Good for you.. all my gigging basses are different shapes.....so a common strap is out of the question. Hence waist solution.
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Review: X2 digital wireless system
- Thread starter Fuzzbass
- Start date
Jazzdogg
Less barking, more wagging!
I've been running an X2 (stomp box version) for several months, and I've been very pleased with its sound and performance, despite the transmitter's insatiable appetite for batteries.
That said, my unit is definitely a line-of-sight device; I have experienced drop-outs when I've been out in the audience and someone has walked between me and the receiver, and when I've had to go around pillars and partitions while playing; I keep my receiver on top of my rig (not on the floor) in an effort to improve reception. I'm very curious to hear whether the dual antennas on the rack-mount version reduce drop-outs relative to the stomp-box version I'm using.
That said, my unit is definitely a line-of-sight device; I have experienced drop-outs when I've been out in the audience and someone has walked between me and the receiver, and when I've had to go around pillars and partitions while playing; I keep my receiver on top of my rig (not on the floor) in an effort to improve reception. I'm very curious to hear whether the dual antennas on the rack-mount version reduce drop-outs relative to the stomp-box version I'm using.
Last night I did a couple of tours out past 2' pillars and the occasional dancer (I never ventured out when the dance floor was full) and did not notice any drop-out, but that was not a thorough test. I'll report back after future gigs.
You are probably correct that the antennae not only increase range but also improve reception. This is probably why X2 has come out with a third wireless system: the XDS-Plus, which is a larger stompbox with antennae:
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Jazzdogg
Less barking, more wagging!
Thanks, Ken. Good to know about the new version.
The farther the two antennae can be spread apart, the more drop-outs can be significantly reduced, if not eliminated.
The farther the two antennae can be spread apart, the more drop-outs can be significantly reduced, if not eliminated.
I have two transmitters (one for each bass) and the earlier stompbox reciever. I've used them for the past 6 months and absolutely LOVE the sound quality. I've even used them in the studio to avoid a 50 ft run to an amp with no noticeable loss in signal quality. I would heartily recommend them to anyone - they beat the pants off any other wireless I've tried.
For a backup, I have a cable handy, and I could use either transmitter with either bass, so that's double redundancy. I haven't noticed any dropouts, up to about 50-75 feet.
A set of rechargeable 9v batteries was a good investment, as I tend to go through half a battery a night.
I was able to attach them to my straps vertically through some notches in the straps, and I've taped the cable to the strap so it can't get caught on cymbal or mic stands.
I think the rack unit is nicer, but I run to a large pedal board, and its real convienient to have one less cable to run.
For a backup, I have a cable handy, and I could use either transmitter with either bass, so that's double redundancy. I haven't noticed any dropouts, up to about 50-75 feet.
A set of rechargeable 9v batteries was a good investment, as I tend to go through half a battery a night.
I was able to attach them to my straps vertically through some notches in the straps, and I've taped the cable to the strap so it can't get caught on cymbal or mic stands.
I think the rack unit is nicer, but I run to a large pedal board, and its real convienient to have one less cable to run.
- Jun 29, 2006
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- President, CEO, CFO, CIO, Chief Engineer, Technician, Janitor - Reiner Amplification
Oh, here is one concern I had about going wireless: what happens if the wireless fails during a set, whether from a dead battery or otherwise?
This leads to a plug (no pun intended) for the SansAmp preamps: my wireless connects to the rear input of the SansAmp. If my wireless failed, I'd simply run a cable from my bass to the front input of the SansAmp -- doing so defeats the rear input. That's a speedy fix, not much downtime at all.
Thanks for the review Ken. This has been on my GAS list for a while.
Hows the RBI/RPM working for ya these days?
JR
So, the B string response is solid? That's what I heard was so desirable about the old X-Wires, in that most wireless systems tend to clip your low end a bit.
B string response is awesome. As good or better than a cable. The fact that this system is digital means its a fundamentally different beast than other wireless units.
Got one of these and works like a charm. Exceptional range in our church though I never venture off the platform.
I've been thinking about getting one of these for a while, but have been wondering which would be best (rack or pedal) considering I'm running pedal effects? Would I be better off getting the pedal version or the rack..............or does it not make a difference?
Ive found it REALLY easy to incorporate it into my custom board, and its fine there and I have no reception problems. Thats the beauty of it though, it goes right there on your pedal board
I just noticed that X2 was purchased by Line 6. I assume we'll have some wireless modeling amps coming our way...
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It is very different from most other FM'd units...
I wonder if the OP or anyone who has owned a high-end FM unit and replaced with the digital X2 rack unit can add some insight as to sound quality or difference?
Remember, the word digital carries this "ooo, aaah" effect around whenever some new technology comes out. But it's not always better, converting digital back to analog has quantization error, however, digital signals are not as easily corrupted by noise during transmission (FM problem).
So... anyone for my original question?
I tried both the sennheiser and the shure that run around $600, and could not get either to operate without coloring the tone or diminishing either sonic or dynamic range. The reception on those, and every other wireless I've heard, sounds like its running through a radio, which it is, technically. I'm real familiar with the analog/digital arguments from working in my project studio, and in this case, there is no comparison. Perhaps when you get to a $2000 UHF wireless everything is high quality, but that's not even close to the same money. Digital wins here on both quality and price.
Hi guys, I'm just wondering if players are still using these. I keep wanting to get back with it, but it just seems kinda pointless. I paid $350. when these came out and can't even get $150. for it now, so I was thinking about trying it again. Are they REALLY transparent. I kinda remember it thinning the sound out.
I use my X2 stomp box style wireless unit on gigs 4-6 times a month. No loss of low end, and no coloration to tone. It may be older technology, but it stands the test of time very well.
