Can electric guitars be wireless? This is a question that has been asked by many guitar players over the years when cables become a burden. Looking for a solution then becomes a priority to help make their setup easy to manage.
Yes, electric guitars can be used with a wireless transmitter system. This will then eliminate cables and replace them with a transmitter and receiver. This will your signal wirelessly. They are easy to set up and simple to use!
In this article, we will look at some of the benefits of using a wireless system for your electric guitar.
Can Electric Guitars Be Wireless?
With the technology we have in the guitar world, making our rigs easier to use is a top priority. Many companies have developed products to help us get rid of those pesky guitar cables.
Yes, you can go wireless and ditch your cables! You can now get your electric guitar signal to your amplifier without any cables at all. This is as simple as purchasing a wireless system that consists of two modules.
One is a transmitter that connects to your guitar’s output jack. The other module is a receiver that connects to the input of your amplifier. These devices then communicate with each other and send your guitar signal wirelessly.
Reasons To Go Wireless
So why would a guitar player want to go wireless? Well, I’m glad you asked. There are many reasons why a wireless system for your electric guitar can be beneficial.
The most obvious one is that it eliminates the need for cables. This means no more tripping over cords or getting tangled up in them. It also means that you’ll have much more freedom to move around on stage. All without having to worry about your guitar cable getting in the way.
Another benefit of a wireless system is that it can help to reduce feedback. This is because there are no cables acting as antennas to pick up unwanted noise. This can be a real problem if you play gigs in noisy venues or if you tend to get a lot of feedback from your amplifier.
A wireless system can also be a great way to improve your tone. This is because it can help to reduce the amount of capacitance in your signal path. Capacitance is the build-up of electrical charge on a conductor. It can have a negative effect on your tone.
By reducing the amount of capacitance in your signal path, you can help to improve the quality of your sound.
Choosing The Right Wireless System
Now that you have decided to go wireless, the next step is to find the best system for you. There are many different wireless systems on the market these days. So choosing the right one may seem difficult.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help! There are many great systems that will work for you. But first, you have to decide on analog or digital, and the range and battery life you desire.
Learn how to play guitar without an amp here!
Analog
Analog wireless guitar systems are not as popular as they used to be. This is because digital systems have come a long way in recent years and offer much better sound quality.
Analog systems are still used by some guitar players. This is because they have less latency and better bandwidth. But they also color your tone to a certain degree, so there is a trade-off with some systems.
Digital
Digital wireless guitar systems convert the signal from analog to digital. It starts in the transmitter and then is sent to the receiver. The signal is sent wirelessly similar to Wi-Fi at a frequency of 2.4GHz. This can create latency issues in certain systems. But with the great technology we have today, that is becoming a thing of the past.
More guitarists use digital wireless systems because they are becoming very fast. They also don’t add any coloring to the tone. You also don’t need to use any license as you do with an analog system for roaming. This makes a digital wireless system the best way to go.
Range
The range of a wireless system is how far the signal can travel before it starts to degrade. The average range for most systems is about 50 feet. But there are some that can go up to 100 feet or more.
It’s important to note that the range of a wireless system can be affected by obstacles such as walls. So if you’re planning on using your system in a large room or outdoors, you’ll need to take that into account.
Battery Life
The battery life of a wireless system is one of the most important considerations. Most systems will last for about 8 hours on a single charge. But there are some that will only last for 4 to 5.
If you’re planning on using your system for long gigs, you’ll need to make sure that it has adequate battery life.
Number of Channels
The number of channels is the different frequencies that a system can transmit. Most systems have at least 2 channels. But some of the newer ones have up to 6.
Is using a wireless system in a crowded area the plan? Then you’ll need to make sure that it has just enough channels to avoid interference.
Price
The price of a wireless system can vary depending on the features and quality. But in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from 200 to $500 for a good quality system.
Are There Disadvantages to Going Wireless?
There are a few disadvantages to using a wireless system for your electric guitar. The first is that they can be more expensive than simply using instrument cables. An extra expense comes with using a device like this.
They also rely on and require batteries. Most wireless guitar systems will use AA batteries. They will need to be replaced periodically. It’s also possible that they die while in the middle of a performance, which could be catastrophic!
Another disadvantage is that they can be more susceptible to interference. This is because they are using radio frequencies to send the signal. First, from the transmitter, then to the wireless receiver. There are ways to reduce or eliminate this interference, but it is something that you need to be aware of.
Latency is also an issue with some digital systems. This causes a lagging delay. Normally, between when you strum your strings and the amplifier receiving the signal. This can be bad when you’re in a band setting, trying to keep time with the other instruments.
These are all things to consider when going wireless and selecting the right system to use.
Conclusion
Going wireless with your electric guitar can be a freeing experience. Especially if cables have been very inconvenient with your rig. The sound and range can be just as good or better! So choose a system that you feel is a good fit and enjoy the benefits that come along with it!
FAQs
Do Wireless Systems Work With Active Pickups?
Yes, wireless systems will work with active pickups. In fact, most systems are designed to work with a variety of different types of guitars and pickups. They are made to sound and respond the same as using a guitar cable.
Will Guitar Wireless Systems Work With Any Amplifier?
Guitar wireless systems work with all amplifiers from tube to solid state. The transmitter will send the signal from the guitar to the receiver. Which is then normally connected to an amplifier or modeler.
What is the Difference Between 2.4 and 5.8 GHz for Wireless Guitars?
5.8 GHz has a shorter range, but is less susceptible to interference than 2.4 GHz. This is because there are fewer systems and devices using 5.8 GHz.
