We've been to concerts where the lead guitar player seemed more concerned about tripping over the wire running to his amp than actually putting on a good show, and that's not cool.
Line 6, creator of a series of rockin' music gadgets in the past, is back to sever that tether without trampling your tune, man. It promises great sound over 100-feet, even able to replicate the frequency loss from different lengths of cable, and pledges to be "the most dependable wireless unit you've ever experienced." It uses the 2.4GHz band (so hopefully nobody's running a boosted 802.11b router nearby) and costs $420 -- a bargain in this line of work. Don't believe us? Trust Steve Stevens, who not only has a lovely last name but also rocked out with Billy Idol on Rebel Yell and said "there are systems that cost well over $3,000 that sound nowhere near as good." Of course, if you're a big-spender with tour funds to blow, Line 6 will happily sell you the 12-channel G50 and G90 models, which will set you back $560 and $840, respectively.
posted January 15th 2010 8:58AM
Nigel Tufnel should be the spokesperson.
@swastyka WTF are you still using that avatar? I suppose you are free to use any icon you like. The staff here is also free to put a boot in your ass. You know its offensive, I have read the posts from others advising you. Why don't you just change it?
Very cool, but still way too expensive for me. I'll definitely consider them if I ever change my mind, though. I love my POD XT Live. Been using it for close to 5 years now and it still works like the day I bought it.
@slipdisc It's offensive if you want to consider it that way, a Triskelion was longly used before the "offensive" meaning you're describing. The same can be said about the swastika.
Do want, assuming it sounds as good as being plugged in.
So, you hook the guitar up to the transmitter, and it sends it wirelessly to your amp. But then you can't do any flashy rock 'n roll guitar swinging in the middle of your gig.
Um, my wireless system cost like $120. A bargain? I think not!
@Alex
I bet it sounds like how 10 day old diarrhea smells.
The professional systems from Shure, etc that successful bands use live costs thousands. This IS a bargain.
@(Unverified)
It does sound pretty cheap. But still, unless this thing can compete quality-wise with the best of the bunch, I wouldn't call it a bargain.
Actually...this costs a fraction of professional grade systems. The question is how does it function in high density environments....with lots of these system trying to vie for spectrum on the same stage.
@slipdisc
Grow up. People don't have the right NOT to be offended...but they also don't have the right to shut people up just because they are offended.
@(Unverified) I think you have a case....
I don't get it... Well, maybe I do (but not really).
Line 6 purchased the X2 wireless line a while back. As a user of the X2 XDS95 (which works great and is priced nicely at $200), I'd never "upgrade" to this new unit.
The XDS95 transmits (according to it's specifications) >150ft, is priced much lower (half the price), and automatically detects the channel you want to use (although, it only has 5 channels available for transmission). The XDS95 Plus has an even better transmission range, and sturdier enclosure (although, I've never had problems with the plastic enclosure on my unit).
Granted, the "new" Line 6 system has a nicer design, but I don't see who'd pay $400 for what's likely a re-packaged XDS95.
@ Swastyka & Brentos
These units work great, like I said though, check out the X2 wireless line that Line 6 purchased (you can find them at any Guitar Center). I assume they'll be blowing them out once these new ones hit the stores. They truly sound like you're plugged in directly.
@ HardtoBelieve,
Why do you need to be plugged via a wire to swing your guitar? Good luck swinging a 10lb guitar by an instrument cord.
@ Alex,
Chances are you've got a UHF/VHF transmitter. Good luck getting a clean signal on that unit in a year or two. You need a digital signal as the government has taken over UHF and VHF bands.
@Bill R,
What kind of high density envrionments might you run into? Chances are, there aren't multiple rock bands playing in the same venue (less than the 100-200 ft. transmission range anyway). Unless your band has three guitar players, two bass players, and an electric ukulele player, you're probably fine getting your whole band using the system as there are 5+ channels to transmit on. I don't know about boosted wireless internet interference (as questioned in the article), but I've never had a problem with mine.
About the WiFi interference, from the site:
What about WiFi?
Worried about interference caused by 2.4GHz WiFi networks and Bluetooth® devices? Don't be. Relay digital wireless systems use uniquely addressed and encoded digital transmission technology. Your tone will make it from your transmitter to your receiver free of interference.
Musicians Friend has it listed for $299.99 preorder. No reviews yet. Anybody that is serious about this thing would look there anyway.
And there is a fairly long positive review here:
http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/guitars/guitar-accessories-components/guitar-accessories/relay-g30-221876/review
Guess it's been released in the UK for a month now.
@swastyka
suggestion - dont bother, use the industry standard. (@engadget) you guys do realise that you've been able to do this for... ages...
jack to mini-xlr cable straight into any wireless mic transmitter (via RF)
its what they do in concerts now anyway...
Why the hell would you want to replicate signal loss?!?!!? Just sounds to me like something else that can break and be stuck in some position you don't want it in.
You want signal loss? Learn how to use your god damn volume knob and pickup selector!