| Author | Message | ||
| gregduboc
Junior Username: gregduboc Post Number: 44 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hey everyone... I'm considering a wireless system for my Alembic. I'm one of those that can't stand still while playing, as I believe it makes for an awesome stage presence. I haven't started looking at the systems available yet, I decided to come here first and have you guys as advisors. Every input here will be really appreciated! Thanks for the attention and help! Greg | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 762 Registered: 11-2004 |
Greg..I am looking too so you beat me to it but since I am in the UK I guess frequency specs will be totally different. I did have a really cheap one years ago but it kept picking the taxis up outside the venue and it coloured the sound so it went attic along with all the other usless musical stuff I have bought and never used. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3673 Registered: 7-2004 |
I know they are generally known for cheap crap, but I've been using an old NADY 201 true diversity system on and off for over 20 years. It doesn't pick up police radio calls, or air traffic controllers, etc. It doesn't seem to change my tone, and it has always worked. I know there are much "better" systems out there, but this old NADY has never given me any problems and you can find them on Ebay quite often for relatively little $. YMMV. Bill, tgo | ||
| gregduboc
Junior Username: gregduboc Post Number: 46 Registered: 11-2008 |
Terry, I was afraid of such things... Picking other frequencies is something I'm quite scared off. That is why I've convinced myself of spending as much money as needed on the wireless system. After all, we spend a whole bunch on our basses, so our equipment should be on the same scale, right? Have you got any models in mind already? Greg | ||
| gregduboc
Junior Username: gregduboc Post Number: 47 Registered: 11-2008 |
Bill, I've seen those, and actually, you are not the first one to tell me that they are reliable.... I've put them in my list of "at least give it a try, it will probably be worth it" now. Greg | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2234 Registered: 2-2006 |
I've used several wireless systems. I had a Nady 201 that worked fine but I noticed a big change in my tone on my bass but hardly any tone change on my guitar. I had Boss that I like real well but it used AA batteries and they didn't last very long. I also had a Sure that cost me over a grand. It had the truest signal and sounded good with my bass but it was very expensive. Now I stick with a cable. If I were playing full time again I would probably go back to wireless but most of my playing now is in the Studio or a more subdued venue that the old clubs and concerts we used to play. OO | ||
| wideload
Intermediate Member Username: wideload Post Number: 138 Registered: 6-2003 |
My band likes me to play wireless because then they can't hear me... | ||
| dnburgess
Senior Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 600 Registered: 1-2003 |
For bass applications we recommend X2 Digital Wireless System. Frequency response is down to 10Hz. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 711 Registered: 11-2003 |
I have the X2 rackmount wireless. Othan the fact that it tends to eat batteries, it works perfectly. I notice no difference in tone. Alan | ||
| briant
Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 291 Registered: 12-2004 |
+1 on the X2 wireless. Unless you want to get into the Shure systems (or comparable) that are $2000+ the X2 is the best wireless solution for bass. Period. X2 frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz. It doesn't do anything to your tone. It sounds like a high quality cable - I've A/B'd my Mogami Gold cables and you cannot hear a difference. edit: also wanted to point out that I've never had problems with interference of any sort with my X2. They have 5 channels available to them and I've only ever used one. (Message edited by briant on April 07, 2009) | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 763 Registered: 11-2004 |
Looks like plenty to choose from but as olieoliver says a high quality cable beats all unless you are prepared to pay an lot of monet for a professional radio system. I don't think guitars are tonally affected as much as basses, guess it boils down to the frequency | ||
| gregduboc
Junior Username: gregduboc Post Number: 49 Registered: 11-2008 |
Well, thanks for all the info! I suppose the X2 is apparently the best choice then... If it works just as fine as the Shure, but for less money, that must be the way to go! But do you guys think it is worth the extra buck to get the Shure system? I understand cables are still the best solution, but I just hate the fact of being tied to something... something that usually makes me trip...  Greg | ||
