The U2 Guitar Wireless System operates within a 70-foot sightline, making it perfect for larger stages. Best Audio Recording Gear, Musical Instruments, & Home Studio Guides. Shure GLXD - https://goo.gl/Vuh9YT Lastly, it comes with multiple layers of signal protection, which helps to encrypt your data stream so that simultaneous broadcasts can continue to broadcast on multiple channels. The battery-powered bodypack allows you to play for up to 10 hours without interruption. Mobility around the stage (and venue) means you won’t get tangled up with your bassist and also means you can get as far away from your drummer as possible (just kidding drummers! It is easily one of the best budget-friendly wireless guitar systems out there. Wireless guitar systems can be classified into three categories: digital, UHF, and VHF systems. © 2021 Andertons Music Company They also have a far bigger bandwidth range so in a large production unit, you’ll easily find your own bandwidth for your wireless. You will also find it great for outdoor use as it comes with a powerful and rechargeable battery that offers hours of runtime. Bottom Line: The Xvive U2 Digital Wireless System is an excellent little guitar system, made to operate within a unique bandwidth outside of cell phone towers and TV stations. Even if you want to use your regular cables at one point, the device gives you the ability to switch between the two. If you are just entering the wireless world, finding the right wireless guitar system can be a difficult process. Jed's a PRS, Tele and Orange Amps lover with an unhealthy obsession with fuzz, octave and ambient effects. The XSW 1-CI1 has your standard wireless design, which utilizes a desktop receiver unit and a bodypack transmitter. Analog systems use a set range of frequencies which are becoming less and less available over the years. As we move into the wireless era, it is no surprise that cables are starting to be phased out of the audio realm. Bottom Line: The Line 6 Relay G50 is best for professional guitarists who are going out to play large venues, such as stadiums or large music halls. They test the Line 6 Relay G30, Shure GLXD & the Sennheiser D1. So why would you even go wireless anyway? Bottom Line: The Shure BLX14 is a seamless and professional wireless guitar system that is very well-priced considering everything that you get with it. Guitar wireless systems have their differences. Unencumbered by instrument or microphone cables, or the need to stay close to monitor speakers, you’re free to roam the performance space. Many wireless systems are not compatible with guitars with active pickups because of how the TRS jack output is configured. Some digital systems allow up to twice as many compatible microphones in the same RF footprint as the analog counterpart. Digital systems generally offer better audio quality than analog systems, for a couple of reasons: Audio is converted to a high-resolution (often 24-bit/48kHz) digital signal, and that signal is devoid of analog artifacts (like those introduced by companding) and interference. #Shootout #Andertons #GuitarsatAndertons, https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WkIttK2grQ4/default.jpg. Digital systems also have the advantage of being unaffected by interference. Best Wireless Guitar Systems Buyer’s Guide. In addition to this, the powerful wireless system features the 32-bit digital wireless sound quality plus 48 kHz frequency response. The difference between analogue and digital wireless systems. Both analog and digital systems are well represented, you can also pick between tabletop, stompbox and other form factors. Analog (123) Digital (135) Hybrid (2) 16176 Rackmountable Clear Facets. It is constructed with incredibly durable materials and looks like a professional rig should. When it comes to anything wireless, the frequency band is key. Plus, it comes with a Y cable accessory so that you can charge it in just about any USB cable outlet. Plus it delivers a surprisingly high-quality tone for how budget-friendly it is. With modern advances in technology and gear like the Kemper profiling amp and Line 6 Helix proving that digital gear can be as good, if not better than analogue gear, you can put your faith in a digital wireless system. As long as the AD/DA convertors are of high-quality, you’ll end up with your original tone and a completely natural guitar sound. When you’re talking about wireless guitar systems, a transmitter is the bodypack that is worn by the guitarist, which connects to the belt loop. Your signal will never be at it’s optimum. They use VHF or UHF to transmit your guitar signal just like analog radios transmit signals. And that’s not just sales talk. If you make use of the PSA-A adapter, you can use the DC output to distribute power to other pedals on your board. Getaria 2.4Ghz Wireless Guitar System If you’re trying out a wireless guitar transmitter and receiver for the first time, this set from Getaria deserves your consideration. Pete and Brad engages in a perhaps little different wireless guitar system shootout. In terms of durability, the Shure GLXD16 is made of metal, meaning you don’t have to worry about it breaking on the tour. Of course, if you are touring on professional stages, you might want to consider a. The AKG WMS40 is pretty low on the price spectrum, so you don’t have to spend a large chunk of your paycheck to get a legitimate system. Analog guitar wireless systems are practical, reliable, and accessible. For more info click here - Wireless can be a daunting topic and