Wireless options

[Slartibartfarst42]

I've always simply used good quality cables to hook me up to my rig but recently I've fancied getting some sort of wireless system. The trouble is that I know nothing about them at all and the other problem is my eternal lack of funds. I'm guessing that multiple frequencies would be a good idea and I get the impression that 'True Diversity' is good even though I've no idea what it is. I've searched the Thomann website and found loads of T-Bone units but they seem to have patchy reviews. As a result, I was looking at this unit:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_fwg_1010_band_d.htm

Is that a good option? Would I lose sound quality compared to cables? If this isn't a good buy, what else could I look at that would be the right side of £100 or in that sort of budget area, am I better off simply sticking to cables?

[Telerocker]

The Line 6 Relay G30 is quite good and costs not that much more. I don't have a clue how good/bad the Fender-system is.

[dave_mc]

There was a thread about that one recently on the fretboard forum, I think. I know nothing about wireless, and I only skimmed it so I may well have got the wrong end of the stick, but I think it came up that it was old technology or something like that? Not sure, probably best if you do a search for the thread.

[richard]

Slarti, do you NEED a wireless system ? If it ain't broke.....

[Slartibartfarst42]

Well, as a band we've experimented a little with wireless and we like the ability it gives us to go for a 'wander' during a gig. For now, however, this thread is a bit redundant as shortly after I posted it a friend rang me to say he was at a car boot sale and had come across an Audio-Technica system for £12. I spoke to the seller on the phone and he said it was working fine and he bought it 5 years ago for about £170 but didn't know any of the technical bits. He claimed he was simply selling it because as a solo artist he never really moves away from his rig so a cable is just as handy so it hadn't been used in a long time but whatever is the reality of the case, I figured that for £12 it had to be worth a punt as it's not like I'm going to lose any money on it. It will give me the opportunity to play around with wireless at a gig and if it doesn't suit me I can easily revert to cables without having lost anything.

[CommonCourtesy]

I've got the Line 6 Relay G50 and its pretty good, no tone change and no issues with the actual device. Its never failed to work, its never given me drop outs and no interference from radio/ambulance, etc cos its digital. I've had it for 2 years.

If I have one criticism its the transmitter not being very secure with the clip but nothing a good round of gaffer tape can't fix.

Now I can't see myself going back to using cables, I move around a bit on bigger stages and its a lot neater without trailing cables all over it. The only times I have to go back to my board is to tune or switch channels, so I'm free to roam around!

When I bought it was £330 or something but now they've lowered to £240 which I know is out of your price range but its worth paying a bit more, to me I wouldn't want to get a cheap AKG wireless for £89 or something cos I've heard stories they cut out and stuff. The G30 must be around £117 now they've lowered the prices. I only got the G50 cos its got a metal transmitter casing (instead of a plastic one) and you have more channels on the receiver. So if I wanted to do multiple guitar changes I simple have different transmitters on different channels. Also the G50 gives me 200ft of virtual transmission range whereas the G30 only 100ft. I'm probably never going to grace big arenas but nice to have that comfort and freedom!!

[Slartibartfarst42]

well if this one I'm trying gets me hooked perhaps Ebay might be worth a look

[Brow]

I got my Line6 G30 for 72quid off a group on Facebook and couldn't be happier with it.

4 of us in my band are wireless and we all like a wander at gigs and 3 of us have G30s and they've worked great so far.

[dave_mc]

Well, as a band we've experimented a little with wireless and we like the ability it gives us to go for a 'wander' during a gig. For now, however, this thread is a bit redundant as shortly after I posted it a friend rang me to say he was at a car boot sale and had come across an Audio-Technica system for £12. I spoke to the seller on the phone and he said it was working fine and he bought it 5 years ago for about £170 but didn't know any of the technical bits. He claimed he was simply selling it because as a solo artist he never really moves away from his rig so a cable is just as handy so it hadn't been used in a long time but whatever is the reality of the case, I figured that for £12 it had to be worth a punt as it's not like I'm going to lose any money on it. It will give me the opportunity to play around with wireless at a gig and if it doesn't suit me I can easily revert to cables without having lost anything.

Nice Yeah I'm guessing for £12 you can't go too far wrong- worth that to see if you like the wireless thing even if you eventually decide never to use it.

[davidd]

Another vote for a g50, great system works perfectly for me although I'm paranoid about batteries running out so am constantly putting new ones in!

[CommonCourtesy]

Another vote for a g50, great system works perfectly for me although I'm paranoid about batteries running out so am constantly putting new ones in!

Use rechargeable batteries, I always charge mine up the night before the gig and it gives me about 8 hours life, done tours where I've done 3-4 shows in a row without having to re-charge. Lasted over 2 years now.