PROS: Great sound, versatile.
CONS: Transmitter’s plastic construction.
PRICE: $349 (street)
In the past, wireless systems were big, and the sound quality varied. Now Audio-Technica has a digital system that sits on your pedalboard.
The receiver is a decent size and has a robust metal construction. The display gives the important info, the signal info, transmitter’s battery power, and a peak/overload indicator. Two 1/4” TRS outputs sit on one side. A standard size footswitch lets the guitarist switch between the outputs: such as connecting one to a tuner, and another to the remaining signal chain. A small selector on the back allows this to also act as a mute. Power comes from the included wall wart, but it also can be used with a pedalboard’s power supply, such as one by Voodoo Lab.
The transmitter is a decent size, allowing indication of power via its LEDs, and a single button turns it on or can act as a mute. It’s powered by two AA batteries that hide under its plastic case.
These days digital is the standard when it comes to wireless, and System 10 ensures plenty of clarity without any interference from outside sources, however it’s suggested to keep the receiver 30 feet away from a Wi-Fi transmitter. Like most wireless systems, the higher fidelity gives a lot more signal, and can add a bit more high end, so depending upon tastes, some EQ may be in order. The range is decent, working well up to about 70’ or so.
At a $350 street price the sound is great, and overall it’s a great system, but the transmitter’s construction should be as robust as the receiver. The plastic-cased transmitter feels as if one good fall or some time spent knocking around the inside of a tour van could really damage it – but that’s a minor complaint. Keep it in a good travel case or pedalboard carrier and you’ll be fine.
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FEATURES
- Stompbox-styled receiver
- Footswitch for output modes and muting
- Advanced 24-bit operation in the 2.4GHz range
- Automatic frequency scanning finds an open channel at the touch of a button
- Pair up to 8 transmitters to a single receiver
- True-diversity operation selects the better signal from the 2 receiver sections, reducing dropouts
- Balanced TRS 1/4″ output jacks enable use with a wide variety of audio gear