Wireless war!!! Brace Audio DWG-1000 vs. Line 6 X2 XDS95

[arsnova]

Im looking to pick up a good budget wireless system. around the 200usd range... and ive more or less zeroed in on these two wireless systems...the Brace Audio DWG-1000 and the Line 6 X2 XDS95.. both are digital wireless systems and both have decent reviews and are similarly priced...

Now my question is which of these two are actually BETTER? ive heard the Line 6 has cable probs and eats batteries... the brace audio one has latency problems apparently ....

help me choose!


PS- if you guys have better options in the same price range... lemme know

 

[Sixstring]

I would have to say save your money and buy a Sennheiser. I have run one for years with out one single issue well worth the extra $$.

 

[billm408]

Don't konw the Brace Audio, but I've had the Sennheiser EW172and now have the X2.

I think the X2 is more transparent than the Sennheiser, but it does eat batteries- I'll get 4-5 hours out of one 9v. And I've never had any cord issues with either unit. I like that the Sennhesier runs on AA's, but it did add some upper mids to my tone. Another thing is that the Sennhesier requires it's own AC outlet where the X2 runs @ 9v so I can keep it on my pedalboard and run it off a Pedal Power supply.

My only complaint on the X2 is that it's built like a toy. Kinda cheap housing on both the transmitter and receiver. The Sennheiser's built like a tank.

 

[Inearthed]

Don't konw the Brace Audio, but I've had the Sennheiser EW172and now have the X2.

I think the X2 is more transparent than the Sennheiser, but it does eat batteries- I'll get 4-5 hours out of one 9v. And I've never had any cord issues with either unit. I like that the Sennhesier runs on AA's, but it did add some upper mids to my tone. Another thing is that the Sennhesier requires it's own AC outlet where the X2 runs @ 9v so I can keep it on my pedalboard and run it off a Pedal Power supply.

My only complaint on the X2 is that it's built like a toy. Kinda cheap housing on both the transmitter and receiver. The Sennheiser's built like a tank.

Pretty much a +1 to all of this. When I didn't have a pedal board I would always be worried about the X2 receiver getting stepped on / crushed. Also, the battery access on the X2 receiver is kinda crappy.

 

[Shark Diver]

Don't konw the Brace Audio, but I've had the Sennheiser EW172and now have the X2.

I think the X2 is more transparent than the Sennheiser, but it does eat batteries- I'll get 4-5 hours out of one 9v. And I've never had any cord issues with either unit. I like that the Sennhesier runs on AA's, but it did add some upper mids to my tone. Another thing is that the Sennhesier requires it's own AC outlet where the X2 runs @ 9v so I can keep it on my pedalboard and run it off a Pedal Power supply.

My only complaint on the X2 is that it's built like a toy. Kinda cheap housing on both the transmitter and receiver. The Sennheiser's built like a tank.

Pretty much a +1 to all of this. When I didn't have a pedal board I would always be worried about the X2 receiver getting stepped on / crushed. Also, the battery access on the X2 receiver is kinda crappy.

Really crappy. I found 2 original X-wire 905s for $175. Awesome. There out there.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Everyone complains about the X2 being flimsy but it is after all polycarbonate which is extremely strong and light.

have you guys seen or had broken housings or is it just the "feel" that makes it seems substandard?

I have been on the fence with the X2, it sounds great but so many people complaining about it... I have been playing with a cable trying to decide.

 

[Shark Diver]

I twice pulled out the battery leads because the leads were too short. I had to have them extended. Plus it really eats 9vs. The 905 uses 4 aa batteries but will last me 3 nights of 5 hour gigs. Some nights with the X2 I wouldn't make it one night. The back battery lid is a PIA and very fragile. Not that that would be a big deal, except with the way it eats batteries, I have had to change mid song, and then in a hurry, ...

 

[blindlimon]

Is this post some kind of troll?

I have seen it on numerous sites trying to imply the Brace unit has a latency issue as if it was a given. It does not. Its being used by top bands on tour right now and was a smash hit at the NAMM 2010 show and its only 150 bucks.

Eminem's band used it live on the last AMA show. I would hate to think that there was such a thing as paid professional blog bashing but there you have it.

Here is a more sane pro/con on the guitarworld blog with some actual user reviews.

http://www.guitarworld.com/forums/viewt ... a&start=30

As well as artist endorsements ...

http://www.braceaudio.com/Artists.aspx

Its better, stronger cheaper straight up. Also X2 causes cancer (just kidding lol).

