Even though they aren’t new, guitar wireless systems are definitely fast becoming the rage right now in the world of guitars. And there are so many reasons this is so. First of all, the world is getting more virtual than physical. Man is doing more using invisible, virtual features than tangible physical structures.
So, you see, the popularity of guitar wireless systems was a long time coming. We should all have anticipated it.
Now, the fact that these systems are increasing in popularity doesn’t mean that they are clearly understood by everyone. Our aim today is to bring clarity concerning this latest piece of technology. But not just that, we will even graciously throw in our detailed reviews on our top five guitar wireless systems.
We can see you’re excited. We are too! Let’s go!
Contents
- Top 5 Best Guitar Wireless Systems For The Money 2023 Reviews
- 1 Line 6 Relay G50 Wireless Guitar System – Solid Build, Solid Sound
- 2 Line 6 Relay G30 Guitar Wireless System – Line 6 Quality Sound At Affordable Price
- 3 Shure GLXD16 Digital Guitar Pedal Wireless System – With Built-In Toner To Mute Signals, Great For Switching Instruments
- 4 Shure PGXD14 Digital Wireless System for Guitar/Bass – Simple Setup, Excellent Sound
- 5 Nady U-1100 GT 100-Channel UHF Wireless Instrument/Guitar System – Easy Setup, Affordable
- Best Guitar Wireless System Buyer’s Guide
- FAQs About Guitar Wireless Systems
- Question 1: What exactly does a guitar wireless system consist of?
- Question 2: Aren’t there regulations for using certain frequency bands?
- Question 3: How much do guitar wireless systems cost?
- Question 4: Will a wireless guitar system affect the quality of my tone?
- Question 5: Which gives the better sound – wireless or wired?
- Conclusion
Top 5 Best Guitar Wireless Systems For The Money 2023 Reviews
But before that, check out this quick comparison table of our top five guitar wireless systems
| Name | Range | Frequency Response | Dynamic Range | Battery | Average Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Range 200 feet | Frequency Response 10Hz – 20Hz | Dynamic Range 110dB | Battery AA alkaline batteries | Average Battery Life 8 hours | |
Range 30 meter / 100 feet | Frequency Response 10Hz – 20Hz | Dynamic Range 110dB | Battery AA alkaline batteries | Average Battery Life 8 hours | |
Range 100 feet | Frequency Response Not specified | Dynamic Range Not specified | Battery Lithium ion battery | Average Battery Life 16 hours | |
Range 200 feet | Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz | Dynamic Range 26dB | Battery AA batteries | Average Battery Life 10 hours | |
Range 500 feet (line-of-sight) / 150 – 250 feet (typical) | Frequency Response 50Hz – 18kHz | Dynamic Range 120dB | Battery 2 AA batteries | Average Battery Life 8 - 10 hours |
1 Line 6 Relay G50 Wireless Guitar System – Solid Build, Solid Sound
If there’s one thing we are completely confident about with the G50, it’s that it gives pure, beautiful sounds always. Whatever guitar you use, bass guitar or electric guitar, here’s one wireless system that always works, tone wise.
In fact for something that performs this good, the price is very reasonable.
The units of this system are pretty solid, talking about the receiver and transmitter. They are completely made of metal. So, when compared to other units that come made of plastic, you can see that this is surely going to last a while.
Word on the street is that this dude can go as long as 6 years, even if you’re averaging 3 gigs a month! That’s pretty solid value!
As for the batteries, they are pretty good too. At least, on low power, you can be sure of about 6 hours non-stop. And on high power, you can rock on for 10 hours straight. No, this is not manufacturers’ hype. This observation is from real life use of the system.
On the down side though, the system seems to cover a moderate range. But even at that, you’d still experience one or two dropouts every now and then even in a small room.
Also, if it matters to you, the antennae of the receiver are external. But the problem is that the receiver is made in a stomp box style. This means that you’d have two pointy things sticking out of the box. But then you’re supposed to step on it. So, that might be a bit tricky.
(4.3 / 5)- Produces quality sound.
- Component units are made of solid metal, making the system durable.
- The system covers a reasonable range.
- Excellent battery life – more than 4 hours on high power.
- You’re bound to experience one or two dropouts every now and then even when within range.
2 Line 6 Relay G30 Guitar Wireless System – Line 6 Quality Sound At Affordable Price
Okay, so the first wireless system, we reviewed (the G50) is the upgrade to this one – the G30. So, yeah, you might expect some downgrades. However, on a brighter note, it’s kinda affordable and still delivers commendable value.
