Music lovers love to mimic their favorite artists on the stage and pay thousands of dollars to attend their live concerts and tours. One of the reasons behind it is the way they engage with the crowd during the performance and energize them through dances and constant movement.
Now imagine your favorite Rockstar tripping over the wires of their guitar or any other instrument during a performance. Imagine yourself as an upcoming artist performing in a bar, and in your excitement, you go beyond the wire connected with your guitar. Going on the stage requires a lot of nerves, and if something like this happens, you’ll momentarily lose your confidence, and that will affect your performance.
Fortunately, this can be avoided with a wireless system. You do not need to invest in new equipment as these systems can work correctly with your existing instruments. In this guide, we will focus on wireless guitar systems and the things you must consider while buying them.
Top Wireless Guitar Systems to Consider
Line 6 Relay Wireless Guitar System of G50
The Line Relay wireless guitar arrangement is straightforward to use. It delivers great sound and precise reproduction broadcasting over the 2.4 GHz. Compliance with FCC/DTV regulations keeps the system from interference, which will let you play without any disruptions. Exclusive signal protection technology encrypts the signal and broadcasts it to multiple antennas, which assure signal integrity.
The system doesn’t need companders that typically limit the signal, providing you with a powerful sound and a detailed response which other analog wireless networks cannot offer.
The dynamic response range of 120dB protects you from the noise, making it extremely low. A 24-bit analog to digital conversion ensures studio-quality resolution. As a result, you receive a great response and a full and balanced sound.
The Line Relay system ensures a wide response range of 10Hz – 20 kHz, which is more extensive than typical wireless analog systems. Virtual Wireless Transmission technology reproduces a high-quality guitar cable that delivers amazing full-range response.
With a 200-foot line-of-sight, range the system ensures you with a pure signal quality even in motion on the stage. The Line Relay system also has a Cable Tone Simulator, which lets you switch between a cable and the wireless network.
Pros
- No official license needed for this
- strong dependability
Cons
- Signal drop-out is seldom met.
Donner Rechargeable Wireless Guitar System DWS-3 Digital Guitar Bass Audio Transmitter and Receiver
This radio guitar delivers the sound of a high-quality, incredibly fast. It offers almost constant data transmission with latency time, about 2.5 milliseconds. You can be sure that there will be no delay between the play and sound transmission. With almost zero latency, you can play as fast and as hard as you wish. There will be no sound loss in the process.
The system provides you with a range of up to 200 feet, which allows you to move around without being tangled. The battery can last up to 6 hours without being recharged, which is pretty enough for a decent performance. No sacrifices due to dying cells anymore!
You can charge the battery using your computer or laptop with a micro-USB cable, which has included in the system.
The transmitter and receiver have a rotatable standard quarter-inch jack with four channels that allow you to use more than one system at the very time. It will enable you to select a different avenue for desired pairings.
It is effortless to control the system; there are only two buttons – one for power and another one to select the channels. The system has LED displays to indicate the selected channel.
Pros
- Its tone mode is of high quality
- It carries four devices at one time
Cons
- Can lose the connection seldom, after a few minutes
Xvive U2 Wireless Digital Transmitter/Receiver System for Guitar, Bass, and Other Instruments, Rechargeable, 2.4 GHz Black
This wireless guitar mode is straightforward and effective. It has four channels, pure refined sound, and it is very convenient to use. The system operates on the 2.4GHz band, which allows you to play without any signal interference from TV, phones, radio, or any other devices. The system can guarantee there will be no sound disruptions.
A 70-foot line-of-sight range ensures a steady signal, although it’s better to keep the receiver three meters away from a Wi-Fi router. The sound has delivered in an uncompressed format. Which provides you a pure tone, and the frequency response range between 20Hz and 20kHz. This feature will allow you to enjoy all the nuances of the sound.
The transmitter and receiver have a foldable input jack that lets you position each component where they stay unnoticed. You can use either a front or side output jack. The system doesn’t require you to use additional cables – just plug the components in, and you are good to go.
The rechargeable batteries allow you to play up to 5 hours straight, plus there is also a USB cable come with it. It lets you recharge the system while using your laptop or computer.
Pros
- Its range varies from 60-70ft.
- Ideal for stage, home with good battery life
Cons
- Buzz is there if used, in the active pickup wireless guitars.
JOYO JW-01 Rechargeable 2.4Ghz Wireless Digital Guitar Transmitter Receiver
This transatlantic guitar order is straightforward and convenient. It will surprise you with its simplicity and audio performance. Plus, it is very portable, and you can walk around and play without falling over the cable. All you need to do is just to plug in and play. It uses Bluetooth technology: both the transmitter and the receiver communicate via Bluetooth frequencies, although it limits the operating range.
The system operates on the 2.4GHz band and also uses auto-sync. You can’t choose a channel manually. It facilitates the process of usage of the system but just keeps in mind that any other Bluetooth device operating nearby can interfere with the signal. The system is bare-bones; there are no additional controls to refine the sound. The quality of music is still very pure and transparent.
JOYO JW-01 doesn’t have any cables and the standard quarter-inch jacks plug, right into the guitar and amp. It’s effortless to use and to set up. The rechargeable battery can last up to 6 hours of your performance. The USB cable allows you to recharge your system from your computer or laptop, although the power adapter for charging has also added.
