When playing live, do you use wireless to connect your instrument?

[One Way]

@LBS-bass That’s good info. I really preferred playing wireless for the freedom it offers moving around while playing and performing sound checks. With the inexpensive system I had I never experienced any interference plus it has four frequencies to choose from to mitigate interference issues if needed. I know I’ll get a wireless system again and look toward a system that uses a frequency other than 2.4 MHZ.

 

[Geri O]

One thing to remember about the higher-frequency systems is that the range might be a little less. There's a lot of contributing factors to the range situation ands that's part of the equation.

I know a whole lot of folks use and swear by the inexpensive RF systems, but I'll never stop believing that "you get what you pay for" with RF gear. I spent a LOT of money on the system I have and use nearly every gig, but I can honestly say, I've never, ever experienced a drop-out or noise. And my RF system doesn't care if the basses are active or passive (good thing as I use both). I do (kinda) believe that really good RF performance can be had for less than what I spent ($2300 six years ago), but I'll do it again when the time comes. The sound of my bass coming through my IEMs via my wireless has been and will continue to be worth every stinkin' penny. I get around 5 hours of battery life with 2 AA batteries, but I use lithium rechargeables and I always change batteries after 3 hours, if the gig is that long. I bought 24 rechargables at the time I bought the bass RF (I use them in my wireless IEM rig, too) and in April of this year, I finally replaced that original set with a new set. So they waaaayyyyy more than paid for themselves.

I'm saying, check the ratings, see what pros are using, and save up for as much RF as you can afford (and of course, can justify, depending one how much you'll use RF).

 

[LBS-bass]

@LBS-bass That’s good info. I really preferred playing wireless for the freedom it offers moving around while playing and performing sound checks. With the inexpensive system I had I never experienced any interference plus it has four frequencies to choose from to mitigate interference issues if needed. I know I’ll get a wireless system again and look toward a system that uses a frequency other than 2.4 MHZ.

Thanks. Yes, the one I use has four switchable options, as well. I haven't found a need to switch them so far, partly because I"m the only player using a wireless system but it is a handy option when you have several people up there using them.

 

[LBS-bass]

One thing to remember about the higher-frequency systems is that the range might be a little less. There's a lot of contributing factors to the range situation ands that's part of the equation.

I know a whole lot of folks use and swear by the inexpensive RF systems, but I'll never stop believing that "you get what you pay for" with RF gear. I spent a LOT of money on the system I have and use nearly every gig, but I can honestly say, I've never, ever experienced a drop-out or noise. And my RF system doesn't care if the basses are active or passive (good thing as I use both). I do (kinda) believe that really good RF performance can be had for less than what I spent ($2300 six years ago), but I'll do it again when the time comes. The sound of my bass coming through my IEMs via my wireless has been and will continue to be worth every stinkin' penny. I get around 5 hours of battery life with 2 AA batteries, but I use lithium rechargeables and I always change batteries after 3 hours, if the gig is that long. I bought 24 rechargables at the time I bought the bass RF (I use them in my wireless IEM rig, too) and in April of this year, I finally replaced that original set with a new set. So they waaaayyyyy more than paid for themselves.

I'm saying, check the ratings, see what pros are using, and save up for as much RF as you can afford (and of course, can justify, depending one how much you'll use RF).

I can understand that and I'm sure I'd feel the same if I'd opted for one of the expensive systems first. I'm sure there are benefits, but when I was in the decision phase I decided that it didn't cost much to try the less expensive option first, and I've not been disappointed in the results to any degree that would send me looking to spend the extra money.

Would I be more pleased with the expensive system? Possibly, but a huge drawback to those is the body pack - I wear dresses on stage and there aren't many clear options for mounting that. This way is much more convenient, and that also won me over.

I don't need much range on the stages I play but I do take my bass out front for sound checks; two weekends ago I played a festival and while the sound engineer was getting ready for us a friend came by; I must have walked 100 feet out with my bass to say hello to him, and my system was still working at that distance. I wouldn't trust it to play music from that distance for a variety of reasons (lag being a big one) but I was a bit surprised that the receiver was still picking up from that far away.

 

[JRA]

When playing live, do you use wireless to connect your instrument?

i voted "yes, and i'm pretty happy with my setup" even though i rarely use one (of two wireless systems i have).

but when i think i gotta have one = they're mighty handy for all of the reasons stated in the OP/thread. to me they're just another gear consideration. i need wirelessness pretty infrequently but i like knowing that i have options when i need/prefer it. (TBH: for most of my playing/gigging i'm perched on a stool so i use a good cable, done.)

 

[Geri O]

I can understand that and I'm sure I'd feel the same if I'd opted for one of the expensive systems first. I'm sure there are benefits, but when I was in the decision phase I decided that it didn't cost much to try the less expensive option first, and I've not been disappointed in the results to any degree that would send me looking to spend the extra money.

