Top 8 Best Wireless System for Bass w/ Review (2022)

Do you want to be liberated from the conundrum of instrument cables? Are you looking for a hi-tech and reliable wireless system than can handle bass guitars without any performance issues? We’ve got just the thing for you. A good digital wireless unit gives you the freedom to prance around the stage and strut up to the crowd during a gnarly solo. However, wireless systems are not just a means to mobility. They look neat and organized and save you the trouble of constantly sorting out cables. Besides gigs, you can also use them for more comfort in studios, rehearsals, and home practice.

But with so many wireless systems on the market, very few of them make any distinction as ‘bass friendly’ units. So, will they all work, if not, which one is right for a bassist? It can be confusing to sift through all the unambiguous information and dozens of specs. Moreover, it is important to understand the capabilities of a unit before you commit to using it for a live performance. The wrong choice can make this process more tedious rather than simple and it may also lead to an embarrassing scenario while gigging.

There are analog and digital wireless systems that bassists can use but we have decided to focus most of our attention on the digital units, which stand out in the case. They offer better frequency response and do a much better job at preserving the low end. We have scanned through all the products available in 2020 to compile the ultimate list of bass-friendly digital wireless systems. Based on your needs and budget, any of these can become a permanent part of your rig. So without further ado, let us get straight to the reviews.

#1 Line 6 Relay G10S Digital Wireless System for Guitar/Bass

Product Specs:

• Operating Freq. Band: 2.4 GHz
• Latency < 2.9ms
• Line-in-sight: 130 ft (40 meter)
• 6 hours of playtime
• Audio Quality: 24-bit, 48 kHz
• 9V DC or 1 Lithium Ion Battery

Line 6 is a big name among guitar and bass brands and they have been making wireless systems for 20+ years. After the initial success of the products, they spend big chunk of the budget to support cutting-edge research and development of hi-tech wireless systems. The Relay series is their most recent nu-gen offering with proprietary state-of-the-art technology.

The G10S is compact, classy and sturdier than many of its competitors. The rugged metal casing is built to survive the dangers of constant gigging. It is super easy to use and has versatile power options. The G10T runs on a rechargeable battery and the 9V DC power unit allows you to either use a power adapter or connect it to your pedalboard brick/supply. The battery automatically hibernates (sleep mode) when not in use which substantially increases the playtime you get from a single charge.

The Cable Tone technology really adds a lot of value to this product. This proprietary Line 6 technology results in a pristine 24-bit tone that redefines lossless digital sound. It has exemplary realism, a wide frequency response and terrific dynamic range.

The Line 6 Relay G10S is designed for high-performance and will fulfill all the needs of a professional musician. It is a top shelf Wireless System that reproduces a clear and accurate instrument tone and is loaded with specs and features. Furthermore, the G10S is compatible with other Line 6 wireless systems like the G30, G50 and G90.

Product Highlights:

• 6 hours of play time + 150 hours sleep mode
• Digital Channel Lock (DCL) – Automatic frequency
• 24-bit lossless digital audio quality
• Dock based receiver that charges transmitter
• Rock solid metal construction

#2NUX B-5RC Wireless Guitar System

• Operating Freq. Band: 2.4 GHz
• Latency < 5ms
• Line-in-sight: 50 feet (15 meters)
• 4 hours of playtime
• Audio Quality: 24-bit, 44.1 KHz
• Built-in Battery – 3.7V/500mA

The NUX B-5RC delivers interference-free 24-bit high quality audio at the 2.4 GHz frequency range. The unit offers great wireless freedom with less than 5ms of latency. It requires no setup and produces fast-matched consistent audio without any breakup. The product includes a receiver, transmitter and a Power Case that doubles up as a portable battery charger.

The B-5 unit is hassle-free and requires nothing more than a long press of power button on both devices. Plug the receiver to your amp/pedal and plug the transmitter into your guitar – we are good to go. Thanks to the top notch Auto-match tech, this transmitter and receiver pair super-fast and with a short click to on the transmitter power button you can also activate the mute function.

The battery life is reasonably good but a tad underwhelming compared to some other units. Either way, the 4-hour playtime is sufficient for most applications and the unit auto-shuts down after 10 minutes of idle time. The Power Case works as a charge station and provides three additional charges of 15 hours of battery life. Overall, the charging options and battery life are above average, and they should cause no foreseeable issues to professionals.

