The Wireless XONE

I’ve long coveted both wireless for my Guitar and wireless for my Vocals. To be able to jump off the stage and play amongst people is a very interesting concept to me. The only way that I (Will) can do it in XONE, is if I have wireless for both since I play guitar and sing. This idea has led me into a three-year hunt for wireless products adaptable to my particular situation and needs.

I took my first step into wireless in 2005, when I purchased the Shure PG14 Guitar wireless system. My friend Brian got me a great deal at Guitar Center. Over a two-month period, I attempted to integrate the PG14 into my current rig of (Ibanez RG1570>Line 6 Vetta HD>Marshall 1960A cab). It didn’t work. The PG14 took all the “life” out of my killer custom Vetta patches. A friend at the Institute Of Noise Vetta Forum had the same problem with his PG14.

Obviously, the PG14 wouldn’t work for guitar, but I found out that I could get a nice Headworn Condenser mic for my PG14, since the UT14 UHF Shure Receiver was the same for vocals. The condenser mic was awesome and totally transformed my ability to play guitar, stomp-switch patches on my Vetta FBV floorboard, and hold long notes in certain parts. I didn’t have to stand in front of a mic stand to play and sing anymore. I was sold! We played a bunch of shows with that rig and I never got interference once on my headset.

I still never gave up on getting wireless for the guitar, but I had already put together a very large stage setup for myself with my two Ibanez RGs, Vetta HD, Marshall 1960A cab, FBV Footcontroller, Shure Headset Mic and receiver, Behringer Shark Feedback Destroyer, and TC Helicon VoiceLive Vocal effects processor. Adding to this complex setup isn’t easy. I had to build a custom floorboard to mount my FBV, Shark, and VoiceLive on so that they took way less time to setup at a show. I loved my sound, but I had created a massive gear setup issue.

Recently, I was given two college graduation gifts. I had wanted a Ferrari, but what musician needs that? You can’t use it in your live rig! So I got a newer Shure WCM16 Headworn Mic that has a HyperCardioid, Unidirectional Condenser Microphone in it. It will allow less noise bleed through my mic ( and the VL).

And I got an AKG WMS 40 Guitar BUG wireless guitar system.
The Bug is this tiny little transmitter that connect to both Gibson-style and Fender-style guitar input jacks and allows complete wireless freedom. I’m going to mount the receiver on a new custom floorboard that I’m building today to accommodate all my pedals and allow easy setup at shows.

I’m now completely wireless. Expect me to be standing next you during my next live solo…