January 22, 2010
Digital Wireless from Line 6
I have not used wireless systems myself, because I have not had a need to. I usually just stand in one spot, more or less, when I gig. I remember in the past, some friends of mine used wireless systems. They were going for that stage presence idea (read: jump around on stage like squirrels on caffeine) and needed that freedom of no cords.
What I also remember is that those guys didn't have good tone. In those days (80s), these rigs were pretty big and everyone was using lots of effects, so perhaps it didn't matter that much that their tone suffered. In any case, I was never impressed or interested in that technology.
Fast forward to today. I recently discovered that Line 6 has developed a system with a whole new idea. It's a digital wireless technology, which is said to not alter your tone at all. This sounds very interesting. Not having to worry about cables while still having a excellent signal going into one's gear certainly sounds appealing.
I have not yet tried this myself, but I have talked to some guys who use it, and they told me your tone is not suffering at all when playing through this system. It's just like playing through a quality cable. Wow!
This looks like a great product for those who are gigging lots and need that freedom on stage, without guitar cables. If you try this, let me know what your impressions are.
Have a look at the
Line 6 Relay G30 Digital Wireless Guitar System, a killer unit for the price!
Video
Here is some information from Line 6 about this system.
LINE 6 LAUNCHES RELAY™ DIGITAL WIRELESS SYSTEMS WORLD WIDE
"Relay digital guitar wireless systems represent a revolution in wireless technology," remarked Darrell Smith, Category Manager of Guitar Wireless Products at Line 6. "They were built from the ground up, for guitarists by guitarists, to provide unprecedented performance on all fronts that matter to musicians: tone, dynamics, dependability, and ease of use. Plus, they're approved and ready to tour all over the world."
The Relay line, which includes two stompbox-style systems and one rack-mountable system, delivers the kind of high-quality audio normally associated with expensive audio cables. The digital wireless systems provide full-range 10Hz-20kHz frequency response, exceedingly low noise with up to 120dB dynamic range (compared to the 50Hz-15kHz frequency response and >90dB dynamic range offered by comparable analog wireless systems), and studio-quality resolution with 24-bit A/D conversion.
The digital transmission is protected by a variety of proprietary technologies. VWT™ (Virtual Wire Transmission) ensures a cable-like performance, and DCL™ (Digital Channel Lock) technology ensures dependability by locking out all sources of interference. With all channels available all the time, complex channel co-ordination and searching are simply not required.
Built for worldwide use, Relay digital wireless systems broadcast in the 2.4GHz band. This avoids signal interference created by high-power sources and analog wireless systems. It also certifies that Relay digital wireless systems will operate with the same audio quality and ease in every country and region that they are used.
Other innovations featured in each system include cable tone simulation, out-of-the-box operation, and internally mounted antennas.
Relay G30, a six channel stompbox-style system released earlier this year into European markets, has garnered critical acclaim. The system was named "Guitar Accessory of the Year, 2009" by MusicRadar.com, the #1 website for musicians. "It's time to be brave and cut that cord," wrote MusicRadar.com. "The freedom afforded by a reliable and good-sounding wireless system shouldn't be underestimated. Line 6 has truly picked up the baton."
Steve Stevens, legendary guitarist for Billy Idol and others, remarks about Relay G30: "I am stunned by how amazing it sounds. Did [Line 6] make a pact with the devil? Because there are systems that cost well over $3,000 that sound nowhere near as good. It is also such a refreshing aspect that it uses a normal quarter-inch cable."
Billy Sheehan, in-demand bassist and songwriter whose resume includes David Lee Roth, Mr. Big and Steve Vai, offers "[Relay G30] sounds excellent! [It has] lots of great features nobody else thought of – like the 1/4 inch jack!"
"I just wanted to let you know how great I think the [Relay G30] wireless units are," wrote Alex Suarez, bassist for New York City synth-pop band Cobra Starship, in an email to Line 6. "I really couldn't believe how compact the units actually were. And I like how simple and easy it all runs together. They sound and work great. Its compact size makes it really easy to bring overseas too!"
Relay G30 ($419.99 MSPR) is now available in the United States and around the world. Relay G50 ($559.99 MSRP), the 12-channel stompbox-style system, and Relay G90 ($839.99 MSRP), the 12-channel rack-mountable system, will be available worldwide March, 2010.
By Robert Renman - www.dolphinstreet.com
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