Tune Up: Wireless Systems
posted in: Features • Reviews & Playlists
Stage presence while performing is almost as important as the music that you’re playing. Crafting a live show involves movement, passion and even choreography. It can be tough to maneuver when plugged into an amplifier or clutching a microphone with a bulky cable attached. So, this week we thought we’d highlight a couple of wireless systems designed by Shure® to help you move without restriction on stage.
” automatic frequency selection
” 90 possible frequencies within 18 MHz band
” XLR and ¼” outputs
” automatic transmitter setup
” 10dB pad on transmitter
This is a great example of an instrument wireless system made by Shure®. This one, in particular, has a lot of versatility, because it has a wide range of frequencies within which to operate wirelessly. This is important because of the way a wireless system works: you can use a system that operates at a certain frequency, but if you are simultaneously using another one that works at the same frequency, they will interfere with each other. Because the PGX14 has 90 possible channels within its bandwidth, you would theoretically need 90 other systems operating at all possible frequencies in order to prevent it from working. Beyond that, this particular model has ¼” and XLR outputs and a large range (allowing you to perform further away from the receiver); it’s also quite rugged. This is a fabulous system for your guitar.
The specs on this system are pretty much the same as those of the PGX14. The difference here is the fact that within the package is a wireless microphone. The microphone is comparable to the PG58 wired microphone and is very reliable for live performance. This model offers 8 hours of battery life and also operates in the 18MHz range. The benefit, again, of the 90 selectable frequencies allows you to operate this system and the guitar system simultaneously without interference.
Overall, these models are affordable, rugged and reliable. Shure® offers a huge line of wireless systems, with many styles of receivers, transmitters and microphones. We recommend you start here though, as these models are middle-of-the-road for most musicians and live performers.