I'm afraid I'm not clued up on the latest generation stuff at all. Hope this bumps the thread for someone else to answer.

I'd be interested to learn about the issues involved in using two systems in tandem on stage, specifically a wireless guitar set-up and a wireless head microphone (is that the right term? One that hangs in front of your mouth a la Madonna).

Are there compatibility issues (eg. frequency clashes, etc)? If both are Shure, eg, can they share the same transmitter module, etc?

And what do you do when the 7-11 runs out of batteries just before the biggest gig of your life? ?

Riaan C wrote: I'd be interested to learn about the issues involved in using two systems in tandem on stage, specifically a wireless guitar set-up and a wireless head microphone (is that the right term? One that hangs in front of your mouth a la Madonna).

Are there compatibility issues (eg. frequency clashes, etc)? If both are Shure, eg, can they share the same transmitter module, etc?

And what do you do when the 7-11 runs out of batteries just before the biggest gig of your life? ?

Haha Riaan, in light of 7-11 I'll always keep fully stocked!

It would work the same as using two cordless mics, both set at different frequencies. The Shure would be transmitting my guitars signal to my pedalboard and the sennheiser would be transmitting my monitor mix from the desk into into my in-ears, instead of (muddy) onstage wedges. I do have some pride so wouldn't do the Britney Spears/Madonna thing ever! haha 8)

Rocker007 wrote:

Riaan C wrote: I'd be interested to learn about the issues involved in using two systems in tandem on stage, specifically a wireless guitar set-up and a wireless head microphone (is that the right term? One that hangs in front of your mouth a la Madonna).
Are there compatibility issues (eg. frequency clashes, etc)? If both are Shure, eg, can they share the same transmitter module, etc?

It would work the same as using two cordless mics, both set at different frequencies. The Shure would be transmitting my guitars signal to my pedalboard and the sennheiser would be transmitting my monitor mix from the desk into into my in-ears, instead of (muddy) onstage wedges. I do have some pride so wouldn't do the Britney Spears/Madonna thing ever! haha 8)

Got it! Thanks. ?

.

MoJo JoJoe wrote: Hi Rob,
I can't help much here - I've tried several guitar wireless systems but have always gone back to my trusty cables. I find that the ones I tried (including the Shure you mentioned) all to differering degrees kill the dynamics a bit. If I roll down my volume with a decent cable, the volume level stays, but the amp cleans up (right down to around 3-4 on the volume pot), but when I use a wireless system the volume decreases, but the gain always seems to stay quite high and the tone doesn't clean up as much. Not sure why that is. That said, if I HAVE to use a guitar wireless system with a pedalboard, I'd probably go with the Samson Airline Guitar system....not so much for its fidelity but for its sensible design...ie a stomp-style pedal receiver and the little "bug" transmitter.
Samson Airline Guitar system:
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=145&brandID=1

As for the wireless in-ear monitoring systems, I don't like the fact that often stage setups don't include boundary mics and as a result, in-ear monitors don't include ambient (crowd) noise - resulting in an un-natural feeling in the sound sent to the in-ear monitor system. Result is that I always prefer floor monitors and haven't tried many in-ear systems.

Thanks Mojo for your input, I'll have a look at the Samson. I've heard that some of the wireless packs compress the life out of your tone. I don't really use my volume knob to clean up the gain, but that is also something to consider. One thing I know a lot of guys do is play with just one of there in ears in, so they can still get the vibe from the crowd.

All the below very much AFAIK - I'm no wireless expert, so I stand to be corrected on what may be outdated info gleaned when I was working in stores. I've downloaded some info from http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Resources/us_resources_wireless, but don't know when I'll get to reading it. I'm especially vague on wireless monitoring as it came in a while after I last gigged.

Riaan C wrote: wireless head microphone (is that the right term? One that hangs in front of your mouth a la Madonna).

They just call them wireless headsets, AFAIK.

Are there compatibility issues (eg. frequency clashes, etc)?