The B-5 maintains a high level of signal clarity under high stress and performs equally well with acoustic, electric and bass guitars. It can work with almost every type of generic piezo or magnetic pickup.

 In conclusion, the NUX B-5RC is a lightweight, durable and highly compatible unit with great specs and an above average battery life. The technology and styling are up to date and the product pricing offers great value.

Product Highlights:

• The charging chase 9 hours battery life
• Auto Match & Mute Function
• 3 additional charges with Power Case
• Compatible w/ Active or Passive Bass
• First-rate quality at an affordable price

#3 Shure PGXD14 Digital Wireless System (Body Pack)

Product Specs:

• Operating Freq. Band: 2.4GHz
• Freq. Range: 20Hz – 20kHZ
• Latency < 3.5ms
• 10 hour playtime
• Audio Quality: 24 bit 48kHZ sound
• Two AA batteries

Shure is a big name when it comes to on-stage and studio equipment. The PGXd14 is one of their bestselling digital wireless systems for guitars and bass.  The unit includes the PGHD1 body pack transmitter, PGXD4 receiver, WA304 instrument cable, a carrying case and user manual. It can be powered by 2 AA batteries (not included).

While it works well for active/passive bass guitars, you can plug-in the receiver to any ¼” line-line instrument out. The resulting 24-bit audio and is reliable with no break up and loss-less sound. The gain knob on the body pack, clean RF signal, and the auto-sync feature add to the digital diversity of the unit. The playtime is 8 to 9 hours with 2 standard AA batteries but it doesn’t have auto-mute or auto-hibernate functions. The battery life and performance is stellar but the lack of a rechargeable battery may add some marginal costs in the long run.

You can repeat setups or reset the device when needed. It works well with both active and passive instruments and remains a popular choice for bass guitars. The transmitter has a single output/input so you won’t be able to use it for two instruments at the same time. However, you can swap the instrument instantaneously because it takes no setup time i.e. you can hook the transmitter to your strap and or belt and swap bass guitars as and when needed.

The Shure PGXD14 remains a popular choice for gigging musicians due to the lasting battery, easy setup and no drop outs. The extended audio-range, pristine audio quality and heavy-duty construction make this a formidable unit in this category. The only improvement

Product Highlights:

• Auto frequency selection & clean RF signal
• Reliable audio signal without breakup
• Easy to use with no setup required
• Heavy-duty construction
• No rechargeable battery option

#4 Xvive U2 Rechargeable Guitar Wireless System

• Operating Freq. Band: 2.4GHz
• Freq. Range: 20Hz – 20kHZ
• Latency < 6ms
• Line-of-sight: 70 to 100 Feet
• 4 to 5 hours playtime
• Audio Quality: 24 bit 48kHZ sound

The Xvive U2 is a plug and play digital wireless system that has been gaining popularity due to its simple design, high performance and humble price tag. It belongs to the new line of units that have deviated from the traditional body pack design to USB-charged compact units with swiveling plugs. The product contains 1 wireless transmitter, 1 wireless receiver, a USB cable, carry bag and an instruction manual.

The ABS plastic construction of the Xvive U2 is undoubtedly sturdy, but it is not as heavy-duty as other metal cased units on this list are. The sound quality is great and the latency is negligible. IT offers 24-bit resolution and delivers an uncompressed clean tone. There is no noticeable difference in audio quality when compared to a high-quality guitar cable.  One of the stand-out features of the Xvive U2 is the quick charge (less than two hours) and good battery life. A full charge will give you 5 hours of playtime.

One of the other downsides of the unit is that it does not work for active bass guitars. It also doesn’t fit all guitar types like the Ibanez SR series. However, it has a Bluetooth connectivity feature which makes it the perfect wireless system of home and studio use.

The unit is so portable that it can fit in your pocket without any issues and it is so simple to use that you don’t even need to touch the user manual. It isn’t the perfect wireless system but like all Xvive products, it gives the big brands a run for their money with a good balance of value and cost.

