Post by: Bob Leonard on December 09, 2008, 12:21:05 AM
Thanks guys !
Post by: Daniel Nickleski on December 09, 2008, 12:39:44 AM
Post by: Walter Wright on December 09, 2008, 12:51:06 AM
Post by: mark anderson on December 09, 2008, 01:54:32 AM
Post by: Gene Hardage on December 09, 2008, 09:13:46 PM
In short - it's the bomb and so far has done exactly as it is supposed to do. Everyone who has heard it or played through it agrees that you can't tell it's there.
I made an extra wire for the transmitter with an angle end 'cause all my guitars use an angle. These little screw on buggers are kinda hard to come by so here's a link to where I found mine.
http://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=309
Post by: Paul Dershem on December 09, 2008, 09:42:14 PM
I normally cut the treble on my instrument's pre-amp, so I haven't bothered to upgrade to a TRS plug to achieve improved HF response; I suppose if I were a guitarist, I'd opt for TRS.
Post by: Bob Leonard on December 09, 2008, 10:01:31 PM
Post by: Gene Hardage on December 09, 2008, 11:17:08 PM
| Bob Leonard wrote on Tue, 09 December 2008 22:01 |
OK, I get the message. I have also heard very good thing about the X2 systems, but just like Gene it's tough to break old school habits. Tone is sacred and I won't give it up to a wireless unit. So now that the X2 appears to be the answer other than the obvious that I can see on the web site, what's the real differences between the models. Tone? |
Each one has a progressively longer range. The little one has a lesser "Audio Dynamic Range" than the other 2 - "Greater than 117 dB" vs. "Greater than 118 dB"
When I tried the little one at the store I liked it but of course I wanted the better one. Go the your local big box store and try the little one - they had a stack of them at ours.
By keeping mine on my pedal board ready to use I can use it or not use it as needed. (No need to chew batteries if you don't want to walk around)
Post by: SteveKirby on December 10, 2008, 12:06:18 AM
Post by: dustin Bradley on December 10, 2008, 03:36:53 PM
Post by: dustin Bradley on December 10, 2008, 03:55:01 PM
Post by: Matt Duncan on December 10, 2008, 04:29:04 PM
| dustin Bradley wrote on Wed, 10 December 2008 15:36 |
AKG has (or used to have) a system called "guitar bug". it was a small transmitter, a little larger than the 1/4" plug itself, that plugged into the guitar and the reciever was about the size of a small foot-pedal that would fit nicely on the pedal board -- very cool and works great! the price is very good also. |
The lead vocalist in my band had one of those for his acoustic guitar. It was not frequency agile & frequently had problems with interference. It didn't sound anywhere near as good as the cable & IMP2 DI he's using now.
I haven't used one on guitar, but, if its anything like the rest of the lineup, the ew172g2 system would be something to look into.
Post by: Nathan DePaulo on December 10, 2008, 05:15:59 PM
Their range is good, and used units are often available at good prices.
Only thing else I've used is Shure's PGX series which I don't consider recommendable at all. They don't have an input attenuation and are suspect to clipping. I think for bass especially having gain staging adjustments is critical... mandatory if you have active pickups.
Post by: Bob Leonard on December 11, 2008, 06:05:30 PM
| Matt Duncan wrote on Wed, 10 December 2008 16:29 | ||
The lead vocalist in my band had one of those for his acoustic guitar. It was not frequency agile & frequently had problems with interference. It didn't sound anywhere near as good as the cable & IMP2 DI he's using now. I haven't used one on guitar, but, if its anything like the rest of the lineup, the ew172g2 system would be something to look into. |
What I didn't say up front was that I have been through or used Shure, Sennheiser and AKG products in the past and found that without exception they kill the high end chime of your signal (guitar players will know what I mean). Most are fine for a bass player, not much chime to lose and they're not really all that bright anyway. The guitar bug, although unique, is about the worst of the bunch. The swiveling style bangs the crap out of your guitar and it's made cheaply. Looks like I'll try the X2. $500 seems to be a good price for anything that won't suck the tone out of my system.
Post by: Ian Auger on December 11, 2008, 10:08:57 PM
| Bob Leonard wrote on Thu, 11 December 2008 18:05 |
Looks like I'll try the X2. $500 seems to be a good price for anything that won't suck the tone out of my system. |
Hey Bob, if you try out an X2 please post your observations. I’m in the boonies so I can’t easily check one out. (And if it don’t do the chime, it ain’t worth my time.)