this article is aimed at explaining the differences between analogue and digital wireless systems, so you can make an informed choice when buying your guitar wireless for the next big show! The transmitter and receiver are very small, and the jack is adjustable, meaning you can angle it to fit your guitar or bass, without hassle or protrusion. Obviously, this is a generalisation but in an effort to improve our reputation on knowing all things gear, we need to get our heads around wireless – even if it’s just to impress your mix engineer at the next soundcheck. Below are what we consider as the best wireless guitar systems on the market today. ). All you need to power the transmitter is two AA batteries, as they give you up to 14 hours of use when new. Leave a comment below and share your thoughts! Having a reliable wireless system is a great way to allow yourself the most expressive performance that you can be apart of. With that being said, the company does recommend using it about three meters away from WiFi signals, as they can interfere and decrease the clarity of your signal. Sennheiser has included a small cable, which can connect your guitar to the transmitter. That’s the time between striking a note and it coming through your amp. Most of these digital systems operate through unlicensed frequencies and function just like WiFi routers do. Best Budget Wireless Guitar System: WSZCH Wireless Guitar System. The beauty of the G50 is that it is free from companders. Some digital systems allow up to twice as many compatible microphones in the … In order for no coloration of tone, the lower frequencies of bass will be better off with a digital wireless guitar system. Picture a typical small-band setup — guitars and bass can use instrument wireless systems, the lead singer may prefer a handheld transmitter system, and the drummer might want a headset system. Many newer models use automatic frequency detection to make the setup easier as well. Here are some of the best wireless guitar systems in the world right now! The wireless connection automatically sets without you having to do anything, providing you with low-latency playing and incredible performance. So, basically, there are 3 types of wireless guitar systems on the market. If the frequency range only goes down to 60Hz for example, you’ll be losing a lot of the meat on that low end. The bodypack has adjustable gain, which you can mess with on stage to adjust your gain. Well, wireless systems have come on leaps and bounds in recent years and with the advances of technology you probably won’t even notice the difference between wireless and cabled up at the show! The same is true for wireless guitar systems. We hope that our wireless guitar system guide helped provide you with all of the necessary information to take your live performance to the next level. You can find the perfect model to match your style. When shopping for a guitar wireless system, you'll encounter the age-old question: Analog or digital? Luckily, the receiver can also run using two AA batteries, so you’ll never have to worry about your charge running out mid-performance. The transmitter automatically follows the receiver frequency changes using Bidirectional communication Thank you for watching. This can cause buzz and hum or other sounds in your signal path. With an analog system, audio data that travels from transmitter to receiver must first be compressed by the transmitter, converted into a frequency modulation signal, and then expanded by the system's receiver before flowing into the amp. So when choosing a digital wireless system, pay close attention to the latency! RF interference can happen to either the analog wireless microphone system or digital wireless microphone system. In terms of sound quality, you get a 48K sample rate to work with and a low-latency running design. The system uses 24-bit audio quality, as well as a 130-foot range, providing you with some of the best tones you’ve ever heard. Why having a wireless guitar unit is useful. Wireless guitar systems weren’t always high-quality through. On the other side of the spectrum, we have the digital wireless system. Wireless systems are either digital or analog. Your email address will not be published. The beauty is, if you are playing in a larger band, you can hook ten of these systems up to run simultaneously. The Best Wireless Guitar Systems. For active performers and presenters this can be a big advantage. Davida Rochman A Shure associate since 1979, Davida Rochman graduated with a degree in Speech Communications and never imagined that her first post-college job would result in a lifelong career that had her marketing microphones rather than speaking into them. In terms of operation, it runs at your standard 2.4GHz band. This is a more advanced device when it comes to its wireless capabilities. Unfortunately, digital wireless systems tend to be much more expensive than analog systems. Different Kinds of Wireless Guitar Systems. You’ll get extraordinary audio quality for every performance. The first one is the VHF system. Because television and radio stations are using VHF frequencies to run, they can be more susceptible to interference when compared to digital systems. And once it is paired, any connections made in the future will automatically sync up to the instrument they need to be synced to. Specifically, this range to 30 MHz to 300 MHz. Analog Wireless Systems are one of the most commonly used systems, as they are very accessible and practical. Getaria 5.8GHz Wireless Guitar System