No Cable Needed?

[BassGod]

Hey guys, I have a question...

Whenever you see a band live, the guitarist and bassist never use cables. They always have a little box on their strap that eliminates the need for a cable. So, I was wondering what these things are called, approximatley how much they cost, and any other helpful information I should know about these things. I'd really like freedom from my 30 foot cable.

Thanks,
Graeme

 

[Dan Molina]

They're wireless systems. Depending on the quality you want, I hear the lowest price ones are crap and you'd have to spend a ****-load of money to get a good one.

 

[buffordbass]

True!!! I bought one of the cheap ones and immediately returned it. 1/2 the volume, 1/2 the tonal range...

Be prepared to spend $250+ for one you will be pleased with.

 

[BassGod]

Ouch! I better start saving. Thanks guys.

Graeme

 

[Munjibunga]

Don't buy Nady or Samson. Shure, AKG and Sennheiser all have good ones for around $300. If you pay less than that you will be disappointed. Whichever brand you get, make SURE you get UHF diversity. Not VHF, and make sure it's diversity.

 

[Kelly Lee]

I haven't had any problems with Samson's high-end wireless units in the past. As already said though, you gotta spend bucks.

 

[John Deppel]

I haven't had any problems with Samson's high-end wireless units in the past.

That's what I used to use for the longest time and also had no problems. About a year ago I tried a Shure system. Dollar for Dollar, Shure is better.

 

[Munjibunga]

OK, buy Samson if you want.

 

[jiant.]

If you look on eBay you can get a killer deal on these things sometimes. I got mine (Audio Technica 601G UHF) for $70 including shipping from the 'bay, I think they retail for $250-$300. It has never failed me, and I've not had any problems with interference during a show, which is the only time I use it. But as Munjibunga said, Samson stuff is crap, so if you are going to get one, hold out for better. Also definately go with a UHF model, or else get ready for some serious interference.

 

[BassGod]

What do UHF and VHF stand for, and what is the difference? Thanks for all the help, by the way.

Peace,
Graeme

 

[Munjibunga]

UHF= ultra high frequency, VHF= very high frequency. UHF is less susceptible to interference and dropouts. Don't forget diversity. A diversity system has two (or more) receivers, and switches back and forth between them as necessary when one or the other gets a weak signal.

 

[tplyons]

+1 for Sennheiser, I'm craving an EW100 series system.
-1 for Nady. Dropped $290 and the plastic reciever kept falling apart, cable kept cutting out. They have decent electronics, but horrid physical cases.

 

[Benjamin Strange]

XWire, man. XWire.

I hear good things about Sennheiser's (stolen) digital wirelesses as well.

 

[tplyons]

Sennheiser's (stolen) digital wirelesses

Next best thing to Xwire since they don't make 'em anymore!