So, let’s talk about the sound. Well, Line 6 sure knows what it’s doing when it comes to sound output. Just like the G50, the G30 produces excellent sound. We are very impressed by that, considering the price.
The range is also pretty good. Although, it’s not as far-reaching as the G50, it still covers a pretty wide range. Its 100 foot range makes it quite usable from considerable distances.
And as for its battery life, gigs of over 4 hours have been played on one freshly charged set of batteries. Still talking about batteries, it does appear that the battery door is cheaply made. So, you might want to double check on that.
And since we are talking about build already, now might be a good time to mention this. The overall quality of the build of this unit isn’t top notch heavy duty like the G50.
But other than those few issues, the G30, which is a digital wireless system, comes with 6 channels. So, you can easily switch to a more convenient one if there are too many other users around. The delay is also a non-issue as well.
So, altogether, especially at this price, it’s a great wireless guitar system.
(3.7 / 5)- Excellent sound quality.
- 6 channel options in case of other users.
- Excellent battery life.
- Wide range.
- Cheap plastic build.
- Might experience one or two drop outs during a gig.
3 Shure GLXD16 Digital Guitar Pedal Wireless System – With Built-In Toner To Mute Signals, Great For Switching Instruments
The GLXD16 is probably our most sophisticated wireless guitar system of the day. Its qualities are quite numerous and very commendable.
For one, it comes with an in-built toner. This helps to mute the signals and produce better sound. And it’s not just about the sound. It’s also about how this frees up one extra slot on your pedal board. And you know what that means, switching instruments could never have been easier.
But then again, this is a bit easier said than done. Why? Because this unit comes with proprietary cables to connect your guitar to the system. Now, say you want to switch to a violin for instance, you’re going to have to get an adapter.
But that aside, switching instruments is very easy since you can set up more than one receiver in a group.
Of course, sound is super fantastic and the unit also sets up very easily. Plus, it also comes with many features that allow you customize and adjust settings.
This guitar wireless system is also great at supporting several transmitters. And guess the best part? It will instantly recognize and remember each one after setting the input signals.
It’s also super impressive that this wireless system doesn’t have the problem of drop outs that most systems usually have. In fact, a customer used this at a NASCAR race track. You know the crazy radio traffic that goes on there? And yet, no interference.
The signal range is also quite good – about 100 feet.
Beware though, this system works best with a 12 volt power supply. A 9 volt power supply won’t work properly and might cause an unexpected shutdown mid-gig.
(4.6 / 5)- Superb build and superior sound.
- Facilitates the exchange of instruments.
- No interference.
- Works straight out of the box.
- Great battery life.
- Built-in toners help to mute sound.
- The connecting cable seems to be of cheap quality.
4 Shure PGXD14 Digital Wireless System for Guitar/Bass – Simple Setup, Excellent Sound
One thing we love about the PGXD14 is that it’s so so easy to set up. It does not take time. It does not take rocket science. Just straight outta the box and on to your guitar. And the system can work with literally any fretted instrument. From a banjo, to an acoustic guitar to a mandolin, here’s a wireless guitar system that works for them.
Another thing about this system is that it is heavy duty. The body is well built and will withstand a lot of abuse over a long time.
The sound is quite great too. In fact, you’d hardly notice the difference between this and a wired sound. The musician is in total control of the system. And with or without the sound man, you can control the signals, reduce feedback or even increase the volume.
The battery life is fantastic too. Although they are AA batteries, they do last long. However, some players would have preferred a lithium ion battery. That is, something they can recharge. But then, this works fine too, so far you keep spares on hand.
And yeah, just like its upgraded sibling, the PGXD14 also allows for easy switching of instruments.
(4.5 / 5)- Quality sound output.
- Easy to setup.
- Heavy duty body build that lasts.
- Comes with controls for guitarist to control their own sound.
- Batteries last very long. Plus, there’s no need for recharging since they are AA.
- Batteries are not rechargeable and may incur costs in the long run.
- The connecting cable is pretty short – only about 2.5 feet.
5 Nady U-1100 GT 100-Channel UHF Wireless Instrument/Guitar System – Easy Setup, Affordable
This is a fantastic guitar mic with an amazing range. It’s a whooping 500 feet! Within this range, you’re assured of pure sound without any interference.
Plus it works straight out of the box whether you’re techie or not. It’s very easy to set up and still gives amazing sound.
The batteries are AA and they last quite long. You can use them for a night long gig and not have to change them at all. However, it is still advisable to keep extra batteries on hand.
The build of the unit is actually quite sturdy. So, it’s going to last you for sure.