| deburgh
Member Username: deburgh Post Number: 52 Registered: 3-2007 |
I use the Shure wireless system and it sounds great.. It definitely wasn't cheap, but the tone is great and I've never had any problems with interference at all. | ||
| briant
Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 293 Registered: 12-2004 |
The X2 is what you should buy unless you have a lot of disposable income and/or are a touring musician playing lots of different places on very large stages. Buy this: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line6-X2-Digital-Wireless-XDR95-Instrument-Wireless-System?sku=271198 And this at the same time: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line6-X2-Digital-Wireless-XC3R-14-to-18-RightAngle-Locking-Cable?sku=271196 The cable that comes with the wireless system is a cheap POS. It only took a few months for mine to start failing and I typically only gig 3 or 4 times a month. So it lasted less than 40 hours of use and that's being generous. The replacement cable has lasted for well over a year and is still going strong. For under $400 you'll have a wireless solution that sounds just as good as a high quality cable. The X2 uses the same technology as the X-Wire. I owned an X-Wire when the X2 was released. I bought an X2 immediately and did and A/B comparison between the original recipe and the new hotness. THEY SOUNDED THE SAME. I put my X-Wire on eBay the next day and it sold for $300 more than I paid for it when I bought it off eBay many years prior. "Looks like plenty to choose from but as olieoliver says a high quality cable beats all unless you are prepared to pay an lot of monet for a professional radio system. I don't think guitars are tonally affected as much as basses, guess it boils down to the frequency" Did you not read any of the responses about the X2? Mine most notably since I very specifically stated that I've done A/B comparisons with the X2 and a high quality cable: there is no difference in tone. I would not consider $390 for the system plus the upgraded cable to be "a lot of money" for a wireless system. There are plenty which cost a lot more that don't do as good a job with bass guitars (due to frequency roll off). | ||
| briant
Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 294 Registered: 12-2004 |
Oh yeah. I also can't say enough good things about having a few of these for quick changes between instruments: http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Neotech-Wireless-Pouch?sku=367509 Way cheaper than buying another transmitter and it is safer than clipping the transmitter directly onto the strap. The transmitter isn't going to fall out of this pouch. I do a lot of jumping/running around/etc... on stage and I never think or worry about the transmitter coming loose. | ||
| gregduboc
Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 51 Registered: 11-2008 |
Brian, I can't thank you enough for the attention you are giving me. Thanks for all the kind tips and observations, they are all really appreciated. This is the reason why this forum is one of the best places in the world! Thank you Brian, thank you all! Alembic is something... It not only makes the finest bass possible, but it also gets you together with the finest people around!! Greg | ||
| lmiwa
Intermediate Member Username: lmiwa Post Number: 166 Registered: 2-2008 |
I've had a Shure ULXS system for years that I've been very happy with. Very little change in sound compared with a cable. Better than most other wireless systems that I've tried. However, if I had to buy a new system now, I'd probably go with the X2. | ||
| gregduboc
Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 52 Registered: 11-2008 |
Yuhuu, I've been upgraded to Member now! | ||
| gregduboc
Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 53 Registered: 11-2008 |
Loch, let's get ours together, perhaps we can even get a discount!! Greg | ||
| worldfamousandy
Intermediate Member Username: worldfamousandy Post Number: 125 Registered: 3-2004 |
I love my Shure SLX system... | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 163 Registered: 8-2005 |
I have been using a Sennheiser Evolution for several years and have been very happy with. I play everything from small clubs to large outdoor venues and the Sennheiser has plenty of range and my bass sounds great. | ||
| uncle
New Username: uncle Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2009 |
Hi, I use a DB Technologies Digital Wireless "DWS 2400". I especialy bought this digital unit because it can handle the lower frequenties of my five-string basses (I owned a ssenheiser before and missed bottom with that unit). I'm very happy with it, I use it for 3 years now and never had any problems with it! | ||
| gregduboc
Intermediate Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 101 Registered: 11-2008 |
