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Your opinions on a wireless system, please (correct forum?)

clubdude

clubdude

The Ten Man
Aug 15, 2008
298
3
Greenville, North Carolina
#1
I have narrowed my choices down to three wireless systems. They all have good reviews, and I can buy either of the three at a right price, so don't figure price into the discussion. I know bigger bucks will buy a better system, but these fit into my plans and needs. I'd love to hear the pro's & con's of each.

1_Samson Airline guitar (new style): (I know it's analog, but I'd like your opinion on the real-world advantages or disadvantages of digital, also.) Least cumberson of the three.

2_Line 6 X2 XDS95 (or demo X2 Plus): Seems to be the most popular on TB.

3_BraceAudio DWG-1000x: New on the scene, but gets good reviews.

While not concerned about initial price, I am concerned about battery life span/cost of type of battery. I do plan to run the receiver plugged in (no battery, but the transmitter is a concern). I'm also very concerned about sound quality and latency.

I'm not concerned about drop out distance. I play in a club band, so anything over 50' (all do that) would be fine. 100' would leave some headroom.

Thanks in advance. I'll be away for a bit, but I will check in regularly.
 
#2
I don't know about the other two, but I did look at the Line6 X2 before I bought what I bought - a Line6 Relay G30.

The X2 uses a cable that has a somewhat special connector at the transmitter end. I read several reports of people's cable breaking.

The X2 uses a 9V battery.

I bought the G30 because it uses standard 1/4" connectors at both ends of the cable, and because it uses AA batteries. I already had a good supply of AA rechargeable batteries and it works well and lasts plenty long with my NiMH AA rechargeables.

And the G30 was a re-stock or refurb or something at AmericanMusical.com and was only $199 with free shipping.
 
#5
StuartV said:
I don't know about the other two, but I did look at the Line6 X2 before I bought what I bought - a Line6 Relay G30.

The X2 uses a cable that has a somewhat special connector at the transmitter end. I read several reports of people's cable breaking.

The X2 uses a 9V battery.

I bought the G30 because it uses standard 1/4" connectors at both ends of the cable, and because it uses AA batteries. I already had a good supply of AA rechargeable batteries and it works well and lasts plenty long with my NiMH AA rechargeables.

And the G30 was a re-stock or refurb or something at AmericanMusical.com and was only $199 with free shipping.
Click to expand...


+1 on the G30. Very nice system.

I bought the G50 thinking it would be the same 1/4" input and it is not. Granted I've had no issues, but I didn't with my X2 either. So I must be REALLY lucky or easy-going with my equipment compared to most.

I wouldn't look any further than the Line 6 G-series.

Edit:

One other thing I found on Ebay you can nab 100 Duracell AA's in the $30-$40 range (shipped) with a 2015 date on them. Thats about 25% of the cost of feeding an X2 transmitter with bargin 9v's... I did that 6 months ago and I've been feeding 2 transmitters (one inst, one voc) with about 30 AA's left.. if I do that 2 more times, the G50 has paid for itself comapred to the X2 and its' appetite for 9v's.
 
#6
Thanks guys. I finally tracked my thread down. lol Sorry, I wasn't sure which forum was best.

As I stated, it is going to be one of those three I mentioned. I'm not springing for the Shure. I've played with a cable for 40 years, and I don't want to go wireless bad enough to spend that much. I also have friends that have had problems with their Shure's, which just proves that anything can fail. It's not that I can't afford it. I just am not going to put that much into a wireless at this time. I might not even like it.

My guitar player just bought a BraceAudio, but he tried to use rechargeable batteries and it was an epic fail. What I read was that they were really bad on batteries. The Samson uses AAA batteries, and it appears to be the least expensive to operate, but it is analog.

Since none of the three I have chosen is one of your choices, can you shed some light on the actual stage effect of going digital vs analog (UHF) on wireless systems?

If I can find a deal on one of the G30's or G50's, I would jump on that, but they are still kinda new to find many demo's or slightly used. I did find an X2 Plus that looks brand new for $130, though.