Yes. Any wireless transmitter tends to throw off a number of "side bands" where the same signal shows up in a number of frequencies, which can interfere with other wireless devices. Pro wireless audio systems have to be carefully selected to work together - you will notice that wireless mics, etc. are often colour coded (red, blue, etc.), and these colour systems guarantee that you can use any wireless items in the same colour code with different frequencies without interference. The good news is that it looks like many of the modern systems can be set to work in a number of different frequencies on a number of different wireless systems.

If both are Shure, eg, can they share the same transmitter module, etc?

They can, but not at the same time - that causes interference. You need a separate transmitter and receiver for each source, mic or guitar. Some receivers are dual channel, which means they are two complete receivers in one housing, so that they can accept two different incoming signals.

And what do you do when the 7-11 runs out of batteries just before the biggest gig of your life? ?

Smack yourself upside the head for not using rechargeable batteries in the first place. Seriously - they pay for themselves very quickly when you use wireless. Normal NiCad rechargeables don't last as long as alkalines (two hours vs. eight) and have a memory effect, but Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries also don't last long, but have no memory. Lithium-ion batteries are starting to appear now - still expensive, but have no memory, last longer (up to six hours) and a much longer lifespan.

In-ear monitors, according to what I've heard, can be very dangerous to your hearing if not handled by a profesional.

As far as wireless guitar goes, wouldn't mind having the freedom of the stage without worring about tripping over cables. It would suck to have to compromise on quality of sound though.

Otherwise, just get the same stuff the professionals use, seems to be working for them.

@ Alan:
Thanks - I'm starting to get a picture now! Will work through the link.

I didn't read the whole thread, but you might want to check out the Line6 XDS 95 wireless unit.

http://line6.com/xds95/

I bought one a couple of months ago of ebay and I'm extremely happi with it. The receiver is just a little bigger than a BOSS stombox and I haven't been able to pick up any tone loss. The receiver uses 9V DC so most wall wart power supplies should work with it. I've just daiy chained it in with my pedals.

I have never used wireless guitar so can't say much. But i do use in ear monitors and i own some sennheiser ie4's which is what u get with ew300 g2. (although i use the shure scl5's)

I have to agree with Joe, ambient mics are important. I have got used to using in ears and battle a bit without them. Most people who have used them will tell u that u can sing better(u can clearly hear even your lowest notes) and i think once u get used to them it can even improve your guitaring. Like being in the studio u can hear everything very clearly(including mistakes!) but it is a very different vibe and definatley takes getting used to.

You might try it and not like it.

Wireless guitar systems I've not used.. But as for in ears.. I mostly use the Shure range. But there are a couple of things to look at.. If you use the entry range plus the entry range wireles mic's you might pic up problems due to unflexable Freq's. That made me change back to the high end Shure gear.. Sennheiser I don't like.. Have always had issues with their Recievers.. Too much interference. Transmitters are robust, but they suck your batteries dry..

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Smack yourself upside the head for not using rechargeable batteries in the first place. Seriously - they pay for themselves very quickly when you use wireless. Normal NiCad rechargeables don't last as long as alkalines (two hours vs. eight) and have a memory effect, but Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries also don't last long, but have no memory. Lithium-ion batteries are starting to appear now - still expensive, but have no memory, last longer (up to six hours) and a much longer lifespan.

I hate re-chargables!! Will rather go and get extra Durecell batt's and use them and afterwards throw them away. I can't afford to loose power due to a badly charged battery, and fresh batt's are included in my quotes in any case. Just more reliable.

Thanks JoeyBones.
Just saw this topic and have been interested in a wireless equipment for a long time, but never took the time to check out a few options.
Saw the Line 6 you recommend.
Awesome!!

Thanks.
Mario A.
http://www.guitar-lessons-in-seconds.com

A word of warning, I've been using rechargeable batteries and the XDS95 seems to run these down faster than normal batteries. I don't know why, so better to keep a spare on 2 on hand during a gig.

JoeyBones wrote: A word of warning, I've been using rechargeable batteries and the XDS95 seems to run these down faster than normal batteries. I don't know why, so better to keep a spare on 2 on hand during a gig.

Rechargeables have a lower working voltage and power rating than Alkaline batteries so they won't last as long.

Use rechargeable batteries but keep a spare set of alkalines as backup.