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Wireless systems have come a long way in the last few years.
There are more simple, portable, affordable solutions than ever in history, and even the cheapest options tend to perform admirably.
As a bass player, I’m sure you can appreciate the fact that there are products matched to your needs, regardless of whether you’re seeking a top-of-the-line wireless system that ensures you’ve got a strong signal for every gig, even at large distances, or a simpler, more portable option that would work well for the average jam session or bar gig.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best wireless systems for bass and answer some of your pressing questions too. Ready? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Shure QLXD14 Wireless System With Bodypack And WA305 Instrument Cable For Guitar/Bass
Kicking off this list is Shure, one of the most prolific makers of wireless systems for instruments.
The Shure QLXD14 wireless system is a premium product, among the most expensive on this list, and its elegant appearance seems to reflect this fact too.
The unit comes with the QLXD1 bodypack transmitter, QLXD4 receiver, WA305 instrument cable, power supply, two AA batteries, two 1/2 wave antennas, two BNC cables, two BNC bulkhead adapters, rackmount kit, zipper bag, and user guide.
This baby offers up to nine hours of use with two AA Alkaline batteries, or up to 10 hours of continuous use with a Shure SB900 lithium-ion rechargeable battery (not included).
The QLXD14 also comes with ethernet networking, which allows for networked channel scanning and wireless workbench software integration for remote control of receiver settings from a PC or Mac machine, as well as iOS devices. The ShurePlus Channels mobile app also gives you access to the same functionality.
Overall, users were very satisfied with this wireless unit.
Item weight: 8.3 lbs.
Package dimensions: 19.3 x 17.2 x 3.6 inches
Shure BLX14 Wireless System With BLX4 Receiver, BLX1 Bodypack Transmitter And WA302 Instrument Cable
When it comes to premium wireless systems, Shure is a trusted source, and the Shure BLX14 wireless system is another contender worth your attention.
This package comes with the BLX4 wireless receiver, BLX1 bodypack transmitter, WA302 guitar cable, power and battery status LED, adjustable gain control, frequency matching, two AA batteries (providing up to 14 hours of continuous use), and a 300 feet line of sight operating range.
Reviewers thought it was a great wireless system for small venues, found it easy to use, and high quality.
Some apparently had issues with the signal cutting out though.
Item weight: 2.7 lbs.
Package dimensions: 4 x 13.5 x 12 inches
Shure SLXD14 Wireless System With Bodypack And WA305 Instrument Cable For Guitar/Bass
The Shure SLXD14 wireless system is another Shure performance machine, arriving with a WA305 premium instrument cable, SLXD1 bodypack transmitter, SLXD4 single-channel receiver with antenna and rackmount accessories, a zippered bag, and two AA batteries.
In terms of specs, the unit comes complete with digital perspective switching diversity, 44 MHz tuning bandwidth, 32 available channels per frequency band, up to 10 compatible systems per 6 MHz TV band, 12 systems per 8 MHz band, as well as RF scan and IR Sync.
This box should give you up to eight hours of use with two AA batteries and it has an operating range of 330 feet.
The SLXD14’s best quality is that it offers a great sound, and it’s easy to set up.
Item weight: 6.9 lbs.
Package dimensions: 17.72 x 13.78 x 4.33 inches
Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 100-CI1 Instrument Wireless System
Coming in as a strong contender to the Shure line of premium products is Sennheiser, who we anticipate will be a rising star in the wireless unit realm.
The Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 100-CI1 instrument wireless system is quite stunning in its appearance, and it’s a rugged, all-in-one system for guitar and bass alike.
This unit has a transmission range of 300 feet and has up to 20 compatible channels.
The EW 100-CI1 is a quality product through and through, and it might even be worth more than its asking price.
Item weight: 6 lbs.
Package dimensions: 15.9 x 13.78 x 2.87 inches
Samson Concert 88 Guitar 16-Channel True Diversity UHF Wireless System
Samson is best known as a manufacturer of professional audio equipment, including microphones, PA cabinets, portable PAs, mixers, USB/MIDI controllers, studio monitors, power amplifiers, processors, headphones, accessories, and of course, wireless units. So far as wireless systems are concerned, they are another trustworthy brand.
The Samson Concert 88 UHF wireless system comes complete with a true diversity design to minimize dropouts and a rackmount kit. This box can handle up to 16 systems operating simultaneously across two frequency bands.
This unit is easy to set up, and most of the time, it works flawlessly.
Some might not be crazy about the cable, but that’s a relatively small matter.
Item weight: 2.64 lbs.
Package dimensions: 3.25 x 11.75 x 9.75 inches
Line 6 99-123-0145 Relay G55 Digital Guitar Wireless System
If you’re a guitarist, then clearly, you’ve already heard the name “Line 6,” and if you’re a bass player, well, there’s a high chance you’ve at least brushed up against them.
Line 6 is best known for their POD effects units, and notorious for their beginner guitar amps, who producers tend to hate.
So, Line 6 is a bit of a mixed bag, but we do need to give them credit for their wireless units, which are generally popular, and are about the middle of the road price wise.
The Line 6 Relay G55 digital guitar wireless system comes in a compact, half-rack size with 12 channels, a fourth generation digital wireless platform, and a one-step setup.
It has a dynamic range of 117dB and a transmission range of 300 feet.
The best aspect of this box is that it’s easy to set up, and it’s a quality unit with minimal noise.
Item weight: 2.99 lbs.
Package dimensions: 15 x 13 x 3.5 inches
Shure GLXD16 Rechargeable Wireless System For Guitarists And Bassists
The Shure GLXD16 rechargeable wireless system comes with a GLXD6 guitar pedal receiver (might represent a nice bonus for some), GLXD1 bodypack transmitter, WA305 instrument cable, SB902A lithium-ion rechargeable battery, PSS24 power supply, wall battery charger, user guide, and two-year warranty. Quite generous considering its price.
This unit boasts a 20 Hz to 20 kHz response, a 120dB dynamic range, 11.5 hours of continuous use, LINKFREQ automatic frequency management, and up to four compatible channels.
This is a solid, sturdy (even tour-ready) unit with great range, stellar sound quality, and easy operation.
Item weight: 3.8 lbs.
Package dimensions: 4.25 x 18.25 x 13 inches
Shure BLX4 Wireless Guitar System With BLX4 Receiver, BLX1 Bodypack Transmitter And WA302 Instrument Cable
All these similarly named Shure wireless units can get confusing after a while. Are you still with us? Good.
The Shure BLX4 wireless guitar system shouldn’t be mixed up with a product introduced earlier, or for that matter, the one to follow.
The bundle comes with the BLX1 bodypack transmitter, BLX4 single-channel receiver, guitar cable, power supply, two AA batteries, and user guide.
The unit is supposed to last up to 14 hours on two AA batteries and has a 300 feet line of sight operating range. It also comes with adjustable gain control, as well as a power and battery status LED.
Overall, this is a quality wireless system, but some users had issues with their signal cutting out. We cannot confirm or deny such claims.
Item weight: 2.7 lbs.
Package dimensions: 13.5 x 4 x 12 inches