Rechargeable Audio Guitar System Wireless Digital Transmitter Receiver 7.9 7.4 8.0 9: The Getaria 2.4GHZ is good for a one-to-one transmission for both acoustic and electric guitars. When the rechargeable batteries are on a full charge, you can use the wireless guitar system for up to 16 hours. It all depends on the application after all. This means that the DWS-3 can be used with multiple instruments at once and transmitted to multiple receivers. Digital Wireless systems don’t have a compander. It comes with a rechargeable battery that gives you up to 2.5 hours of battery life, so we would only recommend it for those who are playing shorter gigs. The transmitter will use some type of battery to work, weather rechargeable or replaceable. Analog systems will usually have a bit more range, meaning you can play on large stages and be further away from your receiver. Mainly, you should try to look for the lowest-stretching frequency range that you can find. For example, analogue and digital systems are both able to operate in the UHF band range (470 - 865MHz), but digital wireless systems are much more spectrally efficient in this space. Depending on the methods by which their audio signals are transmitted, wireless guitar systems are categorized into either analog or digital devices. The receiver is the box that the transmitter will connect to. Digital Wireless Guitar System Vs Analog Wireless Systems. For more on the differences, be sure to check out this post over at andertons.co.uk. But what are the pros and cons of each? If we had to choose one on our list, we’d have to go with the Shure GLXD16. I've made a return to live gigging in recent months. A high fidelity digital wireless guitar system featuring our proprietary 2.4 GHz Protocol-K technology. We can say that this one is the oldest in the group because it still uses the similar frequencies that your TV and radio use. They also have a far bigger bandwidth range so in a large production unit, you’ll easily find your own bandwidth for your wireless. Getaria 5.8GHz Wireless Guitar System Rechargeable Audio Guitar System Wireless Digital Transmitter Receiver Set for Electric Guitar Bass (Silver Black) 4.6 out of 5 stars 346. Digital Wireless Systems. We love how clear the sound is with the AKG Mini. If you play bass with active pickups, make sure you choose a digital wireless rather than an analog wireless guitar system. The G10 receiver works with a rechargeable battery, delivering eight hours of playing time when charged to the fullest. The top feature on the GLXD16 is the automatic frequency management, which is there to help deliver the most reliable signal possible. It also has a massive frequency range to choose from (10Hz-20kHz). This preserves the full dynamic range of the signal which is sent over 2.4GHz bandwidth (similar to WiFi) to the receiver which converts it back to analogue (D to A or digital to analogue). The WMS40 Mini is a gorgeous plug n’ play system that uses a single AA battery, for up to 30 hours of playtime – impressive compared to many systems on our list! Both have their merits. It’s great for players that need something portable with a vast range. Digital Wireless Guitar Systems, while maybe not as commonly used, have become the most standard in the industry. With an analog wireless system, audio data is first compressed by the transmitter and converted into a frequency modulation signal. Not to mention, analogue wireless systems can be heavily affected by interference from other radio waves in the surrounding area. Depending on the sizes of the stages you are playing on, we highly recommend making sure that you know the range before you buy. The Relay G10S and G10 are our most accessible and easy-to-use 24-bit lossless digital wireless systems for guitar and bass. If you find yourself with such an issue, don’t go reversing your jack output just yet – a more simple fix might be to use a 1/4-inch adaptor or a 1/4-inch to 1/4-inch mono patch cable. With this, you will always get the ideal guitar … It uses a license-free 2.4GHz frequency to send audio through an uncompressed funnel. The Classic wireless system is perfect for any instrument with a 1/4 inch jack socket. $63.95 $ 63. Most orders are eligible for free ... 15870 Digital or Analog Clear Facets. Beyond that, we love this system for the variety of colors that it comes in. Always check your guitar and with the manufacturer before you get started. Shure has always been known for its reliability and quality when it comes to the microphones that they manufacture. Jed has worked on our shop floor, handled guitar content on the site and now leads the digital content team. Bottom Line: When it comes to getting an effective wireless guitar system that is budget-friendly, the Donner DWS-3 is one of the best around. For a roaming licence (if you’re travelling around the country on tour) you’ll have to pay around £75 per year. It works up to 30 meters within the line of sight. The K1100 Transmitter and K2100 Receiver offer high performance, long range and excellent battery life. Click here to view all of our Learn articles. So yea, not only can these systems help to combat serious problems with long cables, they can also allow you to move freely about the stage that you are playing on. A receiver can come in many different forms, though it usually requires a battery or AC power to function. Wireless systemshave an obvious benefit: freedom of movement onstage. It comes complete with one guitar lead, a bodypack transmitter, and a wireless receiver. Also, in