Going going gone..... wireless

[StefanieJones]

PRA Wic should be here tomorrow or Friday. I'm pretty excited about it I looked through the old posts here and made a decision. The band was prodding me to go wireless for a while now. So, will see how this works out!

Stef

[lbpesq]

You're going to love it!  I've been using the PRA WIC for a few years now, probably since they first came out.  Best and most convenient wireless by far.  Just remember to charge it - I do so before every gig/ and most rehearsals.  You'll find that the receiver battery lasts a lot longer than the transmitter battery, which still lasts several hours - I've never had it expire at a gig.   After a year or two I had to replace the short guiter to transmitter cable.  Otherwise it works as well as the day I got it.  Did you get the extended low frequency model for bass?

Bill, tgo

[LMiwa]

Looks like they are running a $75 off special on their website until the end of the year! (USA Only though)

[StefanieJones]

Got it! and yes it was really easy and loving it so far!  As long as the battery lasts for a four hour show I'll be happy. I'll remember to charge it for sure. One less cable laying around  woohoo! haha

Have to love the resources here. <3 It's nice to see what works for others and what doesn't. I probably would have bought one of the cheaper ones and been disappointed when it didn't work with active pickups.

And yes, 75$ off until 10/31  (for US only)
So it was an instant yes for me.

[cozmik_cowboy]

Last day of the year is 10/31?  Major style points for using the pre-Julian Roman calendar, Stef! 

Peter (who thinks we need a new calendar, with Year 1 starting the day Phil replaced Dana in the Warlocks)

[lbpesq]

Stef, you shouldn't have any problem doing a four hour gig on a full charge.  Of course, you should bring along a cable, just in case.  I've never heard of any issues using active pickups with any wireless.  I played my  Alembics and Alembic equipped guitars through other wireless units before the PRA WIC without any problems.

Bill, tgo

[StefanieJones]

Last day of the year is 10/31?  Major style points for using the pre-Julian Roman calendar, Stef! 

Peter (who thinks we need a new calendar, with Year 1 starting the day Phil replaced Dana in the Warlocks)

whoops lol.   I need a new proofreader.  Guess at least I do it with style...some sort of style at least.

Thanks, Bill. That's reassuring!
The guitar player in my band uses Xvive (I think it is) and when I tried it, it was just a lot of feedback. I read online not compatible with active pickups. So, I dunno. I figured they all had the same problem. But, I'm happy with what I have now, so it's all good. (now)

[StefanieJones]

A final followup on these units. Played the first show last night since getting them and have to say they performed flawlessly. 

The range is a little less than I expected after reading the literature on the website. I guess about 50 feet is pretty safe before they start cutting out. But it was more than enough to let me get out and dance in the crowd (which got them cray cray, lol)

All in all, a huge plus for me and I am happy with them.

[lbpesq]

Range is subject to lots of variables, but you should get a lot more than 50 feet in most situations.   I’ve experienced time lag issues when I’ve walked too far away, but never any signal breakup.   Coincidentally, just after my last post on this thread, the on/off switch on my receiver broke!  I’ve had the unit for about three years, so I was a year out of the two-year warranty.   I contacted PRA.  They have a tune-up service where they replace the batteries and upgrade the software for $39.95.  They offered to replace the on/off switch as part of the tune up for no extra charge.   Pretty good customer service IMHO.

Bill, tgo

[StefanieJones]

Wow yeah that IS good customer service! They seem like they care, from the email I got when I ordered and the follow up email.  I'm glad I went with them that's for sure.

I Know the range is variable but I'm not sure what all the variables are. I'll email back and ask about it. I had one piece on the floor by my effects and walked down the hall to the banquet room (not too far) and as soon as I turned the corner it cut out. So, maybe it's line of sight? I don't know how this technical stuff works >.>

But, I'm still completely happy and really I'd never be playing far from the where the band sets up.

*still glowing from being out in the crowd and overwhelming positive reaction to it*

[lbpesq]

The variables you are most likely to encounter are electrical interference and physical interference.  The range is greater with a straight line of sight.  Once you start going around corners or stepping into other rooms you are asking the signal to travel through the wall. Then what’s inside the wall will have some effect on range.  But how often are you going to walk into another room or around the corner from the rest of the band in the middle of a song?

Bill, tgo

[cozmik_cowboy]

  But how often are you going to walk into another room or around the corner from the rest of the band in the middle of a song?

Bill, tgo

I once heard Buddy Guy's band playing inside as I walked past Wise Fools Pub in Chicago - and simultaneously saw Buddy playing a solo in the middle of Lincoln Avenue..........

But that was pre-wireless days, with about 150' of guitar cord (and high end be damned!).

Peter (who also once worked with a guitarist who would spend half of rehearsal in "another room", playing along - but that's too gross to get into)

[edwin]

  But how often are you going to walk into another room or around the corner from the rest of the band in the middle of a song?

Bill, tgo

I saw Albert Collins do that, too. Worked great in the clubs, but I also saw him try it at Great Woods in Mansfield MA and his super long cable barely reached to the stairs at the edge of stage.

I once heard Buddy Guy's band playing inside as I walked past Wise Fools Pub in Chicago - and simultaneously saw Buddy playing a solo in the middle of Lincoln Avenue..........

But that was pre-wireless days, with about 150' of guitar cord (and high end be damned!).

Peter (who also once worked with a guitarist who would spend half of rehearsal in "another room", playing along - but that's too gross to get into)

[lbpesq]

I received my PRA Wic back in the mail today.  Quick turnaround and all fixed!  Two big thumbs-up for their customer service.

Bill, tgo

[LMiwa]

I ordered one - Christmas present to myself!