Ian
Post by: Lee Douglas on December 11, 2008, 11:51:39 PM
http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?t=2174509
Post by: Bob Leonard on December 12, 2008, 12:16:43 AM
| Ian Auger wrote on Thu, 11 December 2008 22:08 | ||
Hey Bob, if you try out an X2 please post your observations. I’m in the boonies so I can’t easily check one out. (And if it don’t do the chime, it ain’t worth my time.) Ian |
Ian,
I would be more than happy to post the results. I read the HC reviews and as is usual each person swears by what they own. I'm not into that so the review will be unbiased and based on past experiences with other units.
I'm thinking this may be helpful for more than just we people that sit on both sides of the board. I'm not into providing wireless units to guitar players, but I get asked enough about my tone, and one question that I'm always asked is why I don't use a wireless rig. The answer is simple. Unless you've been willing to pay 3 grand for the system the tone will suck.
On the 19th my band puts on our annual christmas party. We rent a hall, invite the people, provide the food, and have a great time. This year we introduce our new vocalist and if I get hold of an X2 in time I'll use it then.
That will be the acid test simply because the room will be full of club owners, musicians, family and friends who will let me know if my tone has gone south. We'll see, but I am being led to believe the X2 can do what I want, and if it can it will be the only wireless unit I have ever tried that has been able to do the job without tone lost.
Post by: Steve Hurt on December 12, 2008, 02:23:31 PM
Post by: Don Boomer on December 12, 2008, 05:57:19 PM
Post by: Roger Johnson on December 15, 2008, 10:35:35 PM
I also have the rack version, and it's even better. A little pricey, but I like it better than my old Shure ULX unit. I think it sounds a little more like my cable, and I don't have to fiddle with the gain settings to get it right. The Les Paul still has the output, and the strat still shimmers.
Post by: Walter Wright on December 25, 2008, 10:00:07 PM
| Bob Leonard wrote on Fri, 12 December 2008 00:16 |
On the 19th my band puts on our annual christmas party. We rent a hall, invite the people, provide the food, and have a great time. This year we introduce our new vocalist and if I get hold of an X2 in time I'll use it then. That will be the acid test simply because the room will be full of club owners, musicians, family and friends who will let me know if my tone has gone south. We'll see, but I am being led to believe the X2 can do what I want, and if it can it will be the only wireless unit I have ever tried that has been able to do the job without tone lost. |
so how does this story end? were you able to wrangle one in time?
Post by: Bob Leonard on December 27, 2008, 01:11:58 AM
| Walter Wright wrote on Thu, 25 December 2008 22:00 | ||
so how does this story end? were you able to wrangle one in time? |
I have one on the way. I thought it might be here by now, so I'll send the source an email. Once I get the unit and test I'll post the review. On the other hand, the weather put an end top the gig and it has been re-cscheduled to January 9th. Maybe I'll have it by then.
Post by: Steve Hurt on December 29, 2008, 08:09:37 AM
I've been looking for a better wireless and have been reading up on the X2 myself. I've read a lot of online reviews on the X2 and a lot of people say things like "it sounds the same as a short cord" which makes me want one.
However, I've also read about some issues. The ones I saw mentioned were:
1) Short battery life in the transmitter - 3 hours max
2) In the cheaper model - the one that goes for 299 - people are saying range may be as short as 30-35' even though the specs say 150'
3) A number of people mentioned that the 1/8" plug that plugs into the transmitter does not seat well and can become intermittent.
If you could comment on these areas when you try it out, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!
Post by: Bob Leonard on December 29, 2008, 09:37:56 AM
| Steve Hurt wrote on Mon, 29 December 2008 08:09 |
Hey Bob, I've been looking for a better wireless and have been reading up on the X2 myself. I've read a lot of online reviews on the X2 and a lot of people say things like "it sounds the same as a short cord" which makes me want one. However, I've also read about some issues. The ones I saw mentioned were: 1) Short battery life in the transmitter - 3 hours max 2) In the cheaper model - the one that goes for 299 - people are saying range may be as short as 30-35' even though the specs say 150' 3) A number of people mentioned that the 1/8" plug that plugs into the transmitter does not seat well and can become intermittent. If you could comment on these areas when you try it out, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks! |
Steve,
I'm opting for the better unit, and as soon as it comes in I'll write the review. Normally I go over cables and replace those that may be marginal or would cause problems with cables I make myself. I'll also check the distance at a gig I do on the 9th if I get the unit by then. This particular gig might well be the smallest I do all year, but the room should cause problems with any wireless not up to par.
