Wireless Systems?

[Michael Paskel (Mikey) (pookeymp)]

Hey Guys,
 
Does anyone have any suggestions on good wireless systems to use for bass.  I recently ordered the Electro Voice N/DYM? NRSCU UHF Wireless System on the recommendation from my local dealer.  He said it's a great unit and has been specifically tested to work well with bass.  It was promised in 2-3 weeks and it's going on 2 1/2 months now.  So, before I go and purchase this one elsewhere, I figure it might be a good idea to get input from anyone who actually has a positive/negative experience with this unit, or any recommendations on other good units.
 
Also, can you get the same level of performance from a wireless system that you get from a high quality audio cable.
 
Mikey/

[Paul Lindemans (palembic)]

Mikey,
 
I'm sharing this question with you! Not that I have a brand name ready but something else: with a SI or SII, do you have to go wireless with the XLR-plug or with the jack on your guitar?
 
Paul

[Michael Paskel (Mikey) (pookeymp)]

Hey Paul,
 
That's another good question.  Your guitar plugs directly into a 1/4 jack on the wireless transmitter.  The wireless unit will use whatever signal you feed into it...so I imagine you could use your 1/4 jack from your Series bass, or use an adapter or an XLR/1/4 cable to plug your XLR output of your Series directly into the wireless transmitter.  Theoretically this should work...but I'm only guessing.  Maybe another member has some experience with this also.
 
Mikey/

[Paul Lindemans (palembic)]

Well Mikey,
 
the reason I,m so puzzled is that the 5-pin plug and cable comes fro, the DS5 and is actually feeding the SI and SII. The electronics on the guitar are needing the power from the power supply, otherwise you use the 2x9v batteries. So theoretically you can use the 5-pin cable IFF its also delivers power to the electronic system of the bass. I don't know if there's a wireless available that can do that.
But ...in the Level-42 documentary I saw once Mark King goin' wireless (well ...his guitar went, he was still hanging in a kind of harness on wires)and if I looked well it was the 5-pin (XLR) connection that was used on his bass.
So Mikey ... I'm as curious as you are.
The sipmle thing is of course: take the jack and act as a normal bassplayer.
Tssss-tsssss ... we play Alembic.
;-)
 
Paul

[Michael Paskel (Mikey) (pookeymp)]

You make an excellent point there about the power supply...didn't think about that one.  I'm very curious as well.  Since I'm not currently using a Series bass, it's not an issue for me right now...but hopefully sometime in the future it will be as I see my next Dream Alembic with Series II electronics on it.
 
Mikey/

[mica]

About wireless: please don't use a wireless system unless you have to. The sound quality is never as good.  
 
For folks like Mark King and Jason Newsted, we made special battery packs. These are only necessary if you need the LEDs and stereo capability live. Otherwise you can use the 1/4 output on a Series I or II. On the new basses, the 1/4 output is mono. If you try this with an old one, you'll only get 1 pickup.
 
If you're Series II in stereo wireless you need 2 transmitters and the battery pack - quite an arsenal to heft on your guitar strap.    
 
By the way, Stanley Clarke still uses a 100-foot cord when he wants to move around on stage.

[Michael Paskel (Mikey) (pookeymp)]

Thanks Mica...
it sounds like I can save quite a few hundred dollars on a wireless, invest in a good quality cable and be done with it.  I'm not exactly hopping around the stage and on and off it like I used to.  I still move around quite a bit...just a little more conservative these days.
 
Mikey/

[Daniel Tracey (dannobasso)]

Mica is right on this one. For tone and signal, cable is the way to go. I've been using Alembics since 83. I got my first wireless unit, an audio technica in 88. I've gigged with it for many years and I have to say that if I had to do it again I would stick to a good quality cable. I also sang lead and backing vocals and played bass pedals so I got a countryman headset with the same type of wireless unit. Now I'm back to a mic. Unless someone else is paying for the gear and you are playing arenas a wire will do just fine. Besides, most guys who use them just run around the local bar or club like children anyway. Come on.... you know what I'm talking about.... I thought so. Reference the movie Spinal Tap for more information.

[Michael Paskel (Mikey) (pookeymp)]

This is very true...one band leader I worked with a few years back decided it was a great idea to go into the restroom while in the middle of singing a song and flushing the urinal while putting the mic close to it so the audience would get the full effect...it all went downhill from there...I left that band shortly thereafter.
 
So...Cable: 2   Wireless: 0 ...
and the Cable wins it by a unanimous decision.
 
Thanks Guys.
 
Mikey/

[Paul Lindemans (palembic)]

Hi friends,
thanks for the help and advice. I defintely stick with the cable. I'm quite a mover on the scene but we never play big venues. So cable it is and will be for me too (I'm still using the one that came with the bass).
Thanks again.
Bye!
 
Paul