Can you shed some light on the battery life and the digital vs analog questions, in general? I really appreciate it a lot.
CD
 
#13
Just a heads up on batteries in case anyone wants to know:
Rechargeables are lower in voltage than alkalines.
So-called 9V rechargeables only put out 7.2 volts, and AAs are 1.2 instead of 1.5v.

The better ones can have a higher mAh rating than alkalines so they can really put out a lot of juice over a given period of time if the device needs it, but if the unit requires the voltage to remain within specs beware of the rechargeables.

For example, my band's Shure wireless mic and in-ears use 9V batteries.
When the voltage dips below 8V, the red light of death comes on and they stop working altogether within about 3 songs.
Starting at 7.2 volts doesn't sound like a good idea.

We use Eveready's Industrial series when we can get them, but regular Energizers are nearly as good.
Hope this helps.
 
#14
clubdude said:
Thanks Floyd. Only thing that worries me about it is the 9v battery life. If not for that, I would probably have already bought one.
Click to expand...

Brother, every bass player on the planet recommends the Line 6. There has to be a reason for this. ;)

In my estimation, if you don't spring for the Line 6, you may as well just buy the cheapest POS you can find. We're talking about $200.
 
#15
Gearhead17 said:
Line 6 G50 system - supposedly 8 to 9 hours of use. I have been using it for nearly a year now...and that information is true.
Click to expand...
AND it was confirmed last night that these GREAT rechargables(Sanyo Eneloop)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1B6QRR71D0PM3HVJCSB9

last through a rehearsal + gig on a G50.
I had FULL POWER(indication on my receiver that shows battery life left) when first installed and still had two bars left on the power meter after the gig.
No more buying Duracells!
We'd use Eneloops in our digital cameras because they LAST LONGER than Duracells(go figure).

Digital vs analog?
I had/have a Sennheiser 172 system that the FCC "outlawed" so I got the Line 6 G50.
The Line 6(digital)

Sounds better
Gives three very visible-to-you indications on the receiver
(transmitter battery level, digital link power, and audio signal power/broken cable)
Easier on batteries(AA's)
Works with the Shure WA-304 cable(replace the Line 6 cable with this IMO)
 
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#16
I was really curious about the Brace Audio. Wish it had been out longer. It got rave reviews at the most recent NAMM, and other places, but......... I ain't but so hard-headed. lol

*Looks like my best bet is to try to find a deal on a G30, and if I can't, spring for the X2 XDS95 (or plus). I trust you guys' experience over anyone who might have a dog in the fight, or some other reason for recommending a certain product or not.

Never been steered wrong on TB. TB is one the main reasons I own a Line 6 M13.

I've got the GAS fever, but I'm not in that big of a hurry. Still sitting on some Christmas play cash, so that proves I'm not a hurry.

*Sound like a plan?

Thanks again,
CD

PS: I'm getting ready to put my Hamer short scale bass in Classified's, if you know someone looking.
 
#19
I don't think you have to get bit the 'latest greatest' bug. That Line6 XDS95 is a good wireless unit. My 9volts are lasting 8-9 hours in there. Its lightweight, the signal goes pretty far through traffic and around corners. The transmitter is plastic so prolly not as sturdy as the G30 & G50, but I have droped it a number of times and no problems yet.
 
#20
masterFlash said:
I don't think you have to get bit the 'latest greatest' bug. That Line6 XDS95 is a good wireless unit. My 9volts are lasting 8-9 hours in there. Its lightweight, the signal goes pretty far through traffic and around corners. The transmitter is plastic so prolly not as sturdy as the G30 & G50, but I have droped it a number of times and no problems yet.
Click to expand...

I agree. I'm torn between the longer lasting 9v battery vs the shorter lasting, but cheaper, AA battery in the Brace.

Been a musician a long, long time, so I know how it's always "this cheap model is crap. Go with this nicer one" goes. Most of the time it's true, but sometimes it's overkill.

I don't think I could go wrong, based on the investment, with either the like new Brace Audio for $100, or the new X2 for $130. Hard to beat, in a digital wireless unit, either one for the price.
CD

For comparison sake:
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[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 

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