Double Bass Recommendations Wanted: Wireless from Instrument to Amp

[Steve Freides]

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L5B64RG

has been working well for me - used it a bunch of times since I bought it about 6 weeks ago. I figured, for $40, why not try it?

This is BlueTooth as far as I know, not any of the older, more expensive technologies that I used for this purpose a decade or two ago.

Anyone else using? Anyone care to recommend something else I ought to try? I need another one, so I figured I'd ask before I buy again. I've used the product at above link for a variety of purposes, including electric bass to my Phil Jones Bass Cub a few days ago, also guitar to that amp, and a keyboard to a powered monitor speaker. I don't notice any latency when playing, no dropouts, and battery life has been acceptable - it's run for 2+ hours.

Thanks in advance for your comments and recommendations.

-S-

 

[Don Hergert]

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L5B64RG

has been working well for me - used it a bunch of times since I bought it about 6 weeks ago. I figured, for $40, why not try it? ...

Thanks for mentioning this particular model Steve, I've just ordered one myself. Will try it for a gig this Friday evening and again on Sunday. If they work well I may also get a second one for my wife's guitar.

Documentation on Amazon describes the mode as 2.4GHZ wireless, but I don't know for sure what they mean since Bluetooth is one of many general wireless modes in this frequency range. It does seem like they're careful not to use the term Bluetooth, so I'm not sure what to expect. IF it is Bluetooth, there is also a possible connection to a PC, pad or phone that also supports Bluetooth, producing some interesting possibilities.

I'll also report in after testing it out.

 

[John Chambliss]

5 GHz devices are available also. They should be faster, and subject to less congestion. However, there may not be much noticeable difference between the two with short distances between the instrument and the amp.

 

[Steve Freides]

5 GHz devices are available also. They should be faster, and subject to less congestion. However, there may not be much noticeable difference between the two with short distances between the instrument and the amp.

@John Chambliss, do you care to recommend a particular model?

-S-

 

[Steve Freides]

Documentation on Amazon describes the mode as 2.4GHZ wireless, but I don't know for sure what they mean since Bluetooth is one of many general wireless modes in this frequency range.

I thought it was BlueTooth, because there seems to be some "pairing" involved, e.g., I've noticed that the connection sometimes doesn't get made if I turn on the instrument end first, but if I turn on the receiving/amp end first, then it seems to connect every time.

It also charges like bluetooth headphones or other similar devices - works off a phone charger.

-S-

 

[neddyrow]

i used a system 8 from Audio Technica that worked pretty well. here is their newest model:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ica-atw-1101-g-digital-wireless-guitar-system

 

[Steve Freides]

i used a system 8 from Audio Technica that worked pretty well. here is their newest model:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ica-atw-1101-g-digital-wireless-guitar-system

I see it has a "pair" light, so I guess that's a thing now. I don't remember it on earlier wireless systems.

I also see it says 2.4 GHz on it, so I guess the question now is about the differences between that and the one I've been using. There's a big cost difference and I don't mean to suggest that the difference isn't justified, but I just don't know.

-S-

 

[John Chambliss]

@John Chambliss, do you care to recommend a particular model?

No, I haven't really experimented with them. In real life, I'm a Telecom/Data Network person and that's why I commented. It's in my nature.

 

[JKos]

This is BlueTooth as far as I know

Can't be Bluetooth as the latency spec is too low. The lowest latency Bluetooth codec (AptX-LL) has a latency around 32 ms. Most Bluetooth codecs are more like 80-140 ms.

- John

 

[John Chambliss]

Can't be Bluetooth as the latency spec is too low. The lowest latency Bluetooth codec (AptX-LL) has a latency around 32 ms. Most Bluetooth codecs are more like 80-140 ms.

- John

Yeah, I'm seeing some of these with latency <2.9ms and line of sight of 130 ft.

 

[Ronzo]

@Steve Freides , this is NOT Bluetooth technology. It is 2.4 GHz frequency-hopping spread-spectrum technology, much as a wireless phone connected to a landline might use. The “pairing” involves which of the 4 to 6 (typically) frequency groups are used in that spectrum.

As @John Chambliss has stated, there are units available for slightly more money (about $60 USD) that utilize the 5.8 GHz spectrum, which is substantially less crowded than the 2.4 GHz spectrum. I also have a 2.4 GHz system, and these two 5.8 GHz systems perform much better for me, with both passive and active basses; I own one system of each:

LEKATO Wireless Guitar System Wireless Audio Electric Guitar Transmitter Receiver 4 Channels Transmission Range High Frequency Battery Rechargeable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TYRQ222/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ja2RDbJ6WYSDS

ammoon Wireless Guitar System 4 Channels Audio Digital Guitar Transmitter Receiver 300 Feet Transmission Range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MC7ZW9T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_8b2RDbC57EHC5

I recommend you give either of these two systems a try. They work well for me at rehearsal and a worship situation.

 

[Steve Freides]

@Ronzo, thank you for those links.

The first links says, "High Frequency ISM band is optimal for guitar wireless approved for use in Europe, South America,Asia and Australia" - does this mean it's not approved for use in the US?