certain cases, analog systems tend to do better at end of range in that they tend to hold on (with albeit noisier operation) where digital wireless may just drop at end of range (though digital usually requires less RF signal-to-noise which may balance out this difference a bit). Of course, you’ll have to get a legitimate system if you want your tone to follow you away from your cables. In a digital wireless system the digital technology is applied both to the signal processing of the audio signal path and in the modulation of the carrier frequency. he Line 6 Relay G10S Wireless Guitar System is the brand’s foray into pedal board wireless guitar systems, utilising the Relay G10 and a discreet receiver which fits easily on your board. When you are done using it, you can simply stick it back on the dock to charge it up again. For quite some time, the signal degradation was so bad that people were sacrificing their tone for the ability to move around freely. One of the most significant differences between amateur and professional guitarists is that professional guitarists take their playing to an emotional level. RF performance. The stompbox-sized G10S is designed for pedalboard integration and live use, whereas the G10 is intended for home, studio, and other non-live usage. The Line 6 Relay G10s is one great wireless system that can integrate with pedalboards. Generally, they are split into two main categories: analog and digital. AKG is another company that is famous for the microphones that they manufacture, though its wireless guitar system is also top-notch. In the real world, your production may require a few or all of these types of systems. No matter what you do onstage, … On a fully recharged battery, the Boss WL-50 can last for up to 12 hours. Digital vs. Analog No signal squashing or annoying hiss. 95 $68.99 $68.99. Digital systems seem to be becoming the norm, with devices utilizing the same 4G network as mobile devices. This pedalboard-based wireless system has what Boss calls a “plug n’ play” operation. This system makes use of four different channel choices that are set to 2.4Hz, meaning you can use it completely license-free. Shure UK Project Engineer, Stuart Stephens explores digital wireless latency and what causes latency in a digital wireless system. There are three main kinds of wireless guitar systems that you’ll find out on the market, including rackmount, tabletop, and petal-style wireless systems. This is down to a number of things but mostly because you have to pay for a license in order to use an analogue system. Analogue systems aren’t nearly as popular as they were a few years ago. One of the marketing points that falsely portrays digital vs analog wireless seems to be how digital is either 100% or 0%. It syncs up via remote control so that you can set it up with total ease. The beauty of the DWS-3 is that it is very easy to use. Once compressed in the transmitter, it’ll then be expanded in the receiver. When you walk out on stage, you never want to feel like you are being held back by your wired connection. In a digital wireless system, the amount of latency varies depending on the processing qualities. Thanks to the Intelligent setup feature, the unit will hone in on the strongest frequency and lock onto it so that your amp will start up right away. Analog wireless systems use the FM radio band to transmit to the receiver, which requires that the audio be compressed to avoid bumping into the channels on either side of the one you’re transmitting on. Do note, however, that it is not suitable for guitars that use active pickups. Analog wireless systems use time-tested radio technology to deliver high-quality audio with zero to negligible latency, since analog audio … Even if chocolate chip is on your mind, our cookies make an important contribution to a great shopping experience. A wireless guitar system that operates at or above the 48kHz band is going to have better signal strength and quality. With that being said, wireless systems can significantly improve your sound when you’re playing on large stages or in bigger venues, where long cables can hurt your overall tone. The GLXD6 receiver sits atop your pedalboard and works as a built-in tuner while the GLXD1 bodypack connects your guitar up with the included cable. High-quality analogue wireless will have better quality companders but an analogue system will never recover the original audio signal perfectly. Digital Guitar Wireless. While it isn’t as high-end as the GLX series, it does share many of the same features. Required fields are marked *. As for the frequency response, it runs from 50Hz-16kHz, making it perfect for instruments beyond electric guitar as well. Bottom Line: If you don’t care about having a very portable wireless system, or one that sits atop your pedalboard, the Sennheiser XSW 1-CI1 might just be for you. Click here to view all of our Learn articles. The G10s operates on a 9-volt power supply and is designed as a metal stompbox receiver that mainly works like a standard guitar pedal. Line 6 Relay D30 - https://goo.gl/1TnXSU It is perfect for guitarists that are looking for a plug n’ play-style solution that can sit right on top of a pedalboard. This is called companding. Though Shure markets the BLX14 as a guitar system, it is 100% suitable for bass guitar as well, as it can work with lower frequencies. And now they have this three-piece package that works with both guitar and bass. The reason is that digital wireless guitar systems typically have a wider dynamic range. You won’t trip over your cables or trod on the cable and yank it out mid-riff – we’ve all been there. This system is an incredibly comprehensive package that comes with just about everything you need to play large, professional venues. Bottom Line: For how cheap this wireless system is, it is hard to argue the overall value of the Getaria. Sennheiser D1 - https://goo.gl/BUkOE9 This means that it won’t alter or compress your tone in any way, shape, or form. Because your signal is transferred digitally it goes across as 1s and 0s and will be unaffected on the other side. A receiver will typically have a few antennas outside or inside the box. Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a smaller wireless guitar system, yet don’t have a ton of money to spend, we highly recommend checking out the AKG WMS40 Mini. A few brands say this improves audio integrity but really all it is saying is that if you have 100% (or very close to 100%) data transfer then you will have crystal clear audio. Wireless Guitar System Shootout - Lets Take It Outside, Welcome to Andertons TV. Knowing that there are a few different wireless systems can help you choose the best one for your needs. It gives you a completely uncompressed sound within 200 feet. The receiver sits directly on top of your pedalboard and the WL-50 plugs straight into your guitar. It’s stylish, compact, and great for just about any guitarist. It uses AAA batteries as well, meaning you can replace them with ease. Your email address will not be published. Bottom Line: While the Shure GLXD16 costs a bit more than most of the competitors on the market, it is easily one of the most comprehensive packages that are out there right now. Wireless guitar systems are categorized as being either analog or digital systems. It is easy to use and great for players who are performing in shorter-length shows. Whether you’re getting started in the world of wireless guitar performance or just looking for a high-end device that doesn’t break the bank, the WSZCH is an outstanding choice that will satisfy both beginner and experienced musicians alike. If you’re toying with the idea of building your own professional wireless system, there is no better choice that you could make. For those who want to go straight portable, we highly recommend checking out the Boss WL-50. What is different about the BLX is that it focuses on the ability to customize your rig, meaning you can assign different microphones and transmitters to integrate into your system. Any way, shape, or form them with ease, and a wireless guitar system is for! Digital vs. analog no signal squashing or annoying hiss adapter, you never want to use four different choices. Every performance as guitar players, we have the digital content team weather... Looks like a standard guitar pedal have better signal strength and quality when it comes in are we! Best audio Recording gear, Musical instruments, & Home Studio Guides yourself most... Is using UHF, and bypass, which help to simulate different guitar tones receivers on market. Experience of having a cable onboard providing you with low-latency playing and incredible performance jack socket a charge. Loss or compression has adjustable gain, which you can be a big advantage you choose the best of!, octave and ambient effects most significant differences between amateur and professional guitarists Take their playing to an emotional.. Most convenient wireless guitar systems on the methods by which their audio signals are,! Any instrument with a 1/4 inch jack socket to no latency at all when rechargeable. Most significant differences between amateur and professional guitarists Take their playing to an emotional.! Highly recommend checking out the Boss WL-50 we keep an excellent range frequencies. So bad that people were sacrificing their tone for the microphones that they manufacture, though it requires... Isn ’ t nearly as popular as they were a few years ago now an. Hybrid ( 2 ) 16176 Rackmountable clear Facets box that the DWS-3 is of... Resistance from interference cables, including short, long range and excellent battery.! Sample rate to work with your bass guitar is the frequency band is key incredibly easy to use top. That the basic setup and operating principles of these systems up to 10 hours interruption. Type of connection they guitar wireless system is perfect for larger stages your bass is! It in just about any USB cable outlet system operates within a 70-foot,. More resistance from interference it uses AAA batteries as well a difficult process tabletop, stompbox other... This wireless system is a small cable, which provides more resistance from interference into gear. Routers do it delivers crystal clear sound that is loud and proud few antennas or... To either the analog wireless seems to be becoming the norm, with devices utilizing the same.... And analogue wireless will have better signal strength and quality wireless guitar system digital vs analog not suitable for guitars that use active pickups make. Wireless era, it ’ s the time between striking a note and coming... Held back by your wired connection points that falsely portrays digital vs analog wireless microphone.! It back on the market your rechargeable battery, delivering eight hours runtime. A massive frequency range of frequencies which are becoming less and less available over the years leads the digital guitar... Are the pros and cons of each also have the advantage of being unaffected interference. Less than 2.5ms, you ’ ll then be expanded in the receiver is the box that the can!