Product Highlights:

• Four channels + uncompressed conversion
• Good range and high quality audio signal
• Will not work with active pickups
• Compact form factor & easy to store
• Amazon’s Choice with over 1800 glowing reviews

#5 Donner DWS 2 & 3 – Digital rechargeable wireless system

• Operating Freq. Band: 2.4GHz
• Freq. Range: 20Hz – 20kHZ
• Latency < 6ms
• Line-of-sight: 100+ Feet
• 5 to 6 hours playtime
• Audio Quality: 24 bit 48kHZ sound

The Donner DWS-2 was a popular choice among musicians and retained its hold on the bestselling list as Amazon’s Choice. Donner now offers the new plug-and-play DWS-3 version with better specs and battery life at a reasonably affordable price. Both units have a 180-degree rotatable ¼” plug that is compatible with any instrument. The DWS-3 is larger than the DWS2 unit on account of the inbuilt lithium battery.

When fully charged, the battery can clock up to 150 minutes of stage usage. It is fully rechargeable via standard USB adaptors. Additionally, you also receive a spare set of batteries with the product purchase that can be charged in advance to use as a backup or add-on. It works well with all types of instrument sizes and shapes and performs equally well with active or passive bass guitars.

Just like the DWS-2, the new unit offers 4-channel availability, which means you can operate four units in the same band/space without any signal interference. There is no noticeable drop out or any flagging issues with either version. The connection is stable no matter how much you wander about in the line-of-sight. The <2.5 ms latency on the DWS-3 is ultra-short and the tone is high quality. The tone doesn’t exhibit any signs of compression or signal compromise. There is no difference between the sound of the DWS 2/3 and a high-quality jack-to-jack cable.

They don’t influence the capacitance and there is no treble roll off. The stable connectivity, above average battery performance and first-rate sound quality make this unit a viable option for gigging bassists. If you want a longer battery life, you can opt for the DWS-3 which offers 6 hours of continuous use, but the batteries are built-in (fixed) and cannot be removed.

Overall, the Donner DWS-3 is a high quality digital transmission wireless system that offers wireless freedom, commendable battery life and loss-less sound quality without any delay.

Product Highlights:

• Good specs and construction
• Reliable for stage use
• Active bass compatible
• 6 hours play time
• Good Budget Option

#6 Getaria 2.5 GHz Digital Wireless System for Guitar and Bass

• Operating Freq. Band: 2.4GHz
• Freq. Range: 20Hz – 20kHZ
• Latency < 6ms
• Line-of-sight: 98 ft
• 5 to 6 hours playtime
• Audio Quality: 16 bit 48kHZ sound

Getaria leads the way in manufacturing cheap wireless guitar systems without compromising the quality or toning down the specs. They have gained a massive fan following on e-commerce platforms in recent years due to their high-performance and affordability. They retain a firm grip on the list of best-selling products on Amazon and other music gear platforms.

The Getaria 2.4 GHz is a viable option if you are looking for a low-budget entry-level wireless system for your bass. The outer plastic casing isn’t as durable as metal housing on other units, and the 16-bit audio is relatively inferior but great for the price. This may not be the first choice for professional musicians but it can easily serve the needs of intermediate and semi-pro bassists.

It is a small unit that can fit in your pocket but at the same time, it may not survive rough use as the outer layer of food-grade plastic may crack if you drop it. It has a 180-degree rotating head that can be maneuvered easily and will fit any instrument that uses a ¼” jack. 

The receiver and transmitter have a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that can be charged using the appropriate USB adaptor. The battery life is reasonably good for the price. It supports a 1:1 acoustic and electric guitar transmission and the connectivity is secure and stable. Additionally, you can use 6 of devices at the same time in a space without any interference.

Overall, this may not be ideal if you are a professional playing big arenas or large venues but it can be a good budget-buy for serious bassists who want a digital wireless system for small to medium gigs and rehearsals. It is a reliable unit with good specs at a very cheap price.

Product Highlights:

• Good for Beginner or Intermediate Players
• Best Budget Option
• Pocket-sized and easy to setup
• Built-in memory and auto-recall feature
• Good line-of-sight and stable connection
• Outer Plastic Casing and 16-bit audio

#7 Boss WL-20 and WL-20L Digital Wireless System

• Operating Freq. Band: 2.4 GHz
• Latency < 2.3ms
• Audio Quality: 24-bit, 44.1 KHz
• Line-in-sight: 50ft (15 meters)
• Built-in rechargeable battery
• 10 to 12 hours playtime

The WL-20 enters the arena like a Boss and offers premium audio quality with rock-solid stability. It offers an ultra-low latency (<2.3ms), the best in the segment, and the usual range of 15 meters – line of sight propagation under normal conditions. It is an auto-setup unit, which means you don’t need to fiddle with the channels and it will work seamlessly once you dock the transmitter and receiver together for a few seconds until the select the optimum connection.

