Wireless system for bass guitar - what's being used?

[seanm]

Line 6 G50. Aside from the battery time lying like a politician at election time, it has been very reliable. Very important to watch for the red battery low LED, it seems to be more reliable.

Great range and works even with a lot of people in between you and the receiver. I wondered out to check sound once and the dance floor packed so tight I couldn't see the stage and it still works like a champ.

 

[DwaynieAD]

I dont even remember what one I have. Bought it here on Tb for 35 bucks like two years ago and it spends most of its time in my closet. I actually forgot about it until this thread.

 

[Max Blasto]

I'm using a Line 6 G50 these days.

Tone is great, and range is great. I've walked down the street in Waikiki while the band was stuck back in the bar. As you can see, you need to know what you're doing with the batteries. I put in freshies before each gig, cuz if you're playing from 9 to close, you don't want to try to remember how long you had the unit on at the last rehearsal. And I never want to have to play the bass line on "Crazy Train" on the keys again!

So, there you go - Sound is great. Range is great. Keep a pack of AAs in your gig bag and put in new ones each gig, and you're good.

 

[Slapstyle]

I use a Shure PGXD digital system. I think it sounds just as good as direct wired and I'm pretty discriminating. I've had some wireless that were noisy and clearly degraded quality but I've always been happy with this one, weather on the electric or the upright.

I see people talking about battery life. I only use Energizer Lithium batteries and I'll do several gigs before changing them. In fact, I often forget until the low battery indicator comes on, and if I'm not paying attention and miss that, it starts to sound farty and weird when the batteries finally go. It takes a couple of AA's.

It's a stab in the dark but I'd say I get a minimum of 5 gigs, at least 3 hours each on a set of batteries, so 15 hours. I believe this is a conservative estimate and it is in fact longer, but I'll have to pay closer attention the next time I swap batteries. I haven't been using it lately as I mostly play double these days, and clipping the wireless pack to the tail pieces clutters up the look of the bass.

 

[deckstirparnell]

I have an earlier Line 6 X2 digital wireless that I have used for about 4 years now and it works great, sounds as good or better than a cord. It takes 1 9 volt battery and I use a lithium ion rechargeable I bought on eBay. Fully charged it only has 8.5 volts but that being said, I can get 2 full 4 hour nights of playing on a charge with enough left over to probably do a 3rd night.

 

[Dan Bass]

Is any one "really" using a great wireless system for Bass in live gig situations?
I have tried a few in the past years but I have always experienced a reduction in tone and power. I'm still wanting to find a great system can anyone recommend anything specifically for bass?

LINE6 RELAY I THINK IT'S CALLED, CHECK OUT LINE6 WIRELESS TRUST ME READ THE REVIEWS AND EVERTHING THEY ARE AEWSOME AND THEY MENTION THAT THEY ARE GREAT FOR BASS GUITAR BECAUSE THEY DON'T SUCK UP YOUR TONE, IT'S LIKE HAVING AN IVISIBLE CABLE YOU CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE. AND THEY GOT 3 DIFFERENT MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM. I WILL NEVER USE ANYTHING ELSE, AND THEY DON'T MAKE ANY CRACKLING NOISES WHEN MOVING AROUND. A+ IN MY BOOK!!

 

[GreyBeard]

Is any one "really" using a great wireless system for Bass in live gig situations?
I have tried a few in the past years but I have always experienced a reduction in tone and power. I'm still wanting to find a great system can anyone recommend anything specifically for bass?

Yes as I move all over the stage when I play. Right now I'm using a Fender/AKG while my AT is being fixed. I think that a wire sounds a little better but just gets too much in the way. I've had pretty good luck with UHF true diversity units. The technology is mature and they are pretty reliable. A lot of people swear by the newer digital units but, I haven't had a chance to use one yet.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Is any one "really" using a great wireless system for Bass in live gig situations?
I have tried a few in the past years but I have always experienced a reduction in tone and power. I'm still wanting to find a great system can anyone recommend anything specifically for bass?

Line 6 g30 $129 on sale 1 year 150+ gigs and rehearsals. Cheap and flimsy but works geat

 

[guitarflinger]

You use GLXD16 or GLDX14?

GLX-D 16 with the builtin tuner and boost.

 

[Double E]

I've been using a Sony unit with great success...here is a review thread here on TB:

Sony DWZ-B30GB Review | TalkBass.com

 

[Dan Bass]

Is any one "really" using a great wireless system for Bass in live gig situations?
I have tried a few in the past years but I have always experienced a reduction in tone and power. I'm still wanting to find a great system can anyone recommend anything specifically for bass?

Here's the G90 rackmount, 300ft. Range.

 

[BEADG63]

Is any one "really" using a great wireless system for Bass in live gig situations?
I have tried a few in the past years but I have always experienced a reduction in tone and power. I'm still wanting to find a great system can anyone recommend anything specifically for bass?

I have been using a Sennheiser wireless for about 10 years now, and I have had no issues with loss of tone or power. Granted, I have an older unit that is not available anymore, but you should have good luck with this brand. A little pricey but worth it for maximum bass. I found a photo of the exact one that I have and use.

 

[Dan Bass]

Is any one "really" using a great wireless system for Bass in live gig situations?
I have tried a few in the past years but I have always experienced a reduction in tone and power. I'm still wanting to find a great system can anyone recommend anything specifically for bass?

And here's the G30 & G50 they have 100ft and 200ft. Ranges.

 

[ERock_10]

I have great luck with Line 6's Relay G50. Used often with no problems. I also use Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries with it and get about 10hrs with them.

 

[Dan Bass]

Is any one "really" using a great wireless system for Bass in live gig situations?
I have tried a few in the past years but I have always experienced a reduction in tone and power. I'm still wanting to find a great system can anyone recommend anything specifically for bass?

You really need to check out the reviews on the Line6 Relay G30, G50, and G90. Bass Player mag, Musician's Friend, Guitar World, all have great reviews on the Line6 Relays wireless system.

 

[Loki182]

G50

 

[Bassworship1]

I purchased the Line 6 G90 and wanted more than anything for it to work and take over my wireless needs but I bought one new and had terrible feedback no matter what channel I used. I finally sent it back and purchased another G30 system. Not near as rugged and nice as the rack mount G90 but I haven't had any issues with it lol.

 

[Geri O]

Is any one "really" using a great wireless system for Bass in live gig situations?
I have tried a few in the past years but I have always experienced a reduction in tone and power. I'm still wanting to find a great system can anyone recommend anything specifically for bass?

I'm aways hesitant to mention what I"m using because it's hideously expensive, but for a good reason. It's the finest and most robust RF unit out there today.

I use the Lectrosonics SMQV transmitter and the R400a receiver with my bass. Lectrosonics is known for industrial, robust RF transmission. Think Superbowl, can't-fail thinking. It's digital-hybrid technology, but in the regular frequency ranges, not the 2.4g range. At the church, we've A/B'ed this system with other wireless gear and even good wire cables and this thing can't be beat.

And for $2100, it had bloody well better be. But I was fortunate enough to be in the position to buy it at the time. And it's been flawless. Never a drop-out.

I know, this isn't for everyone. And I won't "challenge" everyone with the old "if you care about yer bass tone, you'll get a second mortgage on the hacienda and buy the Lectro system for your bass!". That's so crude and rude. But it's worth a look. I'm very happy with it.

From what I understand, the Line 6 systems offer a great level of performance for the money. Nothing at all wrong with that. The Shure, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica systems work very well, too. These are systems that I've use and are familiar with.

 

[SWRnut]

Line 6 G-90.

 

[packhowitzer]

my line 6 G50 has been a total champ. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.