Would I be more pleased with the expensive system? Possibly, but a huge drawback to those is the body pack - I wear dresses on stage and there aren't many clear options for mounting that. This way is much more convenient, and that also won me over.

I don't need much range on the stages I play but I do take my bass out front for sound checks; two weekends ago I played a festival and while the sound engineer was getting ready for us a friend came by; I must have walked 100 feet out with my bass to say hello to him, and my system was still working at that distance. I wouldn't trust it to play music from that distance for a variety of reasons (lag being a big one) but I was a bit surprised that the receiver was still picking up from that far away.

I certainly understand the dress/body pack dilemma, having served as an A2 for Broadway-style shows and handing out and attaching body packs and lapel mics to female actors and dancers (almost always with their female friends or helpers nearby!).

I’m able to keep my pack on my belt so I can mute the bass with the tuner and change basses.

Attaching the pack to the bass strap is a good idea, but I’ve cringed watching some players carelessly plop their basses on a stand or lean it against their amp, watching the pack flail around precariously.

 

[LBS-bass]

I certainly understand the dress/body pack dilemma, having served as an A2 for Broadway-style shows and handing out and attaching body packs and lapel mics to female actors and dancers (almost always with their female friends or helpers nearby!).

I’m able to keep my pack on my belt so I can mute the bass with the tuner and change basses.

Attaching the pack to the bass strap is a good idea, but I’ve cringed watching some players carelessly plop their basses on a stand or lean it against their amp, watching the pack flail around precariously.

Yep. I think that if I were playing at the level sufficient to have this pay for itself, I'd possibly revisit one of the more expensive systems. Mounting on the strap has been suggested and it's likely the way I'd have to go.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

One thing to remember about the higher-frequency systems is that the range might be a little less. There's a lot of contributing factors to the range situation ands that's part of the equation.

I know a whole lot of folks use and swear by the inexpensive RF systems, but I'll never stop believing that "you get what you pay for" with RF gear. I spent a LOT of money on the system I have and use nearly every gig, but I can honestly say, I've never, ever experienced a drop-out or noise. And my RF system doesn't care if the basses are active or passive (good thing as I use both). I do (kinda) believe that really good RF performance can be had for less than what I spent ($2300 six years ago), but I'll do it again when the time comes. The sound of my bass coming through my IEMs via my wireless has been and will continue to be worth every stinkin' penny. I get around 5 hours of battery life with 2 AA batteries, but I use lithium rechargeables and I always change batteries after 3 hours, if the gig is that long. I bought 24 rechargables at the time I bought the bass RF (I use them in my wireless IEM rig, too) and in April of this year, I finally replaced that original set with a new set. So they waaaayyyyy more than paid for themselves.

I'm saying, check the ratings, see what pros are using, and save up for as much RF as you can afford (and of course, can justify, depending one how much you'll use RF).

Thanks, @Geri O ! Sound advice indeed. No pun intended Ill probably try the $50 ones first, in non critical situations. Then upgrade if they don’t work

 

[LBS-bass]

Thanks, @Geri O ! Sound advice indeed. No pun intended Ill probably try the $50 ones first, in non critical situations. Then upgrade if they don’t work

Just make sure you're buying something that transmits/receives in the 5.8 ghz ranges. The 2.4 ones are a lot less reliable because those frequencies get jammed up a lot by various other devices that use them.

 

[morrisonhendrix]

Just make sure you're buying something that transmits/receives in the 5.8 ghz ranges. The 2.4 ones are a lot less reliable because those frequencies get jammed up a lot by various other devices that use them.

Yes, I said the same in the first reply. If someone has a router onstage for IEMs, or the venue has one running in 2.4Ghz frequency, it's a killer.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

Just make sure you're buying something that transmits/receives in the 5.8 ghz ranges. The 2.4 ones are a lot less reliable because those frequencies get jammed up a lot by various other devices that use them.

Yes, I said the same in the first reply. If someone has a router onstage for IEMs, or the venue has one running in 2.4Ghz frequency, it's a killer.

Will do, my friends. Thank you!

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

Let the experiment begin!

 

[morrisonhendrix]

Let the experiment begin! View attachment 4737368

Yes! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the results.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

Yes! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the results.

I will be sure to report back!