The second link says, "(Only supports passive electric guitar pickup and piezo-electric Acoustic guitar pickup without microphone system pickup)" which I confess I don't understand - a signal is a signal to such a device, I would think.

@John Chambliss, thank you again for your input. You, too, @JKos.

So far, I'm leaning towards trying one of the type you folks have recommended. $60 instead of $40 for better performance is a very worthwhile upgrade.

-S-

 

[Don Hergert]

Steve, do you use a pre-amp in your chain before the 2.4 wireless transmitter?

Edit: Actually it doesn't matter, the device you're using works with keyboards, so it will work with either active or passive output. I think that I'm going to keep my order active for this 2.4MHZ device, if I need 5MHZ I'll look into it later.

 

[Steve Freides]

Steve, do you use a pre-amp in your chain before the wireless transmitter?

I do not

But, FWIW, I'm playing through at PJ Bass Cub. I have two input, described below in a quote from the manual. I'm not sure which input, or which settings, would give the most faithful sound. I confess I get lost in talk of impedances. I've been plugging into the combo input, which is #1 below. I don't remember where I have that three-position toggle set - the amp is at the venue, not here with me. Suggestions gratefully accepted.

1. INSTRUMENT INPUT JACK CHANNEL A This is a combo socket accepts both standard ¼ inch mono jack and XLR plug. This input is not suitable for high impedance piezo pickups.

2. INPUT GAIN SWITCH CHANNEL A High: Higher sensitivity, high impedance input for passive basses with magnetic pickups Low: Lower sensitivity input setting for guitars/basses with onboard electronics. MIC: Switch to this when plugging in a microphone. This input is for dynamic low impedance balanced line microphones. If you need to use a condenser microphone that requires phantom power, you will need an optional phantom power unit.

I really, really appreciate the education I'm getting here.

-S-

 

[eJake]

@Steve Freides , this is NOT Bluetooth technology. It is 2.4 GHz frequency-hopping spread-spectrum technology, much as a wireless phone connected to a landline might use. The “pairing” involves which of the 4 to 6 (typically) frequency groups are used in that spectrum.

As @John Chambliss has stated, there are units available for slightly more money (about $60 USD) that utilize the 5.8 GHz spectrum, which is substantially less crowded than the 2.4 GHz spectrum. I also have a 2.4 GHz system, and these two 5.8 GHz systems perform much better for me, with both passive and active basses; I own one system of each:

LEKATO Wireless Guitar System Wireless Audio Electric Guitar Transmitter Receiver 4 Channels Transmission Range High Frequency Battery Rechargeable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TYRQ222/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ja2RDbJ6WYSDS

ammoon Wireless Guitar System 4 Channels Audio Digital Guitar Transmitter Receiver 300 Feet Transmission Range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MC7ZW9T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_8b2RDbC57EHC5

I recommend you give either of these two systems a try. They work well for me at rehearsal and a worship situation.

This is great info thanks! Do they have cheap setups like this for in ears yet???!!

Edit: Any preference between the ammoon and the lekato? I did not know these existed, Ill be making a purchase soon.

 

[Steven Ayres]

Anyone care to recommend something else I ought to try?

I have an xVive setup I've been using for a couple of years, in both rehearsals and gigs. It's been good, with playing time over four hours and no failures, no significant latency and good signal strength at the amp. I had to pull it out one time for what I think was freq interference, maybe from a bar blender or microwave, I'm not sure and the condition hasn't repeated. It's also 2.4gHz and still costs about $150, but hey, it comes in more colors now!

 

[james condino]

Wireless with my live setup?????? Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh myyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy- unlimited bass spins and overhand hucks without any fear of unplugging everything!!!!!! MUST HAVE MUST HAVE MUST HAVE....... !!!!!!!!

I'll be able to start practicing trapeze solos:




Will it sound like "My bass only without a cord"????

 

[Steven Ayres]

I'll be able to start practicing trapeze solos

Yikes, I'm surprised the bone player didn't have a stroke! It's a late-'40s Kay.

Years of backstage experience with wireless rigs make me a little wary of them in general, and these new kids on the block are priced very low, so one can't expect much. But so far my experience has been positive and, I might add, a lot more twirly.

 

[nucman]

I also use the Xvive system from Sweetwater. My rhythm player uses one also, they have switchable 3 settings for multiple players. The only problem I have had with mine is with my active Jazz made all kinds of noises, had to switch it to passive. Must have picked up signal from pre-amp being so close.

 

[Ronzo]

This is great info thanks! Do they have cheap setups like this for in ears yet???!!

Edit: Any preference between the ammoon and the lekato? I did not know these existed, Ill be making a purchase soon.

Don’t know if 5.8 GHz IEM systems are available yet.

The Lekato and Ammoon 5.8 systems appear to be identical except for the case color. I purchased the Lekato system a couple of months later than the Ammoon system. My experience with both has been excellent with both passive and active basses, despite the manufacturer’s claims that active instruments might cause problems. I haven’t found that to be the case. YMMV.