Off Topic Wireless Systems

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I thought that I would ask the good people of this forum for advice.

I recently got the Line 6 Relay G30 system, which initially I was very happy with. Great cable like tone and did not break the bank at just under $300.

However, I always felt the transmitter was a little cheap, the battery compartment clip was destined to break at some point, and worst of all. It kept cutting out. Tried all the channels, but all of them did it. Not huge cut outs, just a millisecond here and there, but enough to be annoying. The internet tells me that this appears to be a problem with these systems.

So, does anyone have a system they can recommend, either analog or digital? I have looked at everything that GC and the like has to offer but there are not a huge amount of reviews.

The worst part about all this, is that the bass player in the band bought an ancient Audio-Techica system for $70 in a pawn shop that works flawlessly!

 

[franne500]

the Line 6 "50" system works great.

 

[mesaboogieman]

I had been using a Samson Airline Synth wireless and was very happy with the performance of it. Never cut out at all. Plus, I really liked the idea of the micro transmitter instead of a beltpack as it made guitar changes very quick if I broke a string. My only issue with it (and why I sold it) was actually the micro transmitter - Sometimes when I play I put my foot up on the monitor and would end up either hitting the off switch or mute. Whenever the off was engaged, I would immediately get white noise coming from my amp - much to the dismay of my soundman and audience. Other than that, it was a great unit.

Here's the Samson Wireless:
Samson AirLine Synth Guitar System | Sweetwater.com

I ended up selling it and going with the Line6 G90 wireless. My only concern with this unit is the door to the battery compartment of the beltpack. It opens up very easily and there's the potential of losing the batteries on stage. I solved that problem by picking up a Neotech Wireless Pouch (the small one) to put the transmitter in and it attaches to my guitar strap. Has worked flawlessly since.

Here's the Neotech pouch:
Neotech Wireless Pouch | Musician's Friend

Hope that helps at least a little.

 

[Gio_Force_One]

I have been using the line6 g50 and have never had a problem with it.
I keep the transmitter in my back pocket cause the battery door seems a bit cheesy to me but the transmitter itself is made from metal and it seems like it can take a beating.

 

[mikeller]

Tim - I have had a Relay30 for several years - we gig 50-55 shows per year. Aside from some drop outs once in a while (likely my fault for mounting it on metal which is not recommended) , it has been very good. Plastic looks a little cheap, but, mine has held up well....

I do keep my transmitter in a pouch hooked to my guitar strap....

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I had been using a Samson Airline Synth wireless and was very happy with the performance of it. Never cut out at all. Plus, I really liked the idea of the micro transmitter instead of a beltpack as it made guitar changes very quick if I broke a string. My only issue with it (and why I sold it) was actually the micro transmitter - Sometimes when I play I put my foot up on the monitor and would end up either hitting the off switch or mute. Whenever the off was engaged, I would immediately get white noise coming from my amp - much to the dismay of my soundman and audience. Other than that, it was a great unit.

Here's the Samson Wireless:
Samson AirLine Synth Guitar System | Sweetwater.com

I ended up selling it and going with the Line6 G90 wireless. My only concern with this unit is the door to the battery compartment of the beltpack. It opens up very easily and there's the potential of losing the batteries on stage. I solved that problem by picking up a Neotech Wireless Pouch (the small one) to put the transmitter in and it attaches to my guitar strap. Has worked flawlessly since.

Here's the Neotech pouch:
Neotech Wireless Pouch | Musician's Friend

Hope that helps at least a little.

I have seen these wireless units that are just a guitar jack before. How well does it stay in the guitar? I always thought that it would end up falling out.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Tim - I have had a Relay30 for several years - we gig 50-55 shows per year. Aside from some drop outs once in a while (likely my fault for mounting it on metal which is not recommended) , it has been very good. Plastic looks a little cheap, but, mine has held up well....

I do keep my transmitter in a pouch hooked to my guitar strap....

Maybe I just got a duff one? Its been three venues now where it has cut out.

 

[LawDaddy]

Maybe I just got a duff one? Its been three venues now where it has cut out.

Exchange it, I've had a G30 since it came out and has been great. I honestly don't think I've ever had a cutout.

 

[trolley]

Exchange it, I've had a G30 since it came out and has been great. I honestly don't think I've ever had a cutout.

Same here. And the battery compartment door's fine - despite it being dropped a few times

 

[mesaboogieman]

I have seen these wireless units that are just a guitar jack before. How well does it stay in the guitar? I always thought that it would end up falling out.

I always had that same concern but It holds in the jack very well. It never fell out when I had it.

 

[mikeller]

Maybe I just got a duff one? Its been three venues now where it has cut out.

One thing - the antenna's on the G30 receiver are internal and situation at the bottom. If you mount it on a pedalboard that is metal (like a pedaltrain for example), the metal will cause interference with the antenna.

If you are getting dropouts - I'd check where you have it located and try different channels.

 

[T- Bone]

I bought a G30 and the battery door plastic tab broke off the very first time I used it. I bought mine used and was pissed. I ended up selling it and lost $100 on it. I ended up buying the G50 and it has been rock solid ever since. The metal housing is much much more durable, I use rechargable AA batteries and they last around 6 hrs, never have drop outs and overall couldnt be happier. I will suggest getting a replacement cable though. Shure makes one that works and is reletively cheap

 

[paranoid70]

The great thing about going wireless is that it allows to play without all the mucky muck.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I bought a G30 and the battery door plastic tab broke off the very first time I used it. I bought mine used and was pissed. I ended up selling it and lost $100 on it. I ended up buying the G50 and it has been rock solid ever since. The metal housing is much much more durable, I use rechargable AA batteries and they last around 6 hrs, never have drop outs and overall couldnt be happier. I will suggest getting a replacement cable though. Shure makes one that works and is reletively cheap

Once I get shot of the G30 I am thinking that I may consider the G50 system. Or failing that buying some more Planet Waves cables!

 

[JayDawg]

I used Shure wireless systems for over 20 years and never had a problem with my wireless. Finally the antenna on the transmitter broke at the soldering point. Shure was kind enough to send a new one out for free 20 years later. I then decided to upgrade because everything was going digital. The guy at Musicians Friend recommended to me the Line 6. I got an incredible deal on it and bought. It lasted a whopping 2 years only be played at church on Sundays. One Sunday, it suddenly went haywire to where to transmitter and receiver would not sink up. It also drank batteries like no other. I went back to Shure and got the PGXD for guitars and basses. I have had it now for about 6 months and it has done great. It also does not drink the batteries like the Line 6 did. So as for me, I recommend the Shure wireless system!

 

[dkannen]

Also some info in here. The one Jeff recommends looks pretty solid.
http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-guitars/53287-what-wireless-systems-do-you-guys-use.html