What do guys use/recommend for wireless system in a rack?

[ljbarbeau]

Also plz post any cons/pros about the suggested unit. And if you know any units that I need to run away from plz let me know as well.

I'm inclined to buy a used x2 xdr95 for now...

 

[rjriley1]

I ask the same question on another guitar site a few months ago with little and no real good responses. I had to beat the sidewalk and the internet. I found some older units like Nady U1000/U2000 and older X Wire/X2 wire etc. and really not comfortable buying after June 1009 The FCC in the U.S. banded certain frequency in the 700-800MHZ UHF range. This is what got me looking because my Nady 301 4 channel UHF's were now illegal to use in the U.S. It was a bummer because I had 2 of these and they worked perfect even after 15 years of usage. I stubbled into a local Guitar Center multiple times asking the guitar accessory dept. what new what do you have that just came out? One day a guy told me Line 6 came out with a rack system called a Relay G90. I said really? I didn't know Line 6 had wireless rack or much less any wireless guitar equipment. He said Line 6 bought out X2 Wire and another company he said he read on line after seeing the unit come in the day before. He said these just came out and this is the first unit they got. I asked how much...he said $600ish. I thought that was a very reasonable price. He also told me that Line 6 bought the rights to the frequencies they were using for 10 years so the FCC problem wouldn't occur for at least tens years from now. We opened the box and I was sold on the quality of the appearance of the components. The unit is neat and sounds great. It is still fairly new to the market I've had mine about six months. Nice piece check it out.

 

[ljbarbeau]

I saw the G90 and it really looks like it is the best out there right now. but the difference between the x2 xdr95 and the g90 seems to be only the frequency range and the tuner out. I don't think those frequency has been banned here in canada so thats not an issue for me. (correct me if I'm wrong..) so thats why I was looking to grab one of those for cheap.

P.S. do they actually go see in the bars what kind of wireless unit you're using during the show? if the law isn't enforced I don't really see why people should change their wireless unit. or maybe only in bigger venue do they check?

 

[ljbarbeau]

Well I bought the xdr95 on ebay for 225$. Like I said this seems to be exactly the same as a g90 except it's not 2.4ghz. So it's seems to be a great deal.. Will report back when i receive it..

 

[rjriley1]

I've had my Line 6 G90 for awhile not a problem. I love it!

 

[PG13]

I still use a Line 6 XDR95. I love how it sounds like I'm hardwired to my rig. If you like using your volume knob to shape tone while playing without the tone/sound degrading at low volumes, I'd look at this or any other Line 6 product.

 

[scottkahn]

The new X2 rack gear sounds fantastic, but touring pros have problems at music festivals and locations with multiple wireless devices in use. I was talking with one pro's tech (sworn to secrecy but someone big) before a show... when the X2 stuff is in a smaller venue he loves it, but he keeps the guy's older Shure ULX system in the rack for times when the airwaves get busy...

I swear by the Shure SLX system, but also love the X2. Some links you might find useful:

1. Our in-depth look at the white space and 900 MHz issue... if you're considering buying used gear then definitely read this first!

http://www.musicplayers.com/features/general/2010/0610_700MHz.php

2. Review of the SLX wireless system:

http://www.musicplayers.com/reviews/guitars/2006/0406_ShureSLX.php

 

[rocknroll9225]

I have an X2 XDR95 and i love it. its digital, so you dont have to deal with the companders, drop-outs and such normally associated with analog units. its got ridiculously long range, sounds just like a cord (to my ears anyway, i personally couldnt hear a difference). and it tells you right on the front how much battery life you have left so you can easily see it from right across the stage. i couldnt recommend it enough

 

[ljbarbeau]

Sry if it took me a long time to report back but my kid was born 1 month in advance so that kinda took over everything...

Now for the x2. I love it! If I had to list 1 con it would be the 9v batteries. I'd rather use rechargeable AAs...

I need to find rechargeable 9v dunno if they exist don't think I've ever seen any, but I haven't look that much yet.

 

[scottkahn]

The new X2 stuff, at least the rack gear, uses AA in the body pack. That's a huge improvement for the reason you just mentioned. Anyone using non-rechargeable batteries in a wireless is wasting a lot of money.