 

[glpg80]

Is this post some kind of troll?

i dunno, you act more like a bot actually. its kinda confusing.

I have seen it on numerous sites trying to imply the Brace unit has a latency issue as if it was a given. It does not. Its being used by top bands on tour right now and was a smash hit at the NAMM 2010 show and its only 150 bucks.

Eminem's band used it live on the last AMA show. I would hate to think that there was such a thing as paid professional blog bashing but there you have it.

Here is a more sane pro/con on the guitarworld blog with some actual user reviews.

http://www.guitarworld.com/forums/viewt ... a&start=30

As well as artist endorsements ...

http://www.braceaudio.com/Artists.aspx

Its better, stronger cheaper straight up. Also X2 causes cancer (just kidding lol).

there are some good recommendations already made. the fact so and so uses one though is not the point. people will use what sounds great and works great, not what so and so artist uses.

 

[tweed]

Sounds interesting, I'll have to check out the Brace. Anyone know if you can run the main off a pedal power 2 supply? Also any issues changing channels live? Keeping a paper clip handy for that seems like a potential pia.

 

[glpg80]

Sounds interesting, I'll have to check out the Brace. Anyone know if you can run the main off a pedal power 2 supply? Also any issues changing channels live? Keeping a paper clip handy for that seems like a potential pia.

+1 like i mentioned there are some great models listed here. let us know how you like the brace - the OP mentioned it too.

 

[stratotone]

I broke the antennas off my Sennheiser reciever (not the body pack) and it still works fine. Uses 2xAA, lasts me a gig easy, the body pack has fallen HARD on concrete without breaking, and the reciever is tough as nails.

The X2 probably sounds a little better, but I really dig the Sennheiser currently. I think I'd break the others in a heartbeat.

Pete

 

[tweed]

Which model do you have Pete?

 

[moltenmetalburn]

The X2 is truly transparent and has unity gain output.

many complain about battery life and the housing the units are built into. I see no problem with the housings polycarbonate should withstand 350 pounds plus, that would be you jumping up and down on it. I have never heard of a smashed transmitter.

you should wait a little while and wait for the line 6 relay to release here (just announced) and check that out also, it's the one I have been holding out for though I have never heard of the brace.

you can probably also bet that line 6 will sell off the x2 cheap these next few months.

 

[tweed]

The X2 is truly transparent and has unity gain output.

many complain about battery life and the housing the units are built into. I see no problem with the housings polycarbonate should withstand 350 pounds plus, that would be you jumping up and down on it. I have never heard of a smashed transmitter.

you should wait a little while and wait for the line 6 relay to release here (just announced) and check that out also, it's the one I have been holding out for though I have never heard of the brace.

you can probably also bet that line 6 will sell off the x2 cheap these next few months.

The line 6 relay looks great and uses AA's instead of 9V's. When is this thing supposed to hit the market in the US?

 

[moltenmetalburn]

The X2 is truly transparent and has unity gain output.

many complain about battery life and the housing the units are built into. I see no problem with the housings polycarbonate should withstand 350 pounds plus, that would be you jumping up and down on it. I have never heard of a smashed transmitter.

you should wait a little while and wait for the line 6 relay to release here (just announced) and check that out also, it's the one I have been holding out for though I have never heard of the brace.

you can probably also bet that line 6 will sell off the x2 cheap these next few months.

The line 6 relay looks great and uses AA's instead of 9V's. When is this thing supposed to hit the market in the US?

It was just announced and the X2 have been on clearance for the last few months so it seems like this first quarter, but who knows ill do some searching... Edit now available as of four days ago.

Line 6 Launches Relay(TM) Digital Wireless Systems World Wide
Jan 14, 2010 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- Line 6, Inc. (line6.com), the industry leader in digital modeling technology for music-creation products, announced today the release of Relay(TM) digital wireless systems into worldwide markets.

"Relay digital guitar wireless systems (http://line6.com/relay) represent a revolution in wireless technology," remarked Darrell Smith, Category Manager of Guitar Wireless (http://line6.com/relay) Products at Line 6. "They were built from the ground up, for guitarists by guitarists, to provide unprecedented performance on all fronts that matter to musicians: tone, dynamics, dependability, and ease of use. Plus, they're approved and ready to tour all over the world." The Relay line, which includes two stompbox-style systems and one rack-mountable system, delivers the kind of high-quality audio normally associated with expensive audio cables. The digital wireless systems provide full-range 10Hz-20kHz frequency response, exceedingly low noise with up to 120dB dynamic range (compared to the 50Hz-15kHz frequency response and >90dB dynamic range offered by comparable analog wireless systems), and studio-quality resolution with 24-bit A/D conversion.