There’s a lavalier mic included which you connect to the transmitter. Like we already mentioned, setting this up is very straightforward. A few people have a problem with the obviousness of the mic while others are cool with it. it depends on your personal preference, though.
Altogether, if you’re looking to do some karaoke with friends and family, then consider this guitar wireless system.
(3.6 / 5)- Long lasting batteries.
- Works straight out of the box.
- Sturdy, durable build.
- Great sound.
- Wide range.
- The battery cover feels a little cheap.
- Comes with a small, noticeable feedback.
Best Guitar Wireless System Buyer’s Guide
Benefits Of Using A Guitar Wireless System
- During sound check when you’re trying to balance out everyone’s sound, a guitar wireless system will shine. You won’t just be limited to the stage. You can go down into the space for the audience and make necessary adjustments as you play and listen. This wouldn’t have been possible with a cable.
- With wireless guitar systems any chance of electrocution is eliminated. To be honest though, there hasn’t been many cases of electrocution even with cables. But hey, it’s still wires and electricity. Anything can happen especially if it rains and there was a flaw in the grounding of the stage.
Something To Consider Before Getting a Guitar Wireless System
When getting a guitar wireless system, there are two basic factors you want to consider first.
- Cost which should depend on your budget.
- Radio frequency which is a little more complicated. We will go ahead and explain this now.
Understanding Radio Frequencies in Guitar Wireless Systems
Guitar Wireless Systems might operate either at Ultra High Frequency (UHF) or Very High Frequency (VHF). None is better than the other but they both have inherent qualities that allow them to shine in specific environments over the other.
What’s more important when it comes to your guitar wireless system is the flexibility of its frequency range.
You want a guitar wireless system with a flexible frequency range. You know that there are loads of devices that communicate with these very same radio waves through which your guitar wireless system wants to operate. So, if it so happens that there’s a device within the same environment sharing the same frequency as your unit, there will be problems. And you know the result – interference and noise.
So, since you can’t always be sure beforehand what device or equipment might want to share with your guitar, a flexible frequency range is advised. It might be pricier than those with a locked frequency but it’s wiser and less frustrating in the end.
FAQs About Guitar Wireless Systems
Question 1: What exactly does a guitar wireless system consist of?
Answer: It consists of a transmitter that’s hooked to the guitar and a receiver. The transmitter converts analog sounds to digital signals. These signals are then picked by the receiver through a radio frequency band. And then the receiver sends these digital signals to the amp as analog sounds that you hear.
Normally, a cable should run from your guitar to the amp, but a guitar wireless system eliminates the need for that.
Question 2: Aren’t there regulations for using certain frequency bands?
Answer: You are very correct. There are certain radio frequency bands that cannot be used without obtaining a license first. There are no general rules though and these regulations are unique to countries and states. So, as a rule, it’s best to find out about the frequency of your preferred guitar wireless system and license regulations in your locality before getting it.
This aspect is very important because license defaulters usually face very heavy penalties depending on the state.
Question 3: How much do guitar wireless systems cost?
Answer: In all honesty, guitar wireless systems cost a pretty penny. They do not come cheap. Because this technology is relatively new, it might take a while before prices begin to drop to something real affordable. But drop they will, eventually.
Now, instead of going for guitar systems touted as “affordable” (read cheap), it’s better to save and invest in a pricey one. Pricier guitar wireless systems pay themselves out in the end as compared to the cheaper ones.
Question 4: Will a wireless guitar system affect the quality of my tone?
Answer: There are two types of wireless guitar systems – the analog and the digital. If you get the analog wireless system, then it’s possible for your tone to be affected a bit.
You know how we explained that the analog sounds are converted to digital and then back to the original analog sounds that you now hear? Well, analog wireless systems do not do a perfect job of returning the digital sounds back to the original analog sound.
It gets worse if you use a budget analog system. Analog wireless systems of higher quality give a more natural-sounding result, though.
Digital wireless systems on the other hand, have no need for companders (it does all that conversion in analog wireless systems). So, they always give a very natural sound, keeping the originality of your tone.
Question 5: Which gives the better sound – wireless or wired?
Short answer, neither. Both of them will perform optimally if you get top quality gear.
Conclusion
Our winner? Well, considering all the factors, our clear winner would be the Line 6 Relay G50 Wireless Guitar System. It comes with excellent sound quality, an impressive range, and a very solid build. We’ve seen customers use this product for more than 6 years. If that isn’t value, we don’t know what else is. And the best part? It is affordable! See why it’s our clear winner now?