Pros
- It is available at affordable price
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not suitable for professional practice
- Sometimes the system becomes clamorous
Shure PGXD14 Digital Wireless System for Guitar/Bass
The Shure PGXD14 Bodypack Wireless System was designed by Shure, which is one of the leading brands in wireless music systems. It has been made according to high industry standards.
The rugged PGXD1 bodypack transmitter easily clips onto a belt or guitar strap and provides you with a 20Hz-20kHz frequency range, which will allow you to enjoy all the nuances of your musical performance.
The system ensures reliable, pure radio frequency signals and chooses frequency automatically. The sound can be adjusted by 26 decibels, with a handy dial that will allow volume control. It’s also possible to lock the audio interface to avoid the change of settings by accident.
The battery can last up to 10 hours, which is pretty impressive in comparison with analog wireless systems. PGX Digital Wireless, with state-of-the-art and trusted Shure microphones, delivers stunning sound and a strong, clean RF signal. Slim, compact bodypack with belt clip features power, mute, and battery status LEDs.
The Shure PGXD14 receiver ensures a 24-bit/48kHz accurate, high-quality sound. The WA302 instrument cable plugs into guitar, bass, or any other 1/4 Inch line-level instrument output. This wireless system is a high quality and reliable product.
Pros
- The battery can be helpful for a long span
- It can work well at the more extensive ranges as well.
Cons
- It is a bit pricy
- Have one input, so, just one device can be attached
Other Wireless Guitar Systems to Consider
What is a Wireless Guitar System?
A wireless guitar system is simply a pair of transmitter and receiver that wirelessly connects your guitar with the speakers to give you the complete freedom of utilizing the entire stage. The output quality is the same as a regular guitar setup with cables, and in the latest models, chances of interference and signal degradation have been significantly minimized.
Types of Wireless Guitar Systems
There are various types of Wireless guitar systems available in the market. They are divided into two major categories depending on how they operate.
Analog Systems
Analog systems work on the traditional model of compression, transmission, expansion of signals (trademark ‘companding’) before the amplifier receives them. These systems usually operate on the VHF or UHF band, which makes them susceptible to interference and delays. When wireless networks were introduced, many musicians preferred the old cable setup due to the delays and interference problems and quality degradation in the analog wireless guitar systems.
Digital Systems
Digital systems entirely skip the compression and expansion process and use a combination of encoder and decoder to maintain signal quality and prevent interference. Unlike analog systems, all digital systems operate around the frequency band of 2.4 GHz. The decoder receives signals of all kinds but decodes only those signals that were encoded by its pair. This ensures that the incoming signal remains free from any type of interference. Digitally encoding audio signals also helps in maintaining the quality, and skipping the ‘companding’ process almost eliminates the micro delay, which is common in analog systems.
How to Use a Wireless Guitar System?
Using a wireless guitar system is extremely easy. You simply have to plug the transmitter in your guitar and the receiver in the sound system. In some older models, users had to set up a channel on both the transmitter and the receiver. This system, however, has become obsolete, and now all of these things are done automatically. You simply have to plug the system and start enjoying it.
One thing you must be careful about is the battery of your wireless guitar system. Before the gig, ensure that the system is wholly charged; otherwise, you’ll notice sudden delays, and the system will not perform optimally.
Tips For Buying The Best Wireless Guitar System For You
Even if you are clear on buying either the analog or digital wireless guitar systems, there are several other characteristics you’ll need to consider. The capabilities and operations of the wireless guitar systems directly affect their prices. We have listed down some of the essential aspects of the best wireless guitar systems.
Frequency agility
Since a band performs with multiple wireless systems operating at the same time, frequency agility is an essential factor that must be considered while purchasing a wireless guitar system. Even when using a digital system, sometimes intermodulation occurs, and it can be avoided if the frequency agility of the particular system is very high.
Automatic frequency detection
This feature can make your life easier. You won’t have to worry about setting up different frequencies and ensuring both receivers are transmitters are on the same channel. With this feature, you simply have to plug the system, and that’s all.
Battery life
Battery life is another essential factor you need to consider while purchasing a wireless guitar system. If you usually perform continuously for more extended periods, check both the standby and operating battery time of the system. Some systems allow you to connect additional batteries or a mobile power bank to enhance their operating capacity further.
Operating range
This parameter directly affects your freedom on the stage. A system that can operate in the range of 150 to 200 feet would be sufficient for almost all venues. However, you must be careful that there is nothing like a wall blocking the transmitter and receiver. Both of them must be in each other’s line of sight for optimal performance.
Durability
The durability of the wireless guitar system is another critical parameter that must be considered. It is recommended that you use ‘all-metal’ wireless guitar systems to ensure smooth and interrupted operation even after impact.
Average Budget/Price For The Best Wireless Guitar System
We can’t give you an exact figure because the prices of wireless guitar systems vary. It all depends on how serious you are. If you are starting out and usually perform at smaller venues, there are multiple good options under the price of $100. If you want to be more severe with your music career, there you can check for more options that are more expensive.
Conclusion
Nowadays, wireless systems are quite standard in the music industry, and many entry-level professionals use it to utilize the available space on a stage completely. Due to enhancements in wireless technology and the availability of high-end components at a reasonable price, some wireless guitar systems are now really advanced and perform even better than traditional wired setups.
We hope this guide has taught you enough to buy the best wireless guitar system, and you’ll now be able to make an informed decision quickly.