The digital transmission is protected by a variety of proprietary technologies. VWT(TM) (Virtual Wire Transmission) ensures a cable-like performance, and DCL(TM) (Digital Channel Lock) technology ensures dependability by locking out all sources of interference. With all channels available all the time, complex channel co-ordination and searching are simply not required.

Built for worldwide use, Relay digital wireless systems broadcast in the 2.4GHz band. This avoids signal interference created by high-power sources and analog wireless systems. It also certifies that Relay digital wireless systems (http://line6.com/relay) will operate with the same audio quality and ease in every country and region that they are used.

Other innovations featured in each system include cable tone simulation, out-of-the-box operation, and internally mounted antennas.

Relay G30, a six channel stompbox-style system released earlier this year into European markets, has garnered critical acclaim. The system was named "Guitar Accessory of the Year, 2009" by MusicRadar.com, the #1 website for musicians. "It's time to be brave and cut that cord," wrote MusicRadar.com. "The freedom afforded by a reliable and good-sounding wireless system shouldn't be underestimated. Line 6 has truly picked up the baton." Steve Stevens, legendary guitarist for Billy Idol and others, remarks about Relay G30: "I am stunned by how amazing it sounds. Did [Line 6] make a pact with the devil? Because there are systems that cost well over $3,000 that sound nowhere near as good. It is also such a refreshing aspect that it uses a normal quarter-inch cable." Billy Sheehan, in-demand bassist and songwriter whose resume includes David Lee Roth, Mr. Big and Steve Vai, offers "[Relay G30] sounds excellent! [It has] lots of great features nobody else thought of - like the 1/4 inch jack!" "I just wanted to let you know how great I think the [Relay G30] wireless units are," wrote Alex Suarez, bassist for New York City synth-pop band Cobra Starship, in an email to Line 6. "I really couldn't believe how compact the units actually were. And I like how simple and easy it all runs together. They sound and work great. Its compact size makes it really easy to bring overseas too!" Relay G30 ($419.99 MSPR) is now available in the United States and around the world. Relay G50 ($559.99 MSRP), the 12-channel stompbox-style system, and Relay G90 ($839.99 MSRP), the 12-channel rack-mountable system, will be available worldwide March, 2010.

 

[SkyhighRocks]

musicians friend says march 12th on the relay

 

[5150GSX]

I have the rackmount X2 and I love it. I ordered a Sennheiser 172 and cancelled that order and got the X2 when I found them for equal prices. The other guitarist in my band uses the Sennheiser and while I think it's one of the best wireless systems on the market, I still think the X2 is better. It's more transparent, has unity gain (like someone already said) so there is no "companding" to the signal, has a very accurate battery life meter on both the receiver and the transmitter. While it feels pretty flimsy and cheap, it's actually quite strong. It was designed to be lightweight. I have no complaints with mine except yes it does eat batteries pretty quickly. If there isn't a lot of radio frequencies in the area you can run the unit on the "2 antennae" mode and you'll buy yourself an extra 1.5 hours out of the 9 volt battery. Signal is noiser though so it's usually not worth it.

I personally have had great luck with my X2.

 

[gkinsingapore]

I've been using the Relay G30 for 2 months now. Its a great unit and amazing value for the money.

The batteries are good for one gig and thats it. I've left the transmitter on accidentally a few times between a sound check and gig to have them go flat on me. At least they are AA's so you can always replace them easily if you get caught.

2 negatives, the supplied cable aint that great and its on the short side so I've replaced that. Also the way the transmitter attaches itself to the guitar strap can easily drop off and I did one gig with it in my pocket for that reason. Now I tape it to the strap but that makes battery access difficult in a hurry.

Overall though it is a great unit. I haven't used wireless since the early 90's when it was a big trade off between convenience and noise which made my purchase of the Line 6 a little tentative. But I am well pleased with this one.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Wow the Brace audio seems really great for the $149 price tag! It seems Brace beat line6 to the punch in the US with the 2.4 gigahertz wireless audio.

Damn another one...