Wireless Systems... Which One?

[Metalman_666]

I've been messing around on eBay and have discovered some good deals, at least I think they're good. Out of these five systems, if price is no object, which is the ideal wireless?

Samson Concert77 UHF
Samson Stage55 VHF
Electro Voice RE-2 Frequency Agile (UHF?)
Nady UHF-4
Shure T-series VHF "The Guitarist"

I'm looking for a good, strong, clear signal that would work well, with as little interference as possible. Also keep in mind I play a lot of metal, but would probably play some clean stuff too. So what's the word?

 

[Nite_Maresz_25]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

Well, considering I know next to nothing about wireless systems, I'd rule out the VHF's right away if price isn't an issue. Aside from that, I've got not f'n idea.

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

bump...

I know that UHF is much better than VHF, but I don't want to rule those 2 VHF systems out, just in case. So which system is better out of those 5??

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

I just realized I could get TWO Nady UHF systems for a damn good price. Should I pull the trigger on those? What say you!?

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

I say don't get a cheap wireless if you're looking for more than a toy. A cable is a lot less headache at a gig.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

The best wireless system at a decent price that I've found is the Audio Technica 1400 series. They're not the cheapest, nor are they the most expensive, but I've gotten the cleanest loudest signals out of those units. Bar none.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

Wireless systems have come a long way in the last 20 years. They used to be horrid sounding beasts that would drop out frequently, hiss and pop at you and eat batterys like there was no tomorrow.

Today they are quite a bit better and you can find something that will work deceint for pretty cheap. If you want to keep your tone intact and have no drop-outs, that costs a little more.

As a rule, UHF is better than VHF.

Two antennas are better than one.

Diversity systems are better than not.

The thing with wireless is, unless you really need it you probably shouldn't buy it. I'm betting that the majority of people that buy a wireless system and especially the folks that go looking for the cheapest wireless system buy it for the "cool" factor. Unless chasing after batterys, compromised tone, having the middle portion of your solo disappear or listening to TV re-runs through your rig in between songs is cool, you probably don't need a wireless.

If you are playing gigs where you can actually get more than 20 feet away from your rig on a regular basis, I am jealous. If not then don't spend the money because it's not worth it. There is a reason that you can find so many of the less expensive wireless units on Ebay, the cool factor wore off.

I have a cute little Shure ULX-S wireless system that works great. I also have the rack adapter and the front side antenna kit. It has never given me a problem, it sounds great and performs as advertised. I rarely use it but all the other kids at the gig think its really cool.

There isn't much difference in the lower priced units and any of those units listed should perform and sound about the same.

 

[DesertRose]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

heard that the Samson wireless are pretty reliable.

The difference between the UHF and VHF is that one of them can penetrate through walls and high altitude while the other can't.

I think the VHF is the one better, man .. I losing what I've learnt

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

Wireless systems have come a long way in the last 20 years. They used to be horrid sounding beasts that would drop out frequently, hiss and pop at you and eat batterys like there was no tomorrow.

Today they are quite a bit better and you can find something that will work deceint for pretty cheap. If you want to keep your tone intact and have no drop-outs, that costs a little more.

As a rule, UHF is better than VHF.

Two antennas are better than one.

Diversity systems are better than not.

The thing with wireless is, unless you really need it you probably shouldn't buy it. I'm betting that the majority of people that buy a wireless system and especially the folks that go looking for the cheapest wireless system buy it for the "cool" factor. Unless chasing after batterys, compromised tone, having the middle portion of your solo disappear or listening to TV re-runs through your rig in between songs is cool, you probably don't need a wireless.

If you are playing gigs where you can actually get more than 20 feet away from your rig on a regular basis, I am jealous. If not then don't spend the money because it's not worth it. There is a reason that you can find so many of the less expensive wireless units on Ebay, the cool factor wore off.

I have a cute little Shure ULX-S wireless system that works great. I also have the rack adapter and the front side antenna kit. It has never given me a problem, it sounds great and performs as advertised. I rarely use it but all the other kids at the gig think its really cool.

There isn't much difference in the lower priced units and any of those units listed should perform and sound about the same.

