wireless

[rainsong86]

I'm looking for a good wireless system and most of the reviews I'm reading on musicians friend seem sketchy... I don't plan on spending more than 150 dollars so it seems the only brands available to me are nady, audio technica, and the cheapest AKG... it don't need to be playing in the next room of my house.. all I care about is a system which doesn't rob my guitar's tone or cut out and embarass me on stage.. ty for your suggestions

[matt_transition]

My personal view on Wireless systems is that unless you have the $$ to get a good one, seriously like $500+. You will always be sacrificing your tone which can get really bad on cheap ones. Pros not only use the more expensive ones because they can spend that kind of money, but because they don't want to drop below a certain level of quality. Otherwise just use a $20 lead and put up with some wire tangling. They are good fun though, i only ever used to use mine for the last song when we used to play "Paradise City" so i could run around, but i listened to the video the other day and the tone was shocking.

Having said that you can't go too wrong with a UHF true diversity system from pretty much any company, as long as you have heard of them before. Nady & Trantec are some the best.

[lex666]

I have an Audio Technica system that I bought at guitar center for about $300. This is a true diversity system that helps prevent signal drop outs and has multiple channels so you can switch channels in case you run into interference. I'm really happy with this system, I have not exepricenced any drop outs or singal loss in the 2 years I've had it. The sound is just as good with a cable and does not alter the tone in any way.(yes, I tested it...). I am very pleased with this system and would highly recommend it, although I have to admit, I have not tried any others... I did compare it to other brands in this price range, (AKG, Sure, Guitar bug) and this one had the most features (that mattered anyway).

I would recommend staying away from those systems that use a transmitter that attaches to your guitar. If any part of that breaks, I think you'd be SOL.

Also good to note, I recently broke an antenna on my reciever (it has 2). I emailed audio technica and they sent me a new antenna for free within 5 days! Really excellent customer service.

If you are looking for a wireless system, I would highly recommend spending as much as you can afford for good diversity system. Otherwise, I would stick to the always reliable cable...

[mr breaker]

Shure also makes a lower end UHF system for about $300. It sounds good and is reliable.

I wouldn't buy a wireless that was any cheaper than that. You get what you pay for.

[rainsong86]

300 dollars is a lot though... audio technica makes something for 100 and nady has plenty of models in that price range.. would those alter my tone too much?

[lex666]

300 dollars is a lot though... audio technica makes something for 100 and nady has plenty of models in that price range.. would those alter my tone too much?

For that money I doubt that it is a diversity system. You may run into problems with drop outs or receiveing interference. If you can't afford a good wireless system, I would wait a while until you can. Save that money and put it towards a good cable - always a good investment.

Tip: sign up on the customer list at sam ash. My local sam ash sends coupons about once a month. One month they sent me a $75 off a purchase of $300 or more coupon. I took that coupon to my local GC and they honored it. I got my $300 AT wireless system for about $225... even the guy at the counter said that was better than any deal he could offer me...

[rainsong86]

what IS a diversity system anyways?.. I don't know enough wireless lingo to know what I want (or need).. are there any features I should absolutely look for in a wireless unit (which will likely negate the cheap 150 dollar units)?

[pinto79]

I used to work for a Samson Dealer, and I really liked the Stage55 Dual Diversity VHF system. It's the newest version of the "Tried and True" VHF TD Series. I've had a TD for damn close to 5 years now, and I've never had it drop out, and it doesn't mess with my tone. I even use it to record...

Edit: Sorry! the Stage55 sold for about $199 Canadian.

[pinto79]

what IS a diversity system anyways?.. I don't know enough wireless lingo to know what I want (or need).. are there any features I should absolutely look for in a wireless unit (which will likely negate the cheap 150 dollar units)?

A diversity system (Comonly referred to as a DUAL DIVERSITY, uses two antennas or two receivers (Depending on brand, Shure are the only ones that use two receivers, they have a Patent on it).

A micro-processor monitors both and switches to the one that has the most signal. Thus, less chance of drop-outs.