It's pretty easy to explain the difference
between affordable and expensive wireless systems: the more costly the system, the less you
have to worry about your sound cutting out or extraneous radio signales intruding on your show.
Since all modern diversity wireless systems are designed to minimize the chance that your local
cab dispatch will make an unrequested appearance in your performance, the question becomes one of
how much you are willing to pay to make such a thing virtually impossible. Our two review units
nicely illustrate what can you can expect from the affordable and mid-priced areas of the market
The Electar SD-1000 wireless system is available direct from the cost-effectvie MusicYo online
store and offers guitarists a very affordable entree into the wireless world. The SD-1000 operates
in the VHF bandwidth, a fairl busy chunk of the spectrum that handles all sorts of radio signals
While this increases the chance of signal interference. Electar has equipped the receiver unit woth a diversity
system to combat such problems and maintain a strong signal. By using two antennas and a monitoring circuit,
the receiver automatically shifts to the stronger of the two signals (a pair of LED indicators show shich channnel
is active at any given time).
The receiver is housed in a slim, robust plastic casing and features just a singtle volume contro. Other
controls and jacks incldude a power switch with an LED that glows to indicate that the power adaptor(supplied)
is properly connnected, front-end coaxial jacks for the two antennas and a quarter-inch output on the unit's rear
to send the signal to your amp. The SDG-1000T transmitter pack consists of a small plactic case with a steel belt clip,
hard-wired instrument cable and three-position mode switch (Off, Standby, and On) with a power check LED for peace of mind.
In use, the SD-1000 performed well to the limits of the test area and managed to keep a tight grip on our guitar's signal.
The SD-1000 cut some of the high-end brilliance from our guitar tone, but we were able to replenish it with a little eq tweaking
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LIST PRICES
Electar SD-1000 $99.99;
Samson AirLine $499.99;
Individual AF1 or AG1
transmitter; $269.99
MANUFACTURERS
www.MusicYo.com
Samson Technologies
Corp. 575 Underhill Blvd.,
PO Box 9031, Sysosset,
NY 11791-9031; (800)372-
6766; fax: (516) 364-3888
www.samsontech.com
at the amp and a generous dose of volume on the receiver unit. Most importantly, there was no loss of signal or any significant
interference during use, which is the acid test for any wireless system.
The Samson Airline system represents the mid-price range for wireless units, and has to be the most compact wireless system on the market.
The tiny pod-shaped AF1 transmitter pack fits directly into the guitar's output and even features a specially angled,gold-plated plug designed to fit recessed Stratocaster sockets.
The AF1 features a soft, 3-inch antenna "tail," power switches and a 15dB pad, in case your pickups are hot enough to overload the system.
The unit runs off a small AAA battery, which should provide about 14 hours operation, and includes a low power LED indicator. The AG1 model transmitter fits all standard guitar jacks and has all the features of the AF1.
In addition, the transmitters can be purchased individually, should you need both models.
The AP1 receiver is not only the size of a stompbox but Samson has designed it to look like one, right down to the faux foot pad.
However, this light-hearted design contains some pretty serious electronics that offer wireless power equivalent to Samson's fullsize units.
The AP1 minimizes the risk of interference by operating in the less-crowded UHF frequency range and by employing diversity technology.
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The unit features two small antennas that sit in protective cradles for transport, then swivel into position for performance.
There is also a power switch with a pair of dual-color LEDs that monitor power status/low battery and transmission/peak warning respectively, and the level control has a separate range for actvie and high power pickups.
The AP1 can be powered by the supplied DC adaptor or with a nine-volt battery housed under the "footswitch."
The battery bay also holds a small screwdriver for adjusting the squelch trimpot on the rear of the unit.
In use, the AirLine system performed flawlessly. It maintained a string, clear signal at all times, with no detectable interference.
Using the 15dB pad and high output level range, the tone of our hot humbucker-equipped Strat stayed fat but clear, with perfect reproduction.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Both units performed well thanks to their diversity technology, but the decision of which one to buy will be a matter of price and features.
For those on a tight budget, the highly affordable Electar system is hard to beat. If you want to step up to UHF and crystal-clear reporoduction, then look to the super-compact Samxon Airline.
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