Wireless Systems for Guitar and Bass

This category contains Wireless Systems for Guitar and Bass. Instead of the usual instrument cable, wireless systems use radio waves for transmission of the audio signal. The transmitter, which is connected to the guitar, converts the guitar output into an FM (Frequency Modulation) radio signal and broadcasts this using an integral antenna. Digital transmission of wireless audio is also available. The receiver, which is directly connected to the amplification system, picks up the signal via its own antenna and subsequently converts the radio waves back into the original guitar signal. In principle, for each transmitter there should be a single unique receiver. Different transmitters used simultaneously in the same local area must operate on different ‘channels’, so as not to interfere with one another, and just like a standard analogue radio set, a receiver can only tune in to one channel at a time, so multiple receivers must be used and each set to the channel of its corresponding transmitter. Wireless systems are usually supplied as a complete set so that transmitters and receivers are well matched. It is possible to mix-and-match devices from different manufacturers, but some skill is needed to optimise performance, and in some cases, proprietary hand-shaking communication between transmitter and receiver will be lost. The transmitter unit will either be designed to attach to your guitar strap, in which case a short jack lead is needed to connect the guitar output to the transmitter input, or the transmitter will be a single unit with an integrated jack plug to insert directly into your guitar. These fully integrated types usually come in two flavours in order to accommodate the different angles of the Fender Stratocaster style output (diagonally set), and the Gibson Les Paul (right angled) configuration.