Guys, thank you so much for all the input here. It's good to know what really works from you!! Thanks a lot, really! Greg | ||
| 0vid
Intermediate Member Username: 0vid Post Number: 158 Registered: 4-2003 |
I use the X2. You have to use a Y cable or make up your own cable to get the full frequency output, the default wiring gives you a hi end roll off (meant to mimic a long cable). Can you hear this roll off ? Yes. Does it matter? It depends on how you wish to sound when you play and what amplification your using. I roll my own cables so i make my own custom X2 outs. It's not difficult to do this if you need the full frequency out, otherwise you a standard insert cable ( 1/4 " stereo one end, 2 mono the other ends) would allow you to do this (You would have two outputs, 1 full, and 1 rolled off). I have recently been in touch with Stageclix, and their testing is done - hopefully they will be ready to roll their systems out. They make digital wireless systems too. http://www.stageclix.com/ | ||
| gregduboc
Intermediate Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 142 Registered: 11-2008 |
Is there any solutions to use a Series instrument wireless, and not use the batteries, while going wireless?? Or do I have to forget about the 5 pin cord? Perhaps a portable DS 5 powered by some batteries?? Greg | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2349 Registered: 2-2006 |
Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of using the DS-5 anywway? | ||
| gregduboc
Intermediate Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 143 Registered: 11-2008 |
Well, I guess it would... Damn... Greg | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3791 Registered: 7-2004 |
I seem to remember this question coming up before, and someone posting a link to a Japanese site where someone built a battery operated wireless that powered the 5 pin. IIRC it was built into a stompbox type enclosure. Perhaps someone will remember. Bill, tgo | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2331 Registered: 3-2004 |
I remember it as well, Bill. I think it was a heftier battery pack that hung from the belt and sat between the bass and the wireless. It will still be batteries no matter what you do, but probably longer lasting and easier to swap than the ones in the bass. Also, you won't have stereo unless you plan on running dual wireless units. At that point, you'll probably need a harness and look like you're in full tactical gear. I'll do a quick search and see if I can locate the prior discussion. -bob | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2352 Registered: 2-2006 |
Wouldn't it be easier to run "Stereo-Wireless" using a 1/4' Y cable, 1 stereo male to 2 mono male jacks and use two wireless transmitters? Either way, mucho batteries needed. OO | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2332 Registered: 3-2004 |
There was some discussion about using a series with wireless here: http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_leapoffaith.html and, you may have to give consideration to the stereo/mono question as discussed here: http://www.alembic.com/club/messages/394/25127.html?1140248111 I couldn't find the discussion I thought I was looking for. It still seems it should be possible to create a belt-pack with a hi-tech rechargeable battery and wiring to provide the same power you would get through the DS5. Sort of the same type of thing professional photographers use for strobes in high-demand situations, though that's typically more like 6v. I did a quick search and found this: http://21st-century-goods.com/page/21st/PROD/MP3400 It seems like this, or something like it, could be wired to provide power to a portable DS-5-like device and hang off a belt pack. If it can power a DVD player for six hours, it should easily power a bass with LEDs through a gig. Of course, if anyone is thinking of doing something like this, running it by Mica is always the best place to start. Personally, I'd just plan on swapping batteries for every gig. I might have a different perspective if I were gigging more often than monthly these days. I'm not sure if anyone makes a 9v rechargeable that's worth using these days. -bob | ||
| jeffbass4
New Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 9 Registered: 2-2003 |
Like Bill said above, I have to give a nod to the old Nady 201 as well. I've used it since 1992 and it has never failed. I've replaced 1 transmitter pack (my fault), and recently added a second one for my backup bass. I never felt it changed my tone and I don't sense any delay. My thought is, if you can play and not think about it and you can't tell a difference with or without a cord, it must be working. I've used this in small clubs and large concert venues. Cheap price but it has served me well... |
