I've never owned a wireless system before, but I've been running sound for one of my bands (from the stage), so I decided it would be good to be able to hear the mix from the audience perspective. Also, I wouldn't miss stepping on my own cord. After doing a lot of research -- much of it here @TB -- I chose the X2 digital wireless system.
Link Removed
Last week I ordered the stompbox version from MF, but even though the website said it was "in stock and ready to ship", I was notified a day later that it was backordered. (Note: as of today it is *still* listed as in stock and ready to ship!) So I cancelled the MF order and called Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center, a local brick-and-mortar. Turns out their prices are better than MF's. The sales guy at Chuck's notified me of a brand new X2 wireless that would be in stock next week: it's essentially a stompbox that has most of the features of the rackmount version. But after thinking about it, I decided to go with the rackmount. That way, I can set it and forget it. I also have a stompbox-free rig, and would prefer to keep it that way.
After my two weekend gigs, I agree with the excellent BP review of the product:
http://www.bassplayer.com/article/x2-xdr95-xds95/jan-08/33231
Tonal response is actually superior to a cable, even without using the ultra hi fi mode, and reception is amazing. I never wandered more than 75 feet away, but I can't imagine ever walking farther than that except maybe at outdoor gigs.
I used the Duracell that came with the unit... the "use before" date was something like 2011. On Friday, I essentially used the entire battery over the course of a 5 hour gig (3.5 hours playing time). But hey, that's fine... that gig was longer than usual, and I don't feel I was in danger of draining the battery before the gig was over. It was cool to be able to check the stage mix and tweak the board as necessary, tell a bandmate to turn up or down, etc.
Minor negatives: when you put the transmitter on your strap, the locking cable comes out at a 90 degree angle to the strap. I wish it was positioned so the cable came straight down and didn't stick out, but that's not a big deal, and doing the straight-down thing might be an issue for lefties. Another minor negative is that the locking jack is an 1/8" plug, which from what I've read can be an Achilles heel, but the way I set mine up I don't feel that it would ever get bumped.
Here is a MAJOR negative not mentioned in the BP review: The rackmount unit ships without rack ears attached. Installing the rack ears was a huge PITA! First, the screws are hex nuts, not phillips or flathead. I did not have a proper wrench, so I had to use an adjustable crescent. Second, the screw holes in the rack ears did not match up with the holes in the plastic case, so I had to widen the holes in the case with a knife. Even so, installing the screws was hard work! It would have been a little easier if I'd had a socket wrench, but I'm sure I'm not the only guy who doesn't carry a full tool kit -- no comments from the peanut gallery, please. Now that the ears are in, I feel they are secure... but again, it was a difficult and frustrating process.
Bottom line is that it works as advertised, and I recommend the X2 to anyone looking to go wireless.
Link Removed
Last week I ordered the stompbox version from MF, but even though the website said it was "in stock and ready to ship", I was notified a day later that it was backordered. (Note: as of today it is *still* listed as in stock and ready to ship!) So I cancelled the MF order and called Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center, a local brick-and-mortar. Turns out their prices are better than MF's. The sales guy at Chuck's notified me of a brand new X2 wireless that would be in stock next week: it's essentially a stompbox that has most of the features of the rackmount version. But after thinking about it, I decided to go with the rackmount. That way, I can set it and forget it. I also have a stompbox-free rig, and would prefer to keep it that way.
After my two weekend gigs, I agree with the excellent BP review of the product:
http://www.bassplayer.com/article/x2-xdr95-xds95/jan-08/33231
Tonal response is actually superior to a cable, even without using the ultra hi fi mode, and reception is amazing. I never wandered more than 75 feet away, but I can't imagine ever walking farther than that except maybe at outdoor gigs.
I used the Duracell that came with the unit... the "use before" date was something like 2011. On Friday, I essentially used the entire battery over the course of a 5 hour gig (3.5 hours playing time). But hey, that's fine... that gig was longer than usual, and I don't feel I was in danger of draining the battery before the gig was over. It was cool to be able to check the stage mix and tweak the board as necessary, tell a bandmate to turn up or down, etc.
Minor negatives: when you put the transmitter on your strap, the locking cable comes out at a 90 degree angle to the strap. I wish it was positioned so the cable came straight down and didn't stick out, but that's not a big deal, and doing the straight-down thing might be an issue for lefties. Another minor negative is that the locking jack is an 1/8" plug, which from what I've read can be an Achilles heel, but the way I set mine up I don't feel that it would ever get bumped.
Here is a MAJOR negative not mentioned in the BP review: The rackmount unit ships without rack ears attached. Installing the rack ears was a huge PITA! First, the screws are hex nuts, not phillips or flathead. I did not have a proper wrench, so I had to use an adjustable crescent. Second, the screw holes in the rack ears did not match up with the holes in the plastic case, so I had to widen the holes in the case with a knife. Even so, installing the screws was hard work! It would have been a little easier if I'd had a socket wrench, but I'm sure I'm not the only guy who doesn't carry a full tool kit -- no comments from the peanut gallery, please. Now that the ears are in, I feel they are secure... but again, it was a difficult and frustrating process.
Bottom line is that it works as advertised, and I recommend the X2 to anyone looking to go wireless.
