rather than 2.4 IMO is a huge plus (way less potential for interference). If I can get a couple of years of trouble free service per set spending another $65 - 70 isn't gonna bankrupt me. Everything's a tradeoff...

 

[James_E]

I see this on the amazon.ca link for it:
"(Only supports passive electric guitar pickup and piezo-electric Acoustic guitar pickup without microphone system pickup)"

Seems kinda odd that it would care. Did you try it with an active bass?

 

[EdO.]

I see this on the amazon.ca link for it:
"(Only supports passive electric guitar pickup and piezo-electric Acoustic guitar pickup without microphone system pickup)"

Seems kinda odd that it would care. Did you try it with an active bass?

Works just fine with my active basses. Two of my main gig basses are a Stingray and a BC Rich Mockingbird, both active, both work with the Ammoon. I don't know what else to say about that.

 

[Ronzo]

I see this on the amazon.ca link for it:
"(Only supports passive electric guitar pickup and piezo-electric Acoustic guitar pickup without microphone system pickup)"

Seems kinda odd that it would care. Did you try it with an active bass?

My active Ibanez 500FL, my Squier VM Jaguar HB, and my Squier VM P/J with an Audere 4-band Jazz Plate preamp all work with my Ammoon and Lekato systems with absolutely no issues.

 

[Craig Orndorff]

I'm using a XVIVE unit at home and school. The only real issue I've had is that on some basses, given the jack placement, things get a bit wonky. I've primarily played sitting and as a big guy I'm concerned the relatively flimsy casing will give out. Don't laugh—I lost a perfectly good Vox Amplug this way the other day.

 

[juancaminos]

Hole cow you all...this thread caused me to look into these new (to me) wireless systems. I still have a Sennheiser belt pack system that was pretty expensive long ago. The new little pod things look promising. At $60 to $180 are they really any good? I must be living under a rock...

 

[s0c9]

Hole cow you all...this thread caused me to look into these new (to me) wireless systems. I still have a Sennheiser belt pack system that was pretty expensive long ago. The new little pod things look promising. At $60 to $180 are they really any good? I must be living under a rock...

Cheap Chinese gear… that operates in the international 5.8Ghz range and thru worldwide sales, makes em dirt cheap. 5.8 is wide open right now as few devices use it. The majors are still playing in the "digital" domain (2.4) for instrument wireless and 406-608 and 900Mhz bands for mics and IEM's. I believe Mipro now has a 5.8G IEM system and no doubt others will follow.
All fine and dandy until the clutter starts, in a few yrs.
Remember cell phone 5G is in the 600Mhz band, so it will not impact 5 or 5.8G devices.

 

[EdO.]

I believe Mipro now has a 5.8G IEM system and no doubt others will follow.

Yep, just bought one recently. Using it for rehearsals and gigs this past 4 - 5 weeks and so far seems like a nice clean sounding system.

Also picked up a second wireless set for my basses, Getaria branded but physically looks very similar to the same newer styled Ammoon version, probably the same thing with different branding. Wanted a backup for the first set and for $65 bucks why not. Works perfectly well and has the ability to switch between 4 programmed in channels if interference becomes an issue. Yeah this isn't "pro grade" stuff by any means but for my weekend warrior band situation it's great and at least as good if not better than the Audio Technica System 10 stuff I was using previously.

 

[Esquillama]

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Gui...d_rd_i=B07KPBVCKJ&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_12_t
I've been using these for almost two years now with no trouble in bars, clubs, outdoor, etc. regular cover band stuff. One of our guitarists also uses a similar "bug" type system, and the whole band is using wireless IEMs as well. I don't see a problem using this type of wireless system for these types of gigs at all.

The less bulk I need to get the job done, the better. I'm in and out in one trip and have good solid sound, both in-ears and foh. Best of luck to you.

 

[1bassplayinfool]

Ain't cheap, but it works. I picked one up and so far it's been flawless.

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