Great points Robert. The cool factor thing is actually very true; most people do buy wireless because it looks cool. Our band played a gig recently and I remember a friend of mine coming up to me and telling me about another band that was playing before us. "Oh man, I hear the next band up is really good. They use WIRELESS!" I just remember thinking "wireless? so what?"

I've always thought it would be a nice convenience because I've stepped on the cord and almost pulled it all the way out a couple of times at shows, but you guys are all right in saying that if you want a good wireless system that has great reliability and sound, you simply have to pay more money. And you're also right in saying don't bother unless you're playing big gigs where you have a chance to really move around.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

The coolness factor shouldn't be overlooked.

A buddy of mine used to jump off the stage during gigs, and go walking around the bar, or even outside, while playing. People thought it was hysterical, and would show up to see him do that (kinda like Pete T. smashing guitars).

 

[DesertRose]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

Agreed.
If its just a compound gig or something which wireless ain't necessary, forget it and spend that money on prolly something more needed .. heh

 

[Forbes]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

The coolness factor shouldn't be overlooked.

A buddy of mine used to jump off the stage during gigs, and go walking around the bar, or even outside, while playing. People thought it was hysterical, and would show up to see him do that (kinda like Pete T. smashing guitars).

+1, my mate used to use one in a band, at the gig i watched he actually jumped off the stage and ran out of the room, and started dancing in the corridoor outside while still playing, was very cool.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

I use the Shure UHF "Guitarist" wireless once in awhile and it's pretty transparent and doesn't screw with your tone...I did alot of wireless testing before settling on this one and I've had mine over 3 years.The Shure product is always great also!

I normally use George L cable and it's really hard to tell any difference in tone between the George L and this wireless and you know how fussy my ears are...LOL They don't call it the "Guitarist" anymore,but I remember it being UHF and costing me over $300....If you're going to buy a wireless,you'll need to buy a really god one..

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

I use the Shure UHF "Guitarist" wireless once in awhile and it's pretty transparent and doesn't screw with your tone...I did alot of wireless testing before settling on this one and I've had mine over 3 years.The Shure product is always great also!

I normally use George L cable and it's really hard to tell any difference in tone between the George L and this wireless and you know how fussy my ears are...LOL They don't call it the "Guitarist" anymore,but I remember it being UHF and costing me over $300....If you're going to buy a wireless,you'll need to buy a really god one..

Good to know, I was looking at Shure's new "The Guitarist" and it looked good except that it was VHF.

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

Well, I ended up pulling the trigger on something... but it was such an amazing deal I just felt like I couldn't pass it up. I bought the 2 Nady UHF-4 Diversity Wireless systems, after talking to a bunch of people and hearing that Nady systems are usually very good. I scored 2 of these brand new for about $170 US!!! Seeing as one usually retails for about $315 US I figured that's a damn good deal. The bassist in my band who also plays guitar said he will buy one off me when they get here, and I figure if I don't like it I can always sell it on eBay again. I really have a problem with spending money :smack: but oh well!

 

[shreder75]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

I have a Nady UHF (4 I think?) that I'm returning...even with the gain all the way up on the transmitter there was total tone suck..as if I had the volume on my guitar rolled off....

 

[lex666]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

I have an Audio Technica system that I use every day with my home rig. I think its the 2000 or 3000 series (sorry i can' remeber which) but I paid only $300 for it at GC. This system works extremely well for me, I have had not problems what so ever in regards to tone or reliability. My home rig is acutally in my living room where there is a TV, my home theater system and light dimmers. I pick up no interference or buzz at all. No drop outs. No tone or signal loss. I'm very pleased with this system and highly recommend it.

 

[shreder75]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

I have heard good things about audio technica

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

I have a Nady UHF (4 I think?) that I'm returning...even with the gain all the way up on the transmitter there was total tone suck..as if I had the volume on my guitar rolled off....

Hmm.. that's interesting. The seller said they've sold many of those units and had only heard good things about them?

 

[shreder75]

Re: Wireless Systems... Which One?

Hmm.. that's interesting. The seller said they've sold many of those units and had only heard good things about them?

that's just what it souned like to me...might sound perfectly fine for u! these things are weird as you well know..lol..everyone's ears are different....