Wireless that doesn't mangle tone.

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Stratamatic

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Hey all- Anyone out there know of a wireless that doesn't kill tone?? I've tried running my strat through a few at the local stores but have never found one that doesn't over sterilize my tone. I run a Strat through a boss bluesdriver, Dunlop Crybaby, & arion tuneing pedal, into a Crate VC52112 50 watt all tube amp.
I always seem to end up with an overcompressed sound when running through a wireless. I'd really like to get one but will not sacrifice tone in the process.

Can anyone help??
 
Good luck! All wireless systems will do this to some extent or another. About the only recommendation I can make is to spend some cash. Generally speaking, the more expensive ones will be better in this regard. Another thing to look at is getting a True Diversity system. I don't know the specifics on how this works (I'm a guitarist, not a scientist), but I do know that they work a little better and have stronger signals than the single diversity systems.

I run a Shure L4 Diversity wireless and I like it, but it does have it's drawbacks. I've found that it has a problem with neon lighting. Bad thing if you plan on playing anywhere near neon lighting (such as every bar on the planet). It's not too bad unless you get right under a neon sign.

Another thing to keep in mind, and this is VERY important, is that you make note of your frequency. Keep this handy when any of your bandmates look at systems. You do not want another band member wrestling for your frequency. When I got my system, I took a list of three other band member's freq's and had them find me one that wasn't anywhere near their's.

If you have any other questions, let me know. I'm not an expert, but I have used a wireless for about 7 or 8 years now in many different environments and I might be able to at least give you some personal experiences (like keeping spare batteries handy at all times).

Good luck!
 
I recently bought and have used the Samson Airline Wireless System for Strats. It runs UHF, and to my ears sounds just as good as my cables. It really frees you up to not worry about cables around your feet.

Good Luck.

Rob
 
CMiller- Thanks for the reply, the neon sign thing is bad news. I end up right by them all the time, I'd heard this and your reply just re-inforces the truth. I take an Alesis nanoverb to gigs with me once in a while for the rotating speaker effect and have had major problems with neon signs with that thing too, took me a while to figure out what the problem was!!. Bummer :-(

Rob- Thanks for the reply also. I've been wonderin about the airline series, looks really cool not havin to deal with the belt pack. Could still do the behind the head and back thing without worryin about knockin it off :-).
Hows the performance, do you know if they are true diversity receivers or not?? My guess is not but haven't been able to learn much about these, the tech specs are pretty thin on what I've seen.

Have you had any problems with neon signs with the Airline?? This is a pretty big concern for me, I'd get REALLY ticked if I spent the money on one and couldn't use it most of the time that I gig!! That's the only time I'll be using it after all.

Thanks again fellows.
Phil W.
 
I have used the airline system under florescent lighting but not neon lights. So I won't be able to comment on that one for you. As far as true diversity, there is no mention of it in the user manual or on the box. It states that it communicates in the 801 - 805 MHz UHF frequency range if that helps. I have been playing with it for a while and even A/B tested it with my cables. I honestly could not notice any difference between the two with regards to tone.
Please don't take my word for it because my ears may be totally different than yours. I wouldn't want to be responsible for you purchasing something that you didn't like. Try it out if you can.

Good Luck.

Rob
 
Thanks Rob, I'll see if I can't find one in the area to check out. These really do look like nifty little units.
Phil.
 
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