Why don't pros use wireless?

Rotti · #1 01-05-2006, 12:22 PM

I know some must but most pro guitar players I see still use cords. Are wiresless systems not relieable? or sound bad or what?

surfdog777 · #2 01-05-2006, 01:25 PM

I think it falls under the "eliminate any and all possibilities for malfunctions while playing live" department.
As good as wireless technology has come, there are still issues with interference and loss of signal. With a good cable, you know it's going to work, unless you trip over it and pull the plug.

Al M · #3 01-05-2006, 01:38 PM

Yea, and an amazing cable will always sound better!

red5 · #4 01-05-2006, 05:17 PM

Wireless units greatly alter tone. They always sound much brighter than a cable will. That is why I don't use one.

waylay00 · #5 01-05-2006, 06:52 PM

Yngwie Malmsteen uses wireless, and it sounded great to me when I saw him live in Nashville.

Gex · #6 01-05-2006, 07:11 PM

Its not really worth it unless youve got MAD cash to spend on a REALLY GOOD system.

Even then, they still can have a few of the problems mentioned above.

Most of the time, I believe, its the sheer simplicity of the cable that makes it preferred to a wireless unit. Some people (Like me) dont really want to mess with it, and get along just fine (gracefully!!!) with a standard cable.

einarabelc5 · #7 01-05-2006, 07:40 PM

Yea is a radio what u r using and mantaining it to conserve high fidelity end keep EMI off is a hugeeee problem. A cable is easier to shield. Unless of course you go digital but then....

red5 · #8 01-05-2006, 10:15 PM

The other problem with wireless, is that you can be in range one second and then step out of range and have nothing. And again I was very unimpressed with all of the units I have seen.

7 Dying Trees · #9 01-05-2006, 11:07 PM

I dunno, but a lot of people use wireless, in fact, I think it's pretty much a must if you want to be able to run around as other band members don't always look where they're going.

Sure it may impact sound, but as it's live it doesn't matter that much to be honest, and as the performance itsself is a large part of the live show, standing still just doesn't cut it.

Also with wireless systems it becomes way easier to switch guitars.

As far as range goes, I've never had any problems and that's been on some pretty big stages.

Also, I've had a wireless go bad on me, and I have to say it was HORRIBLE playing with a cable for the remaining shows.

nickcoumbe · #10 01-06-2006, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7 Dying Trees

standing still just doesn't cut it.

When I gig, the audience and other band members want me to stand still, and preferably not play the guitar at all. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

Do they make digital wireless boxs now? I would personally love to use it for round the house.

Rotti · #11 01-06-2006, 09:26 AM

How much does it effect the sound? Is it really THAT noticeable?

rgr · #12 01-06-2006, 11:13 AM

For recording, yes, for live, no, unless you're Eric Johnson. There are usually so many other things going on live that you won't notice the difference as long as you have a decent wireless system.

red5 · #13 01-08-2006, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7 Dying Trees

I dunno, but a lot of people use wireless, in fact, I think it's pretty much a must if you want to be able to run around as other band members don't always look where they're going.

Yes, it is good live. There's no room over here to run around anyway. Maybe if I get famous and get a big stage someday I will get a stage that I can run around on, and then I may start to use a wireless unit live.

I would still never use one in the studio though.... ever!

My friend had bought a real good wireless unit and brought it over and it made my 1969 Marshall sound more like a thin JCM 800. That's a good testament to how much the sound changes. He sold it a week later.

Gex · #14 01-08-2006, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red5

Yes, it is good live. There's no room over here to run around anyway. Maybe if I get famous and get a big stage someday I will get a stage that I can run around on, and then I may start to use a wireless unit live.

I would still never use one in the studio though.... ever!

My friend had bought a real good wireless unit and brought it over and it made my 1969 Marshall sound more like a thin JCM 800. That's a good testament to how much the sound changes. He sold it a week later.

LOL. . .they make any amp sound like a thin JCM 800. . . .which isnt good.

red5 · #15 01-09-2006, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gex

LOL. . .they make any amp sound like a thin JCM 800. . . .which isnt good.

Are you serious? It would make a Fender or a Mesa sound like a thin JCM 800?

Actually it didn't sound thin per say, more like overly bright. It sounds like your typical loudness switch on your home receiver - boost the highs and the lows and rolls off the mids.