Bongos + wireless

[GreyDad]

Dear Knuckleheads and Bongoloids

OK, this is theoretical since I own neither but I found myself wondering about it a few days ago.

Stingray preamp = 9V and Bongo preamp = 18V. Are the actual signal levels different between the two? What happens if you put a Bongo through a wireless system? Do you lose all that headroom? Am I missing something?

Yours in ignorance

Neil

 

[tadawson]

Decent wireless systems have an input level adjustment, and once you adjust that, the level coming from the bass is irrelevant - the all end up the same as far as the wireless is concerned (well, at least if you set it right . . . ). To low, and you get excessive noise, too high, and you get distortion, and just right, and mmmmmmmm . . . . Bongo!

The only other thing I can strongly suggest, is that if you are looking for a wireless system, don't cheap it out - this is one area where you really DO get what you pay for! The systems that are $150 or so are barely suited to put behind the wheels on your cab to keep it from rolling away . . .

- Tim

Dear Knuckleheads and Bongoloids

OK, this is theoretical since I own neither but I found myself wondering about it a few days ago.

Stingray preamp = 9V and Bongo preamp = 18V. Are the actual signal levels different between the two? What happens if you put a Bongo through a wireless system? Do you lose all that headroom? Am I missing something?

Yours in ignorance

Neil

 

[GreyDad]

Thanks Tim. I don't have a wireless system but think about one every time I almost topple over tangled in my lead. I can appreciate quality and price make an impact but couldn't figure out what the 9V/18V difference made. Any personal recommendations for a good wireless system, just for future reference?

 

[GreyDad]

Hey, my 100th post! Woo hoo!

 

[hankSRay]

You'll be ok, the output of the basses are different but like tadawson said, you can adjust it from the wireless if you get a good one. I've been using the Shure SLX4. Havent had a problems with it and it automatically finds a good frequency to use. I think I paid somewhere around 500-600 new. Agian like tadawson said, when getting a wireless the more you pay the better you'll get. Good luck!

 

[MrMusashi]

by the advice of tadawson i found this manufacturer which has a pdf that goes in depth on wireless systems.
Lectrosonics, Inc-Wireless Microphone Systems Guide

if its too heavy reading for ya i suggest reading these small snippets from their faq:
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs

and do read these for just good clean fun
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs

MrM

 

[oddjob]

You'll be ok, the output of the basses are different but like tadawson said, you can adjust it from the wireless if you get a good one. I've been using the Shure SLX4. Havent had a problems with it and it automatically finds a good frequency to use. I think I paid somewhere around 500-600 new. Agian like tadawson said, when getting a wireless the more you pay the better you'll get. Good luck!

I also have an SLX and have used it with my 4 and 5 string Bongos... good stuff for the cash (think I got mine in the 450-550 range new after some sweet talking) - have never had any issues

 

[GreyDad]

by the advice of tadawson i found this manufacturer which has a pdf that goes in depth on wireless systems.
Lectrosonics, Inc-Wireless Microphone Systems Guide

if its too heavy reading for ya i suggest reading these small snippets from their faq:
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs

and do read these for just good clean fun
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs

MrM

Thanks. Interesting reading and I've saved a copy, but nowhere does it tell you what happens when you plug a Bongo in

 

[GreyDad]

hankSray/oddjob, thanks for the replies. I've made a note to look at the Shure.

Seems very complicated though - plugging a lead in is so much simpler...

 

[oddjob]

It actually isn't that bad. Initial setup looks complex but it is just a matter of syncing... once that is done it is plug in and turn on (and replace batteries every now and then - battery life is pretty good though)... Since I set it up over a year ago, I haven't touched its settings.

 

[AnthonyD]

You'll be ok, the output of the basses are different but like tadawson said, you can adjust it from the wireless if you get a good one. I've been using the Shure SLX4. Havent had a problems with it and it automatically finds a good frequency to use. I think I paid somewhere around 500-600 new. Agian like tadawson said, when getting a wireless the more you pay the better you'll get. Good luck!

Another SLX User here - it's a great system and has great features. Metal casing, rack-mountable (including hardware) right out of the box, output level on the receiver and a gain setting option on the transmitter (mic, 0 or -10).

The manual is thick, but it's real simple to set-up and make adjustments - very straight forward. Like Oddjob mentioned above, I also changed my channel from the default shortly after installation and haven't touched it since outside of the occasional battery swap.

 

[captcolour]

I have a Shure which I use with my Bongo all the time. Absolutely no issues. And it remains a Bongo in all of its glory whether it is wired or free to roam the earth.

 

[tadawson]

I run Lectrosonics, and it's a hybrid digital system. Plus or inus 1db from 32Hz to 20K. Dead SILENT from a noise standpoint, and indistinguishable from a cable. Not cheap, though, at around a grand . . . build like a tank too. Oh, and 256 channels available, and an onboard scanner to see what is free . . . They use this system to remote audio analyzer mics, it's that good . . . .

Lectrosonics, Inc | Professional Audio Systems for Film, Video, Music, Courtrooms, Churches and Convention Centers - Look for the IS400 system.

Barring that, the 300 series Sennheisers are pretty decent for the price, but definitely not as good . . . .

- Tim

Thanks Tim. I don't have a wireless system but think about one every time I almost topple over tangled in my lead. I can appreciate quality and price make an impact but couldn't figure out what the 9V/18V difference made. Any personal recommendations for a good wireless system, just for future reference?

 

[tadawson]

Simple! It sounds the same as if you used a cable, without the swearing when you trip on the cable, of course!

- Tim

Thanks. Interesting reading and I've saved a copy, but nowhere does it tell you what happens when you plug a Bongo in

 

[tadawson]

**Heh** . . . they beat me to it! Scary, somebody actually reads my stuff!

- Tim

by the advice of tadawson i found this manufacturer which has a pdf that goes in depth on wireless systems.
Lectrosonics, Inc-Wireless Microphone Systems Guide

if its too heavy reading for ya i suggest reading these small snippets from their faq:
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs

and do read these for just good clean fun
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs
Lectrosonics Wireless FAQs

MrM

 

[kayneex]

Samson Airline Bass: Harmony Central User Reviews

That's what I've been using with my B5HHDG so far, not a single problem, small gig or big festival (just remember to change the battery, of course)

 

[nicjimbass]

I guess I'll be the one to give the obligitory X-Wire speech.

I have an older model, and it is tremendous. Sounds like a cable, without one. If you can find one, get one!

 

[Aussie Mark]

+1 for Samson Airline, which has a 15dB input gain control, so it works fine with Bongos.

 

[midopa]

Another +1 for the Samson Airline as well. I had one for a while and it worked perfectly fine and handled the low frequencies really well IMO.