Post by: Gene Hardage on December 29, 2008, 12:26:07 PM
| Steve Hurt wrote on Mon, 29 December 2008 08:09 |
Hey Bob, I've been looking for a better wireless and have been reading up on the X2 myself. I've read a lot of online reviews on the X2 and a lot of people say things like "it sounds the same as a short cord" which makes me want one. However, I've also read about some issues. The ones I saw mentioned were: 1) Short battery life in the transmitter - 3 hours max 2) In the cheaper model - the one that goes for 299 - people are saying range may be as short as 30-35' even though the specs say 150' 3) A number of people mentioned that the 1/8" plug that plugs into the transmitter does not seat well and can become intermittent. If you could comment on these areas when you try it out, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks! |
I've got the middle one mounted on my pedal board.
Finally noticed what they call the line of sight drop out by walking around some trees that were about 75 feet away from the stage - lots of people in the way too. The battery was on it's last light increment too if that means anything. Yes they eat batteries but I've always heard that about all wireless units.
On the plus side...
Yes they sound just like a good wire. Until trying this one I had never heard any wireless that felt or sounded just like a wire.
Post by: Bob Leonard on December 30, 2008, 11:53:38 PM
Post by: Winston Gamble on January 02, 2009, 12:45:48 AM
| Steve Hurt wrote on Mon, 29 December 2008 13:09 |
Hey Bob, I've been looking for a better wireless and have been reading up on the X2 myself. I've read a lot of online reviews on the X2 and a lot of people say things like "it sounds the same as a short cord" which makes me want one. However, I've also read about some issues. The ones I saw mentioned were: 1) Short battery life in the transmitter - 3 hours max 2) In the cheaper model - the one that goes for 299 - people are saying range may be as short as 30-35' even though the specs say 150' 3) A number of people mentioned that the 1/8" plug that plugs into the transmitter does not seat well and can become intermittent. If you could comment on these areas when you try it out, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks! |
I got the XDSPLUS for my wife as a Christmas present to replace a problematic Guitar Bug for her bass guitar. So far she has only used it for a couple of practices and their New Years Eve gig, but she is already complaining about battery life in the transmitter. On the plus side, we both love the sound of it so the additional battery cost looks to be worth the better performance. At first impression it sounds like a cord, which her Guitar Bug never did even when it worked.
As to range, at the first practice she wasn't 100% happy with it's sound until she remembered to attach the antennas.....
It worked, but the response wasn't very clean. I'm not too worried about range on the stages we play.Winston
Post by: David Kaiser on January 02, 2009, 08:51:53 AM
or this
http://cgi.ebay.com/Smart-Parts-Lithium-Ion-9-Volt-Rechargea ble-Battery_W0QQitemZ130278997956QQihZ003QQcategoryZ36285QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Post by: Gene Hardage on January 02, 2009, 11:02:33 AM
| David Kaiser wrote on Fri, 02 January 2009 08:51 |
This System sounds like it would be a good candidate for a high capacity 9 volt rechargeable battery. Something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/TWO-325mAh-9-VOLT-9V-9-V-RECHARGEABLE-BA TTERY-Charger_W0QQitemZ110332358003QQihZ001QQcategoryZ50603Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem or this http://cgi.ebay.com/Smart-Parts-Lithium-Ion-9-Volt-Rechargea ble-Battery_W0QQitemZ130278997956QQihZ003QQcategoryZ36285QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem |
Just got some rechargeable batteries and it will be interesting to see how long they last - how many times they can be used and whether I can remember to recharge them as needed.
Post by: mark anderson on January 02, 2009, 05:51:52 PM
Why they don't make a wireless transmitter with a place to plug in a power cord I'll never know.
Post by: mark anderson on January 02, 2009, 05:53:39 PM
| Quote: |
As to range, at the first practice she wasn't 100% happy with it's sound until she remembered to attach the antennas..... Rolling Eyes It worked, but the response wasn't very clean. I'm not too worried about range on the stages we play. |
There shouldn't be any signal degradation, it's either receiving or it's not. It drops to mute when it loses signal, at least that's been my experience.
added quote for clarity
Post by: David Kaiser on January 04, 2009, 08:35:32 AM
Post by: Brent Gillespie on January 19, 2009, 11:04:15 PM
Post by: Ted Morgan on January 20, 2009, 04:14:12 PM
http://www.lectrosonics.com/wireless/400/is400.htm
Post by: Gene Hardage on January 20, 2009, 04:49:31 PM
| Mark Anderson wrote on Fri, 02 January 2009 17:51 |
I was told by X2 that the rechargeables don't work well with the transmitter. I'm getting 4+ hours out of each Duracell procell that I use. Not bad IMO. I'd prefer the rechargables environmentally so let me know how they work for you. The receiver really eats batteries and I use a plug for that. Why they don't make a wireless transmitter with a place to plug in a power cord I'll never know. |
OK - I've used my newfangled rechargeable 9 volt batteries in the transmitter a few times now and they work! However they don't last very long and you might need to change a battery at the end of your 2nd set. I did get one to last a full 3 sets one time.
