As we move into the wireless era, it is no surprise that cables are starting to be phased out of the audio realm.
Wireless guitar systems weren’t always high-quality through.
For quite some time, the signal degradation was so bad that people were sacrificing their tone for the ability to move around freely.
If you are just entering the wireless world, finding the right wireless guitar system can be a difficult process. With that being said, wireless systems can significantly improve your sound when you’re playing on large stages or in bigger venues, where long cables can hurt your overall tone.
So yea, not only can these systems help to combat serious problems with long cables, they can also allow you to move freely about the stage that you are playing on.
Here are some of the best wireless guitar systems in the world right now!
Contents
Top 10 Wireless Guitar Systems
Shure GLXD16
best wireless guitar system
The Shure GLXD16 is easily one of the best receivers on the market right now. Shure has always been known for its reliability and quality when it comes to the microphones that they manufacture. And now they have this three-piece package that works with both guitar and bass.
The GLXD6 receiver sits atop your pedalboard and works as a built-in tuner while the GLXD1 bodypack connects your guitar up with the included cable.
The top feature on the GLXD16 is the automatic frequency management, which is there to help deliver the most reliable signal possible. You’ll get extraordinary audio quality for every performance.
When the rechargeable batteries are on a full charge, you can use the wireless guitar system for up to 16 hours. In terms of durability, the Shure GLXD16 is made of metal, meaning you don’t have to worry about it breaking on the tour.
Bottom Line: While the Shure GLXD16 costs a bit more than most of the competitors on the market, it is easily one of the most comprehensive packages that are out there right now.
If you’re looking into the higher end domain of wireless guitar systems, we highly recommend checking out the Relay G50 from Line 6. It is one of the most professional wireless guitar systems on the market right now with an incredible range of 200 feet. It also has a massive frequency range to choose from (10Hz-20kHz).
The beauty of the G50 is that it is free from companders. This means that it won’t alter or compress your tone in any way, shape, or form. It delivers crystal clear sound that is loud and proud. Even if you want to use your regular cables at one point, the device gives you the ability to switch between the two.
It utilizes a superior 120dB dynamic range with 24-bit digital conversion, as well as an eight-hour battery life with a fresh pair of AAs. Lastly, it comes with multiple layers of signal protection, which helps to encrypt your data stream so that simultaneous broadcasts can continue to broadcast on multiple channels.
Bottom Line: The Line 6 Relay G50 is best for professional guitarists who are going out to play large venues, such as stadiums or large music halls.
Another great selection from Shure is the BLX14 Wireless system. It provides guitarists with pristine sound quality thanks to the top-notch receiver, which makes it almost identical to your standard cable attachment.
While it isn’t as high-end as the GLX series, it does share many of the same features. What is different about the BLX is that it focuses on the ability to customize your rig, meaning you can assign different microphones and transmitters to integrate into your system.
It is constructed with incredibly durable materials and looks like a professional rig should. It comes complete with one guitar lead, a bodypack transmitter, and a wireless receiver.
The bodypack has adjustable gain, which you can mess with on stage to adjust your gain. All you need to power the transmitter is two AA batteries, as they give you up to 14 hours of use when new.
Though Shure markets the BLX14 as a guitar system, it is 100% suitable for bass guitar as well, as it can work with lower frequencies.
Bottom Line: The Shure BLX14 is a seamless and professional wireless guitar system that is very well-priced considering everything that you get with it. If you’re toying with the idea of building your own professional wireless system, there is no better choice that you could make.
Like Shure, Sennheiser is known as a microphone specialist more than anything else, that is until the company decided to turn their sights toward the wireless guitar market.
The XSW 1-CI1 has your standard wireless design, which utilizes a desktop receiver unit and a bodypack transmitter.
The battery-powered bodypack allows you to play for up to 10 hours without interruption. It syncs up via remote control so that you can set it up with total ease. The beauty is, if you are playing in a larger band, you can hook ten of these systems up to run simultaneously.
Sennheiser has included a small cable, which can connect your guitar to the transmitter. As for the frequency response, it runs from 50Hz-16kHz, making it perfect for instruments beyond electric guitar as well. In terms of operation, it runs at your standard 2.4GHz band.
