• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Wireless

BaltBass5

BaltBass5

Supporting Member
May 11, 2011
2,799
6,014
Baltimore, MD
#1
Just a random observation about wireless systems to see if anyone else may agree with me....but first some background:

1. I use wireless and I also use pedals. This may not be as common for bassists but certainly there are a ton of guitarists doing this.
2. There were a few decent pedalboard based wireless systems which have been discontinued (Line 6 G70 and Shure GLXD16).

I am looking to simplify my rig because currently I am running Spector Basses into a Sennheiser Wireless (Rack Mounted) and then have to run the wireless receiver all the way to my pedalboard and then back to my amp. (2 cables each 20')

In looking at pedalboard friendly wireless options I have noted that wireless seems to fall into 2 categories:

1. Rack mounted units that are about 8" x 7" which make them not pedalboard friendly. (These units also seem to have higher power requirements voltage and current.)

2. Smaller form factor units which have less power requirements (voltage and current) but are typically made of plastic, have signal dropout issues and have battery life issues with the transmitters. These units also tend to use rechargeable transmitter batteries.

I'm wondering why someone can't manufacture a robust, pedalboard friendly unit similar to the G70 or GLXD16 I mentioned earlier? I would assume that they were discontinued due to lack of sales but I can't imagine that there aren't a TON of players worldwide that are having similar problems as myself in finding a solution.

I'm guessing that most bassists here are going to comment that they aren't using pedals and/or wireless but I'm curious who may be and what your solution is??
 
  • Like
Reactions: 6-3-2, Alan Ace Cooper and bste9
#3
Tosh said:
I use this system

Sennheiser XSW-D PEDALBOARD SET – Wireless Pedalboard System

I do have a second transmitter but I've never had to swap a transmitter at a gig.
Click to expand...

I looked at that unit but a few issues I have read that the battery life is very short. What's your experience?

I use Spector basses with side mounted output jacks I've heard that the transmitter can get interference from the active electronics. Also I am very active on stage and I heard that the transmitter can fall out of the jack easily. Do you have any insight into either of those issues?

I know that Sennheiser includes a belt clip and an extension cable for the transmitter but it is a straight connector and not right angle. I would need 2 transmitters as I regularly play in 2 tunings for sets and Sennheiser doesn't include the belt clip and extension cable with the additional transmitter.
 
#4
I’m using the Shure GLXD16 for my bass because like you’ve noticed, rack units are a PITA when already committed to a pedalboard.
I haven’t found anything that works better.

for my guitar rigs I’m still using the X2 XDS wireless units (pre LINE6) that I’ve had for the last 15years as they haven’t ever failed me.
Pedalboard friendly wireless is definitely an underserved market IMO!
 
  • Like
Reactions: BaltBass5
#5
never-enough said:
for my guitar rigs I’m still using the X2 XDS wireless units (pre LINE6) that I’ve had for the last 15years as they haven’t ever failed me.
Click to expand...
Me too. On bass. Rechargeable 9 volts last around 15-20 hours. I have NEVER had a signal drop out on any stage or room. Last time I bought a back up, five or six years ago, they were still readily available, used and inexpensive.
 
  • Like
Reactions: crapusername, BaltBass5 and never-enough
#6
jbybj said:
Me too. On bass. Rechargeable 9 volts last around 15-20 hours. I have NEVER had a signal drop out on any stage or room. Last time I bought a back up, five or six years ago, they were still readily available, used and inexpensive.
Click to expand...

yep, never a dropout. used mine on multiple tours all across the US and Europe, and one of Japan.
my only complaint would be that I’ve found a need to be mindful of the cable attachment to the transmitter.
I have 3 of the units to use with electric and acoustic guitar rigs, and I’m usually using them alongside a bass player who is also running one.

i do like the built in tuner and overall build quality of the Shure units though.
 
#7
BaltBass5 said:
I looked at that unit but a few issues I have read that the battery life is very short. What's your experience?
Click to expand...
I really do get 4 hours on a single charge, and I don't play gigs that go longer than that. Nevertheless, I have the second transmitter unit at the ready. I charge it from the receiver base unit.


BaltBass5 said:
I use Spector basses with side mounted output jacks I've heard that the transmitter can get interference from the active electronics. Also I am very active on stage and I heard that the transmitter can fall out of the jack easily. Do you have any insight into either of those issues?
Click to expand...
.
I don't move around much onstage ;-} I tend to stand near the drummer. I've never had an issue with the tx moving out of the jack. My basses are a Michael Kelly acoustic using a Fishman system, a Peavey Dyna (active/passive magnetic), a Godin Ultra A4 (active piezo/magnetic), and a Wilcox Sabre (active optical/piezo). Never had any interference.

BaltBass5 said:
I know that Sennheiser includes a belt clip and an extension cable for the transmitter but it is a straight connector and not right angle. I would need 2 transmitters as I regularly play in 2 tunings for sets and Sennheiser doesn't include the belt clip and extension cable with the additional transmitter.
Click to expand...

I don't use the extension system at all. I don't feel that I need it. Just plug in the dongle and let it dangle.
 