Post by: Bob Leonard on January 20, 2009, 04:56:18 PM
| Ted Morgan wrote on Tue, 20 January 2009 16:14 |
Been engineering for a while and have toured with many wireless guitar units and hands down the best sounding/quality unit is the lectrosonics IS400 system. The beltpack is extremely rugged and will hold up to any abuse you send its way. Bang for buck the best system I own. That and it sounds just like a cable, can't beat it... Just my 2 cents. http://www.lectrosonics.com/wireless/400/is400.htm |
Ted,
The IS400 is the only other unit I have found that does not degrade the tone of your instrument. Having used one for a while I can say that I was impressed with the sound and the construction. I'll also note that the IS400 is also a digital system and not compounder dependent. Now that I've said that I'm still not sure I'm willing to pay upwards of $1600 per unit knowing I can have the same performance in a $400 unit and carry 3 spares for use as needed. But all in all, the IS400 IS a great unit.
Post by: Ted Morgan on January 20, 2009, 05:04:23 PM
| Bob Leonard wrote on Tue, 20 January 2009 16:56 | ||
Ted, The IS400 is the only other unit I have found that does not degrade the tone of your instrument. Having used one for a while I can say that I was impressed with the sound and the construction. I'll also note that the IS400 is also a digital system and not compounder dependent. Now that I've said that I'm still not sure I'm willing to pay upwards of $1600 per unit knowing I can have the same performance in a $400 unit and carry 3 spares for use as needed. But all in all, the IS400 IS a great unit. |
Bob,
I hear you on the price. I don't always realize what lectro charges retail as I get it @ dealer cost. But you have to admit, you can chuck that system across the room 3 or 4 times and not have anything to worry about. lol... Now if you really want to spend a few bucks, check out their heritage transmitter... http://www.lectrosonics.com/PressReleases/April01_IM/April_1 _IMh.htm
Post by: Henry Cohen on January 20, 2009, 06:07:24 PM
| Bob Leonard wrote on Tue, 20 January 2009 16:56 |
I'll also note that the IS400 is also a digital system and not compounder dependent. |
Just to clarify, the Lectro is not really a digital system: The RF and the transmitted audio are completely analog. The audio however goes through a DSP prior to transmission (A/D/A), then again after reception (A/D/A), negating the need for a compander.
Post by: Karl Winkler on January 20, 2009, 06:29:37 PM
| Henry Cohen wrote on Tue, 20 January 2009 16:07 | ||
Just to clarify, the Lectro is not really a digital system: The RF and the transmitted audio are completely analog. The audio however goes through a DSP prior to transmission (A/D/A), then again after reception (A/D/A), negating the need for a compander. |
Just to add to this, I want to point out that what we are doing is NOT a DSP compandor. Instead, it is a quadrature mirror filter arrangement, and it can only be done in the digital domain. What is transmitter over the air is only the error signal from a predictive algorithm.
Post by: Ted Morgan on January 20, 2009, 06:34:24 PM
| Karl Winkler wrote on Tue, 20 January 2009 18:29 | ||||
Just to add to this, I want to point out that what we are doing is NOT a DSP compandor. Instead, it is a quadrature mirror filter arrangement, and it can only be done in the digital domain. What is transmitter over the air is only the error signal from a predictive algorithm. |
D*mn Karl, gotta get all technical on him eh? lol The man is just looking for a wireless guitar rig so he can do this... But you are right!
Post by: SteveKirby on January 20, 2009, 08:28:41 PM
| Henry Cohen wrote on Tue, 20 January 2009 17:07 | ||
Just to clarify, the Lectro is not really a digital system: The RF and the transmitted audio are completely analog. The audio however goes through a DSP prior to transmission (A/D/A), then again after reception (A/D/A), negating the need for a compander. |
But if you're playing heavy metal, it's a compounder.
Post by: Bob Leonard on January 21, 2009, 08:47:55 AM
| Ted Morgan wrote on Tue, 20 January 2009 18:34 | ||||||
D*mn Karl, gotta get all technical on him eh? lol The man is just looking for a wireless guitar rig so he can do this... But you are right! |
Well I stand corrected and thank you all. So let me clarify. First, I'll never be able to jump that high again, and the last time I did was in 1970. The guy in the picture must be able to jump very, very high. I see he's being held down with a cable.