Bottom Line: If you don’t care about having a very portable wireless system, or one that sits atop your pedalboard, the Sennheiser XSW 1-CI1 might just be for you. It is perfect for larger groups who may want to sync multiple systems up for simultaneous use.
The Line 6 Relay G10s is one great wireless system that can integrate with pedalboards.
The G10s operates on a 9-volt power supply and is designed as a metal stompbox receiver that mainly works like a standard guitar pedal.
Thanks to the Intelligent setup feature, the unit will hone in on the strongest frequency and lock onto it so that your amp will start up right away. You don’t have to fuss with trying to set up your guitar by testing tons of different frequencies.
The system uses 24-bit audio quality, as well as a 130-foot range, providing you with some of the best tones you’ve ever heard.
There is a small control around the back of the receiver, which helps to simulate the experience of having a cable onboard. The G10 receiver works with a rechargeable battery, delivering eight hours of playing time when charged to the fullest.
Bottom Line: The Line 6 Relay G10S is one of the most convenient wireless guitar systems on the market right now. It’s great for players that need something portable with a vast range.
For those who want to go straight portable, we highly recommend checking out the Boss WL-50. This pedalboard-based wireless system has what Boss calls a “plug n’ play” operation.
The receiver sits directly on top of your pedalboard and the WL-50 plugs straight into your guitar. The wireless connection automatically sets without you having to do anything, providing you with low-latency playing and incredible performance. You can use an array of different cables, including short, long, and bypass, which help to simulate different guitar tones.
On a fully recharged battery, the Boss WL-50 can last for up to 12 hours. When you are done using it, you can simply stick it back on the dock to charge it up again. Luckily, the receiver can also run using two AA batteries, so you’ll never have to worry about your charge running out mid-performance.
If you make use of the PSA-A adapter, you can use the DC output to distribute power to other pedals on your board.
Bottom Line: The Boss WL-50 is one of the most portable systems that is on the market right now. It is perfect for guitarists that are looking for a plug n’ play-style solution that can sit right on top of a pedalboard.
The Xvive U2 Rechargeable wireless guitar system is one of the most compact wireless guitar systems on the market.
The transmitter and receiver are very small, and the jack is adjustable, meaning you can angle it to fit your guitar or bass, without hassle or protrusion.
The U2 Guitar Wireless System operates within a 70-foot sightline, making it perfect for larger stages. As for the tone, it keeps your guitar sounding very clear and authentic. Do note, however, that it is not suitable for guitars that use active pickups.
This system makes use of four different channel choices that are set to 2.4Hz, meaning you can use it completely license-free. With that being said, the company does recommend using it about three meters away from WiFi signals, as they can interfere and decrease the clarity of your signal.
Beyond that, we love this system for the variety of colors that it comes in. You can find the perfect model to match your style. Plus, it comes with a Y cable accessory so that you can charge it in just about any USB cable outlet.
Bottom Line: The Xvive U2 Digital Wireless System is an excellent little guitar system, made to operate within a unique bandwidth outside of cell phone towers and TV stations. It’s stylish, compact, and great for just about any guitarist.
AKG is another company that is famous for the microphones that they manufacture, though its wireless guitar system is also top-notch.
The WMS40 Mini is a gorgeous plug n’ play system that uses a single AA battery, for up to 30 hours of playtime – impressive compared to many systems on our list!
We love how clear the sound is with the AKG Mini. The transmitter can be hooked onto your belt loop with ease, and the sound can be transmitted without tone loss or compression.
The beauty is the price!
The AKG WMS40 is pretty low on the price spectrum, so you don’t have to spend a large chunk of your paycheck to get a legitimate system.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a smaller wireless guitar system, yet don’t have a ton of money to spend, we highly recommend checking out the AKG WMS40 Mini.
The Donner DWS-3 is one of the most affordable digital wireless systems out there. It gives you a completely uncompressed sound within 200 feet.
The design is compact, and it allows you to use four different channels that can be supported. This means that the DWS-3 can be used with multiple instruments at once and transmitted to multiple receivers. With a low latency that is less than 2.5ms, you can barely detect the digital delay. Plus it delivers a surprisingly high-quality tone for how budget-friendly it is.
The beauty of the DWS-3 is that it is very easy to use. And once it is paired, any connections made in the future will automatically sync up to the instrument they need to be synced to.
