Wireless systems - pros and cons

[mesaplayer83]

I just picked up one of these units off CL for a great price and love that it works on 900MHz, has less competition with other wireless devices. Haven’t used it much yet but can’t wait to give it some action.

Raz

I would highly recommend getting some Li-Ion rechargeable 9v batteries - I use Hi-Tech...

 

[Oktyabrski]

Line6 G30 is awesome! I "feed" it by two AA recharchable batteries 2000mah. That's enough for about 7 hours.

 

[mcnach]

I want to go wireless. I've seen a number of systems, have read up on some of the issues with various systems, and I lean a few different ways. Here are my issues (aka stupid questions):

1) I don't mind spending a little money for a high end system like the Shure. However... I am not thrilled with the clip-on design of the transmitter, because I am a girl and I wear dresses a lot on stage, which leaves not much to clip on to. Except maybe my guitar strap? For those who have these kinds of systems, does that seem like it would work? If not, what's the solution?

2) The less expensive systems with the small, 1/4" plug-in tx and rx units seem to be very popular. One guitarist I work with is using one and he seems to have no problems with it. But I have read that there can be problems with active basses, and all of my basses are active or at least active/passive. I don't have any fully passive basses. I've also read that these systems can be more prone to dropouts and interference with other units. Is it worth trying this system first to see if it suits my needs, or should I just go with the more expensive one, assuming I can clip it onto my strap?

I have used the Line6 G30 system for 10 years now. It works just fine without issues. Any bass, any stage.
Not a fan of the clip-on either. I got a holder to attach it to my strap. Sorted.

I have no experience of other systems, but the G30 has come down in price a lot now that there's many other alternatives... I'd still buy the G30.

 

[mcnach]

Pro: you’re mobile
Con: signal interference

All wireless products—no matter how expensive—will never be as reliable as a cord. They are prone to interference from fluorescent lights, FM radio, cordless phones, and interruptions in line of sight.

I guess I've been crazy lucky because I have had... let me count... yes, ZERO interference or drop-out issues with my wireless, in 10 years of use. Maybe the old analog radio systems were worse.

During this time, I've seen bandmates occasionally having cable issues. But that may not mean much because I've also been trouble-free with cables, mostly because I use decent stuff and look after it.

 

[JimmyM]

I guess I've been crazy lucky because I have had... let me count... yes, ZERO interference or drop-out issues with my wireless, in 10 years of use. Maybe the old analog radio systems were worse.

During this time, I've seen bandmates occasionally having cable issues. But that may not mean much because I've also been trouble-free with cables, mostly because I use decent stuff and look after it.

Hear hear! Now I've had occasional broken cables on my wirelesses. Also had broken cables occasionally elsewhere. I've also had interference and cellphone noises without a wireless at all. And though I've had dropouts from losing line of sight on my old X2 wirelesses, I've never had a single one on my G70 in almost 3 years, and I've yanked a cable out of my rig accidentally or broke them as much as I've had dropouts. I find most complaints of this nature about wirelesses absolutely silly. Some are crap, and I'm not saying no. But the way he painted them all to suck so bad is just plain untrue. Maybe he bought a $100 Samson in 1982 and judges them all by that one but they've gotten a lot better.

 

[NicJimBass]

FWIW, I've been using an XDR-95 and a pair of XDS-PLUS units for over 10 years - I average 100+ shows per year... I've thought about "upgrading" them a few times over the years, but they've been stone reliable... I used this setup for an acoustic duo gig with a Breedlove AEB on Friday night - no DI necessary:View attachment 3577125

I have two of the little X2 wirelesses where the receiver was the size of the transmitter and they've worked solid for me for 11 years, although they have line of sight issues. No problem...usually moving them a little takes care of the worst of it. But they also operate on a frequency that's only legal in the US, so that's why Line 6 discontinued them and made the Relay series.

Yes to either of these. I used the smaller version for several years (and have 3 sets, just in case), but recently got the bigger version and love it. Kind of hard to find, but work great. Based on the old X-wire units from the 90's that were really high-dollar, and had a bunch of big names using them (Phil Lesh and Victor Wooten come to mind).