Wireless?

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 8:31 pm

Wondering if anyone here on the Forum uses a wireless live setup for bass. I am looking into it but am hearing some horror stories about drop-outs, signal loss and changing of tone. Any recommendations?

haag · Post by **haag** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:16 pm

I use a Senheiser ew100 diversity receiver.
Never had any problems with it.
And the signal gets even better(louder).

jblakey · Post by **jblakey** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 6:13 am

Pay for quality!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You might notice a difference in "power" when compared to wire but a good amp situation should have unused headroom anyway. I have gone back to wired for RicOsound though..plus I have the added complication of "in ear monitors" and a bass shaker body pack so I've got four cables bundled into one and I do miss the "sans cable days"! If I go back to wireless.. I would try to keep in mind that any change to the signal chain will affect the sound in some way..like adding some in line effect, even wire length etc.. but what is the big deal if my new setting is a little different than my old one.. as long as it sounds good. I say try them out side by side if possible.

mikeylc · Post by **mikeylc** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 7:35 am

I use the Sennheiser ew100 as does my guitar player. I have one reciever in the PA rack going to a pre-amp into the the mixer and one reciever going to my bass rig. I use one transmitter going to both recievers. I don't like running cables. My whole band including mics are wireless, brands including Shure, Sampson, Sennheiser. The only problem is the amount of dough spent on batteries.

jblakey · Post by **jblakey** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 7:49 am

the other thing is... I 've given up being obsessive about live sound. It is always just an approximation of your ideal sound.. especially for bass. Your bass may sound great somewhere in the room.. but just a few steps over it may sound like mud. That's just the reality of live bass. How many times have you seen a GREAT and FAMOUS band who has lots of money and expertise, pro sound crew etc and the bass sounded bad. I wouldn't worry about "small changes" to your live sound if it's going to make you more comfortable and therefore a better performer.

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 9:02 am

Since my band has played a few larger gigs recently (relative to the 4x8 stage we are accustomed to

) I began researching and trying out quite a few systems. It seems
that you certainly get what you pay for. Don't even bother if you are only looking to spend $300 or so on a new one (IMO). I've settled on getting a Shure UXLS (or possibly a used UXLP) unit. The frequency response goes down plenty low enough to cover a 5 string. I know that you hear little of the actual fundamental note and the low response is deemed by many to not be required. All I can say is that after comparing several units with a higher cutoff in response my mind was made up.
I also know that there are many variables at gigs that ruin your tone....I just wish to not add another.
Let us know what you get and how you like it !

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 1:08 pm

I purchased a Shure diversity system several years ago and it's worked flawlessly. Because it's a diversity system there are no dropouts. I don't remember the model number but I'm sure they're even better now. If you use Rick-O-Sound, then do what Squire does and use two!

jblakey · Post by **jblakey** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 2:06 pm

For my ROS setup.. I've considered the option of two.. but with in ears and shakers, going completely wireless would eat me alive in batteries as Mike mentions.. plus it may sound strange but the larger cable bundle is actually easier to deal with as I seem to have a better idea of where it is as I play and it doesn't get the tangles like a regular guitar cord might..if only I could get a Duracell endorsement...hmm

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 2:47 pm

Just get some good rechargables. They are expensive initially but worth it in the long run.

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 3:01 pm

Great thoughts, guys! I am definitely of the mind that you get what you pay for...I'll keep you posted as to what I end up with! I just find myself working that cable a little too much for my liking (like a 'whip", stepping on it, etc.) Only problem is that I change basses during the set, might want to keep it on the belt and not on the strap, then.

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 3:57 pm

I keep mine on the strap and just release the Schaller strap locks and unplug to change basses. It's also easier to grab a bass off of a stand and put it back without a strap on it.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 4:07 pm

I've used a Samson Bass Airline for alsmost 2 years now. So far I like it, no drop outs. It has very good sound quality for a system that is not too expensive. I got a really good deal on one on ebay. I really like the small transmitter that plugs into the output jack. It makes changing basses quick and easy.
I've never heard any wireless system that sounds quite as good as using a cable, though some do come very close, but when you are playing live in mid song, I doubt anyone in the audience could hear a difference with a good system.

pflash4001 · Post by **pflash4001** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 7:24 pm

I have had two Samson VLP series systems for about 10 or so (maybe longer) years now. I don't use them for every gig, but every now and then we get a stage that allows me to roam. I tend not to stand still when I play, especially with an outdoor, open air gig. I have never really had a problem with them, even though this is one of their lower line models. Depending on which bass I use, sometimes I boost my gain a bit on my amp, but it's usually not a big deal, especially if your sound is going through the PA and your line is out of your amp/preamp and not a DI box. If wireless helps you free up a bit, and you are comfortable with the sound, have fun! Be free, just don't trip over a monitor or whack a bandmate over their skull and give them a concussion!

philipharris · Post by **philipharris** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 3:14 am

I use the sennheiser set up and have been very pleased with the sound for live use - the punters can't hear any difference and they are focussed on the girlie singer (understandably!). Only niggles are battery costs; replacement aerial and lead cost (I get through about 4 of each a year) and the "clunk" factor of the box itself ie:

On the belt, on a quick instrument change or going off I invariably forget to unplug first, so the bass promptly follows me - cue a ding or three.

On the strap, the weight causes the box to swing against the bass when I take it off (ding again) or it hits the floor when it goes on the stand.

Current solution is a padded British Airways club class wash bag, suitably scissored for the wires and gaffered to the strap, + schaller strap locks.

jblakey · Post by **jblakey** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 5:20 am

I've been very pleased with the small black "seatbelt-like-material" pouches that are sold at surplus stores for police or military use.. maybe ammunition etc.. for holding devices that need to stay on the strap. They have a belt loop on the back and velcro closure. I keep a small 9 volt headphone type of practice amp on one strap. Anyway if you heat a nail you can melt through the material.. (the heat seals it/keeps it from fraying) .. giving pass through for wires and even holes to access switches as mine needed.
Another thing I did to make transitioning from bass to bass easier was to hook cable to one of those metal climbing type of latches that you see sold as keyrings now at Lowes, home depot etc. The latch clips to a metal ring I put on the strap. Makes for quick changes. You don't need to run the cable around the strap at the tail straplock for security.. as it is secured to the strap itself.