Stageclix Wireless Review

[paulmapp8306]

So, I got hold of a stageclix wireless system this week.

Firstsly, Ive had both VHF and UHF systems before, Including expensive Sennheiser ones. Ive never been completely happy. OK, in a full band context the shortfalls are minimal, but I could never get over the loss of low and high freq from the Compander.

A compander for those who dont know is a compressor/expander. To get a guitar signal to fit an analoge band it needs compressing - then its expanded at the other end of the chain. However like converting CD to MP3, when you go back the other way its never quite the same. there is lost information that cant be recovered.

Also - with the probable sell off of the freqs most wireless systems use looming - I didnt want to spend a fortune on an analog system for it to be worthless in a couple of years.

I like the idea of digital systems (though some people wont get over the digital bit - prefering to stay pure analogue) because it used DACs to convert the signal to 1s and 0s - so no compander problems. Also the Freqs used are well out of the sell off area.

Recently the Line 6 Relay became available - but having looked at it it has shortfalls. Plastic (at least feeling) casings, loose transmitter connections (so Ive heard) and a belt pack (I prefer the guitar bug ststems). I had heard of Stageclix 6 months or so back, so did some investigating and went for one of those.

Its not cheap at £400 (shop around - rrp is £440 but they can be found for the £400 quoted) - but thats only £50 more than the Line 6 relay, and with Sennheiser Evolution G3s starting at around £500 its not overpriced.

I comes in its own padded case - which helps with transport, and consists of a small metal bodied receiver, a composite bodied guitar bug transmiter, an small antena, power supply and patch cable. For those who need a beltpack - either through choice or because of guitar design, there is a leather belt pack available to house the guitar bug, and it comes with an extension cable to connect you guitar to it.




Size wise its really neat. The receiver is the same size as a DS, and the knuckle on the guitar bug is really well made.




There are no menus, Its plug and play. If you need to change channel, just press the bugs on/off button while its docked to the receiver (see later) theres 12 to choose from.

On the front are 3 LEDs. One shows power, one shows a signal is received, and one shows battery charge status. The bug comes with a re-chargeable battery fitted. Fully charged (8 hours) it gives 15 hours playing time. A 3 hour charge from flat gives around 4 hours. Its charged by inserting it into the jack socket on front of the receiver. Nothing else needed. No spare batteries, no mid gig cuttouts, no seperate chargers and fiddle battery replacments on a dark stage.

On the rear is the output jack and antenna connection. The antenna is a universal joint so you can have it any way you like.

Soundwise - the system is completely silent !! I had it next to my computer wireless internet connection (using the same freq) and two monitors with no interferance at all. It uses 3 freqs within each channel simultaneously - so no channel hopping if one signal drops out. Range is said to be 100m LOS. Havent tested that yet, but Ive been 10m away through 3 walls and it was JUST beginning to crackle.

Tonally theres almost no difference from my Klotz LaGrange cable. If anything its a little clearer and sharper - no cable capacitance. Theres no compensation like the line 6, but I dont think it needs one. You could always run a longer patch cable from receiver to amp if you wanted some roll off.

Im really chuffed with this system. Its high quality sound, high quality rugged build (unlike the relay) and is dead easy to use. Is it a must have? no, is it worth £400? definately if you have the money. Mines going nowhere !!!

[Sporky_McGuffin]

Companding is actually just a noise-reduction technique - it affects dynamic range (if done badly) not frequency response.

Any loss of bass and/or treble isn't down to companding.

[basstony]

Hi PaulMapp8306,

This is Tony Reeves from MTR Ltd, distributors of stageClix in the UK and Ireland. Thanks for the nice review, can I have your permission to quote the last 2 lines on our website?

Best
Tony

[ddlooping]

Thanks for the review, Paul.

[paulmapp8306]

Hi Basstony. Didnt realise you were on here !!

you can use the quote if you so wish.

[samgoldshark]

Thanks for doing the review - its really helpful!

I'll be getting when when I can afford it!

Sam

[basstony]

Originally Posted by ddlooping

Thanks for the review, Paul.

Darren Mackay at The Bass Merchant in Colchester has got one in stock if you want to try it out.

Best

Tony Reeves

[basstony]

Originally Posted by paulmapp8306

Hi Basstony. Didnt realise you were on here !!

you can use the quote if you so wish.

Thanks, it's up there now http://mtraudio.com/stageclix.htm