#9
I use the cheapest Line-6 system. As long as I remember to charge it, it has been flawless. When I have forgotten, it flashes red long before it dies so I can grab a patch cord before the next song starts . One of the guitarists in my band has I believe, the next model up. He has it on his pedal board and it has been flawless, the G-10 (cheapest) has a wiggley micro USB. I epoxied a 90 degree adapter to the charger to solve this, the next one up the line has a power input that is compatible with pedal board power devices. I would recommend one whole heartedly
 
#10
Seconding the previous comments... I've used a Line 6 G-30 for years and have never had any problems with it - clean signal, no noticeable effect on the tone, fit great on my pedalboard, and ran just fine off of my OneSpot power supply. The only problem with mine (and apparently with those Line 6 wireless units) is that they are covered in some sort of soft black polymer that starts to degrade and get a bit sticky after several years. Got it used for <$100US and it's one of the best things I ever bought.

-Y
 
  • Like
Reactions: eriky4003
#11
BaltBass5 said:
Just a random observation about wireless systems to see if anyone else may agree with me....but first some background:

1. I use wireless and I also use pedals. This may not be as common for bassists but certainly there are a ton of guitarists doing this.
2. There were a few decent pedalboard based wireless systems which have been discontinued (Line 6 G70 and Shure GLXD16).

I am looking to simplify my rig because currently I am running Spector Basses into a Sennheiser Wireless (Rack Mounted) and then have to run the wireless receiver all the way to my pedalboard and then back to my amp. (2 cables each 20')

In looking at pedalboard friendly wireless options I have noted that wireless seems to fall into 2 categories:

1. Rack mounted units that are about 8" x 7" which make them not pedalboard friendly. (These units also seem to have higher power requirements voltage and current.)

2. Smaller form factor units which have less power requirements (voltage and current) but are typically made of plastic, have signal dropout issues and have battery life issues with the transmitters. These units also tend to use rechargeable transmitter batteries.

I'm wondering why someone can't manufacture a robust, pedalboard friendly unit similar to the G70 or GLXD16 I mentioned earlier? I would assume that they were discontinued due to lack of sales but I can't imagine that there aren't a TON of players worldwide that are having similar problems as myself in finding a solution.

I'm guessing that most bassists here are going to comment that they aren't using pedals and/or wireless but I'm curious who may be and what your solution is??
Click to expand...
Boss WL-50 and WL-60 are made for pedal boards. I run a WL-20.
 
  • Like
Reactions: never-enough
#13
Yools said:
Seconding the previous comments... I've used a Line 6 G-30 for years and have never had any problems with it - clean signal, no noticeable effect on the tone, fit great on my pedalboard, and ran just fine off of my OneSpot power supply. The only problem with mine (and apparently with those Line 6 wireless units) is that they are covered in some sort of soft black polymer that starts to degrade and get a bit sticky after several years. Got it used for <$100US and it's one of the best things I ever bought.

-Y
Click to expand...

Thirding. I'm currently using a G10s and am only planning on (eventually) upgrading to either a G30 or G50 because I would rather have degradation of rechargeable AA batteries than the internal one in my current transmitter, which is slowly on the way out - it's taken well over 3 years for that though with regular gigging and practice use.
 
#14
I have the Line 6 G50 which has been really good over the years. I chose this over the G30 for the piece of mind of the extended range, metal casing on the transmitter and 'proper' aerials on the receiver unit.
 
#15
Have to mention that at least with the Line-6 units, you can unplug and insert from one instrument to another noiselessly. Also the system somehow eliminates most, if not all, the hum from my single coil P bass that can be annoying with a regular cable
 
#17
BaltBass5 said:
I looked at that unit but a few issues I have read that the battery life is very short. What's your experience?

I use Spector basses with side mounted output jacks I've heard that the transmitter can get interference from the active electronics. Also I am very active on stage and I heard that the transmitter can fall out of the jack easily. Do you have any insight into either of those issues?

I know that Sennheiser includes a belt clip and an extension cable for the transmitter but it is a straight connector and not right angle. I would need 2 transmitters as I regularly play in 2 tunings for sets and Sennheiser doesn't include the belt clip and extension cable with the additional transmitter.
Click to expand...
I have it and am pretty disappointed. Battery life at first was pretty good, but seems to be getting shorter. My big complaint is noise! I also use Spectors. It seems the hot EMGs or something in my chain just does not get along with the wireless. I'm in the same boat as you, I want to find a good wireless pedal system, but have yet to find one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BaltBass5
#18
Line6 G50, on my board with 6 pedals and a preamp. Powered by...ok, I can't remember which supply is on that board but it's a multi-port isolated supply. A few years of nearly daily usage. I get 3 or 4 days of practice out of the batteries, but put fresh ones in for every show - it's an expense I accept. I've done 6 hour shows on one set of batteries.

The kind of venues I work don't allow for much moving around, but I've never had problems with sound quality, latency, or dropouts. I've given the sending unit a fair bit of abuse and it's still going.

At an outdoor gig I once went out about 40 yards with dancing people between me and my board, no problem.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back