Also, compandor is not spelled compounder, unless you're very old, and the IS400 transmits and receives using smoke and mirrors.
Post by: Ted Morgan on January 21, 2009, 09:11:52 AM
This topic has gotten rather amusing. And don't say you can't jump that high. I will send tinker bell your way and all you have to do is think happy thoughs and away you go!
Post by: Karl Winkler on January 21, 2009, 09:47:30 AM
| Bob Leonard wrote on Wed, 21 January 2009 06:47 |
I see he's being held down with a cable. Also, compandor is not spelled compounder, unless you're very old, and the IS400 transmits and receives using smoke and mirrors. |
I think that's a "stage dive bungee cord" so just when he's about to land in the crowd, he'll rebound and snap back to the stage
Oh yeah - the age old debate about the spelling of "compandor". As it turns out, it's an old way to spell it, and was used by some of the companies that manufactured the parts in the 1980s. It's one of two ways to spell it, along with "compander". Last I checked, the latter is used about 90% of the time... we're one of the few holdouts.
Post by: Ted Morgan on January 21, 2009, 10:56:37 AM
| Karl Winkler wrote on Wed, 21 January 2009 09:47 | ||
I think that's a "stage dive bungee cord" so just when he's about to land in the crowd, he'll rebound and snap back to the stage Oh yeah - the age old debate about the spelling of "compandor". As it turns out, it's an old way to spell it, and was used by some of the companies that manufactured the parts in the 1980s. It's one of two ways to spell it, along with "compander". Last I checked, the latter is used about 90% of the time... we're one of the few holdouts. |
Karl,
gotta stick to your guns, old school is the way to go!!!
Post by: Bob Leonard on January 21, 2009, 11:35:24 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZaxCXZgKaM
Post by: Bob Johnson on January 22, 2009, 12:01:14 AM
Post by: Ted Morgan on January 22, 2009, 07:51:15 AM
| Bob Leonard wrote on Wed, 21 January 2009 23:35 |
Here's a short clip of me jumping when I was about 40 years younger. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZaxCXZgKaM |
Bod,
I had no idea!!! That was impressive! so when was that? back in the 40's, maybe 50's
Post by: Karl Winkler on January 22, 2009, 09:37:30 AM
| Ted Morgan wrote on Thu, 22 January 2009 05:51 |
My brother and I call the two-handed sign "Mega-Dude"
Post by: mark anderson on January 24, 2009, 11:31:38 PM
| Quote: |
OK - I've used my newfangled rechargeable 9 volt batteries in the transmitter a few times now and they work! However they don't last very long and you might need to change a battery at the end of your 2nd set. I did get one to last a full 3 sets one time. |
Gene, what exactly are you using?
Post by: Gene Hardage on January 25, 2009, 03:20:25 PM
So far so good on the recharge 9v's.
Post by: Steve Hurt on February 07, 2009, 05:58:40 PM
(middle of the line model)
My one sentence review would be:
The X-2 sounds great, but needs needs gentle care and constant feeding.
To expound:
The X-2 sounds great. I can't hear the difference from a cord.
The belt pack seems very flimsy. I thought I was going to break it just getting the battery door open. I do worry that it will fall apart and would pay more for a sturdier transmitter pack.
It chews through batteries. We play 3 one hour sets a night. The indicator was well below half at the end of one night, so it's going to want a new 9 volt every night.
Definitely time to research rechargable batteries.
I haven't tested it's range yet. It worked good enough to get out front and check sound.
It does sound very good. Thanks for starting the thread Bob. I had no idea I'd need the info so soon!
Post by: Walter Wright on February 08, 2009, 08:27:20 PM
| Mark Anderson wrote on Sat, 24 January 2009 23:31 | ||
Gene, what exactly are you using? |
| Gene Hardage wrote on Sun, 25 January 2009 15:20 |
They are called POWEREX and the package says NiMH 230 mAh... |
no wonder they're not hanging. get the ipower lithium ions from thomas distributing, which are 500mAh, or twice the power capacity. they actually last as long or longer than regular alkalines. plus, the charger is small enough to mount on your pedalboard (where i keep mine for my ps400 IEM; a battery will last me 2 gigs!)
http://www.thomas-distributing.com/ipower-9v-lithium-recharg eable-battery.php
Post by: Bob Leonard on February 10, 2009, 08:38:56 AM