Gearing Up for Gigging: Guitar and Bass Wireless Systems

Introduction

• Presenter: Sam from Professional Music Technology
• Topic: Comparison of popular guitar and bass wireless systems
• Brands covered: Shure, Line 6, Boss, Sennheiser
• Context: Advances in digital technology have made high-quality wireless systems affordable for non-professionals.
• Main advantage: More freedom on stage, avoiding cable tangles

Systems Overview

Boss Wireless Systems

WL50 and WL60

• Technology: Digital, 2.4 GHz bandwidth
• Features:
  • Wide dynamic range, low latency (2.3 ms)
  • Range: 65 feet (20 meters)
  • Plug and play design
  • WL50: Minimal setup, receiver for pedalboard or amplifier
  • WL60: Belt pack transmitter, 25 hours on alkaline batteries
• Additional Info:
  • Quick access channel selection
  • Power supply input and output for pedals
  • Tone emulation option

WL20

• Simplified setup: Compact receiver
• Range: Shorter, suitable for home/rehearsal

Shure GLX-D16

• Technology: Body pack style transmitter
• Features:
  • 16 hours of playtime, USB rechargeable
  • Range: Up to 50 meters
  • Metal construction, pedalboard receiver with tuner
• Advanced Technology:
  • Intelligent frequency management to avoid dropout
  • Suitable for up to 8 simultaneous systems

Line 6 Relay Systems

• Transmitter: G10T Mark II plug-in design
• Compatibility: Line 6 Spider amplifiers, PodGo Wireless, Yamaha THR amps
• Performance:
  • Bandwidth: 2.4 GHz, 24-bit digital
  • Up to 7 hours playtime
  • Range varies by receiver (50 feet to 130 feet)
• Receivers:
  • G10: Home/studio
  • G10S: More advanced, sturdy metal housing

Sennheiser XS2 Wireless

• Technology: UHF analog system
• Pros and Cons:
  • Compresses signal, potential tone coloring
  • Less latency than digital systems
• Features:
  • Body pack transmitter, AA batteries
  • Rack mountable receiver, wide frequency range
  • True diversity receiver to avoid interference
• Legal Note: Check licensing for UHF frequencies

Testing and Performance

• Objective: Compare tone, interference, and dropout across systems
• Method:
  • Use pre-recorded loop on loop pedal
  • Connected to each transmitter, recorded through Line 6 Podgo
• Scenarios Tested:
  • Home/Rehearsal: Short distance, minimal interference
  • Venue Simulation: Movement among potential interference sources
  • Distance Test: Max range on industrial estate
• Feedback: Encourage viewers to comment on performance

Conclusion

• Summary of systems: Best options under £500
• Encouragement to choose based on personal needs
• Call to action: Visit PMTonline for more info, follow on social media
• Note: For more detailed info on Line 6 Podgo, see separate video

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