 

[eriky4003]

RustfeatherBass, good luck on your quest.
My notes: I have a Line 6 G30 which works with all my basses and no dropouts. My issue with it is it would be nice if you could have a cable plugged in that would send a signal through if something happened to the transmitter. The transmitter, which people might claim is a flimsy, currently has an elastic wrapped around the unit to ensure the batteries complete their connection and I had to tape the attachment holding the transmitter to the strap/belt/pocket which also has the benefit of the elastic providing additional support.
Realizing I rehearse more than play I decided to go with a cheap wireless. In Canada, we have the 'Cable Free Guitar (CFG)' unit selling and one bass player claimed it worked with his active basses. My result wasn't as good. A Yamaha BBG5S bass I purchased in 2001 had a constant buzz going through the unit that makes it a no-go. I did contact CFG and they had a plan b for active units so my SBMM Ray 24 was better but the Yamaha still made noise. Passive basses were good, maybe with a bit of loss on the high-end.
I have since purchased a Boss WL20L (not nearly as cheap!) which does work well. One rehearsal room I am in may have some interference which hits the Yamaha but it works well at home with no noise and is fine at my other rehearsal room.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

RustfeatherBass, good luck on your quest.
My notes: I have a Line 6 G30 which works with all my basses and no dropouts. My issue with it is it would be nice if you could have a cable plugged in that would send a signal through if something happened to the transmitter. The transmitter, which people might claim is a flimsy, currently has an elastic wrapped around the unit to ensure the batteries complete their connection and I had to tape the attachment holding the transmitter to the strap/belt/pocket which also has the benefit of the elastic providing additional support.
Realizing I rehearse more than play I decided to go with a cheap wireless. In Canada, we have the 'Cable Free Guitar (CFG)' unit selling and one bass player claimed it worked with his active basses. My result wasn't as good. A Yamaha BBG5S bass I purchased in 2001 had a constant buzz going through the unit that makes it a no-go. I did contact CFG and they had a plan b for active units so my SBMM Ray 24 was better but the Yamaha still made noise. Passive basses were good, maybe with a bit of loss on the high-end.
I have since purchased a Boss WL20L (not nearly as cheap!) which does work well. One rehearsal room I am in may have some interference which hits the Yamaha but it works well at home with no noise and is fine at my other rehearsal room.

Thanks for the info, @eriky4003 !

 

[Richard Fazzi]

I love going wireless! I have a NADY 201 True Diversity system that I bought in 1989. It is a VHF system using frequency 209.15 MHz. It only has ONE channel! This unit has been bullet proof. Other than replacing the wall wart a few times, re-soldering a cold joint on the receiver circuit board (once about ten years ago) where the 1/4" input jack is and recently re-soldering the wire in the body pack's 1/4" jack it has been unbelievably reliable. Just the usual wear and tear of using it. I NEVER have any dropouts due to the True Diversity design (two receivers in the VHS tape sized receiver) that switch back and forth if needed to prevent it. Even a NADY rep said I have one of the best systems they ever made. I use EBL 9V rechargeable batteries, which are fantastic, and it has an incredible range of 1500 to 1600 feet! Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor would be proud. I have tested that range as well. Only one time have I not been able to use it because of interference in the area we were playing and I have used it all over the US and in Canada. I hope I never have to replace it.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

I love going wireless! I have a NADY 201 True Diversity system that I bought in 1989. It is a VHF system using frequency 209.15 MHz. It only has ONE channel! This unit has been bullet proof. Other than replacing the wall wart a few times, re-soldering a cold joint on the receiver circuit board (once about ten years ago) where the 1/4" input jack is and recently re-soldering the wire in the body pack's 1/4" jack it has been unbelievably reliable. Just the usual wear and tear of using it. I NEVER have any dropouts due to the True Diversity design (two receivers in the VHS tape sized receiver) that switch back and forth if needed to prevent it. Even a NADY rep said I have one of the best systems they ever made. I use EBL 9V rechargeable batteries, which are fantastic, and it has an incredible range of 1500 to 1600 feet! Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor would be proud. I have tested that range as well. Only one time have I not been able to use it because of interference in the area we were playing and I have used it all over the US and in Canada. I hope I never have to replace it.

Nice! Thank you for the information. Sounds like a fantastic unit!

 

[BCRich100]

I’ve been using a Line 6 G50 since January and had no issues with it. The main thing is check the channels for the best signal before you get going. I’ve figured out there’s a channel I can use at pretty much every venue we play at that behaves well so I’m lucky. I had one show where I had one or two 1 second drops but it was because the crowd got rowdy and pushed my mic stand into the floor unit of the G50 so it moved the antennas in a weird way. Once that was fixed it was fine.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

I’ve been using a Line 6 G50 since January and had no issues with it. The main thing is check the channels for the best signal before you get going. I’ve figured out there’s a channel I can use at pretty much every venue we play at that behaves well so I’m lucky. I had one show where I had one or two 1 second drops but it was because the crowd got rowdy and pushed my mic stand into the floor unit of the G50 so it moved the antennas in a weird way. Once that was fixed it was fine.

Thanks for the info, @BCRich100 !