The WL-20 was designed to reproduce the exact same capacitive effect as a 3 meter guitar cable. Additionally, it is as simple to use as a cable too. You just plug in the transmitter into your instrument and plug the receiver to your amp/pedal or mixer. There is no recognizable difference in sound quality when compared to a high quality guitar cable.

Furthermore, it is compatible with all instruments that use a ¼” jack and supports both active and passive bass guitars. The built-in batteries can be charges either individually using a micro USB adaptor, or simultaneously using the standard USB that you use to charge your tablet or phone. With 10 hours of playtime, the WL-20 takes most other units in this list to the cleaners.

The WL-20 is the ideal choice if you use passive pickups. It has a built-in cable tone simulation that mimics a guitar cable and rolls of a little high-end to reproduce the sound you are familiar with when using a normal cable. You can opt for the WL-20L (same product without cable tone simulation) if you don’t want this feature or if you want to retain the capacitance or use active pickups. Kudos to Boss for this option as it shows consideration towards the intricate needs of musicians.

Between the WL-20 and WL-20L, you will be hard pressed to find a unit that can beat the performance, design and quality of this product. It is a highly dynamic and premium plug-and-play unit that eliminates the hassles of gigging without compromising the audio quality.

Product Highlights:

• Dynamic range and ultra-low latency
• Top-shelf construction & components
• Active/Passive Bass Compatible
• 10+ hours of playtime
• Amazon’s Choice w/ exemplary customer reviews

#8 Audio Technica ATW-1101/G System 10 Wireless Unit

Product Specs:

• Operating Freq. Band: 2.4 GHz
• Latency < 2.3ms
• Audio Quality: 24-bit, 48kHz
• Line-in-sight: 98ft (30 meters)
• Built-in rechargeable battery
• 10 to 12 hours playtime

The product includes the ATW-T1001 UniPak transmitter, ATW-R10100 receiver and the AT-GcW bass input cable. It operates seamlessly in the 2.4 GHz range without any white noise or single dropout. It has a wide frequency response and a 109dB dynamic range which works very well with bass guitars. The receiver has a plastic casing and two front-mounted antennas for spatial diversity.

The ATW-1101/G is super easy to setup and operate. Attach one end of the GcW cable to the transmitter and the other to your instrument. The unit is auto-pairs and using it is just a plug and play affair. It can operate with 8 units at the same time so it is ideal for multiple performs in a band. It is equally simple to change System ID for multiple unit usage and takes under a minute to get it done. 

It has an amazing low-end response that is ideal for bass players but it is not energy efficient. The transmitter uses two AA batteries that can provide 2 to 3 hours of playtime. Moreover, it doesn’t have an auto-hibernate or auto-shut down function to reduce battery usage. Overall, the unit doesn’t rank among the most battery efficient products on this list.

The AT System 10 unit offers exemplary audio quality with no distinguishable difference from a wired instrument. It is compatible it active and passive bass guitars and there is no compressed audio signal. The high digital conversion rate responds very well to electric guitars, piezo-equipped instruments and even the hot active electronics of modern bass guitars. You can also adjust the trim pot located inside the receiver to accommodate hot active pickups. AT has included a small plastic screwdriver inside the UniPak to make it easier. 

This is an outstanding unit that vindicates the price tag with a solid performance and state of the art technology. It is a gig-ready unit that can serve the needs of any professional musician as long as you are okay with a tabletop only device.

Product highlights:

• Professional Audio Quality
• Good line-of-sight and realism
• Dependable connective without any drop-outs
• Easy to setup and operate
• Outstanding value for price

A Final Word:

In the past few years, digital wireless technology has made serious advances to bridge the performance gap between a wired instrument and a wireless connection. There is no dearth of units that offer 100+ feet of line-of-sight without any drop-outs or signal break up. They have the same dynamics and realism as a ¼” jack and can be used in a wide variety of scenarios. Furthermore, they can be a great tool for home practice, rehearsals, jamming and live performance.

The technological advances and wireless convenience has encouraged many top professionals to include them in their stage and studio rigs. Our list has narrowed the choices and provided detailed reviews so that you too can make an informed purchase and keep up with the latest trends. We hope it will help you find the ideal digital wireless system for your bass guitar. As always – Happy Hunting!

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