It comes with a rechargeable battery that gives you up to 2.5 hours of battery life, so we would only recommend it for those who are playing shorter gigs.
Bottom Line: When it comes to getting an effective wireless guitar system that is budget-friendly, the Donner DWS-3 is one of the best around. It is easy to use and great for players who are performing in shorter-length shows.
Getaria 2.4GHZ
best cheap wireless guitar system
The Getaria 2.4GHz is the best example of a cheap wireless guitar system. It uses a license-free 2.4GHz frequency to send audio through an uncompressed funnel.
In terms of sound quality, you get a 48K sample rate to work with and a low-latency running design. It works up to 30 meters within the line of sight. The Getaria 2.4GHZ is good for a one-to-one transmission for both acoustic and electric guitars.
It is incredibly easy to connect the devices, as once you pair them for the first time, it will remember your device.
It uses AAA batteries as well, meaning you can replace them with ease. You’ll never have to worry about your rechargeable battery going out on you, mid-performance.
Bottom Line: For how cheap this wireless system is, it is hard to argue the overall value of the Getaria. It is easily one of the best budget-friendly wireless guitar systems out there.
What Is A Transmitter/Receiver?
Before we get into the actual products, we need to make sure that you understand the difference between a transmitter and a receiver.
When you’re talking about wireless guitar systems, a transmitter is the bodypack that is worn by the guitarist, which connects to the belt loop. The transmitter will use some type of battery to work, weather rechargeable or replaceable. The receiver is the box that the transmitter will connect to. A receiver will typically have a few antennas outside or inside the box. A receiver can come in many different forms, though it usually requires a battery or AC power to function.
Analog Wireless Systems vs. Digital Wireless Guitar Systems
Analog Wireless Systems are one of the most commonly used systems, as they are very accessible and practical. They use VHF or UHF to transmit your guitar signal just like analog radios transmit signals.
Because television and radio stations are using VHF frequencies to run, they can be more susceptible to interference when compared to digital systems. If your analog system is using UHF, however, you have a lesser chance of interference.
Digital Wireless Guitar Systems, while maybe not as commonly used, have become the most standard in the industry. They utilize secure digital encryption, which provides more resistance from interference.
Most of these digital systems operate through unlicensed frequencies and function just like WiFi routers do.
Many newer models use automatic frequency detection to make the setup easier as well. Unfortunately, digital wireless systems tend to be much more expensive than analog systems.
For more on the differences, be sure to check out this post over at andertons.co.uk
Range
Analog systems will usually have a bit more range, meaning you can play on large stages and be further away from your receiver.
With that said, digital systems still have plenty of range for bigger venues, especially when you dig into the more expensive models. Depending on the sizes of the stages you are playing on, we highly recommend making sure that you know the range before you buy.
Design
There are three main kinds of wireless guitar systems that you’ll find out on the market, including rackmount, tabletop, and petal-style wireless systems.
- The pedal form is one of the best types for those that are looking for a system that is a bit portable.
- Of course, if you are touring on professional stages, you might want to consider a rackmount system, as they are far more reliable.
- Tabletop wireless systems tend to be a bit cheaper, though the cool thing is that they can be converted to rackmounts if you choose.
Knowing that there are a few different wireless systems can help you choose the best one for your needs.
Will These Systems Work with Bass Guitar?
Because the wireless systems that are on our list use quarter-inch connectors, they will work with your bass guitar as well.
The most important thing to consider when looking at a wireless system for your bass guitar is the frequency range of that system. If the frequency range only goes down to 60Hz for example, you’ll be losing a lot of the meat on that low end.
Mainly, you should try to look for the lowest-stretching frequency range that you can find.
Going Wireless
One of the most significant differences between amateur and professional guitarists is that professional guitarists take their playing to an emotional level.
When you walk out on stage, you never want to feel like you are being held back by your wired connection.
Having a reliable wireless system is a great way to allow yourself the most expressive performance that you can be apart of. Of course, you’ll have to get a legitimate system if you want your tone to follow you away from your cables.
If we had to choose one on our list, we’d have to go with the Shure GLXD16.
This system is an incredibly comprehensive package that comes with just about everything you need to play large, professional venues.
We hope that our wireless guitar system guide helped provide you with all of the necessary information to take your live performance to the next level.
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