4 Wireless Guitar Systems With A Built-In Tuner Pedal

Isn’t it always nice to buy a 2 in 1 deal for basically anything?
A wireless guitar system and a tuner integrated into one pedal placed conveniently on your pedalboard.

Music and audio technology has a come a long way, and rather quickly. Four pedal wireless guitar systems have a quality built-in tuner. They can also be mistaken as an ordinary tuner. These units are not only a 2 in 1 deal that saves space on your pedalboard but also eliminates an extra step to setting up your wireless guitar system.

Line 6 Relay G70

Not only a pedal wireless guitar system that also has an integrated tuner, but the Line 6 G70 is 5 different pedals in 1. 

1. Wireless Guitar System
2. Tuner
3. ABY Switcher
4. Direct Box
5. Gain Pedal

There is no other wireless guitar system on the planet with this combination. To get into tuner mode, you must hold down the stomp button for 2 seconds. By just clicking the stomp button, you change channels. The Line 6 G 70’s transmitter and receiver are made of rugged metal, it is designed for longevity and to withstand the harsh environments of touring. You can switch between multiple transmitters by tapping on the pedal when changing channels as well.  

Of the 16 different channels on this system, you can set up and customize each of them in any way you prefer under the “Add Scene” Tab in settings. You can customize and name each channel in various ways including gain, cable length simulator, or change the LCD brightness/colors for each channel.

In the settings of the receiver, it gives you the option to simulate cable length anywhere from 5-100 feet of length, or you can just turn cable simulation off. The gain setting allows you to increase up to +12dB or decrease to -18dB where you can set the gain to an output of your choice. 

There are two ways to power the receiver, either a USB or a DC 9V that most pedal power supplies have. The receiver has an XLR output and a ground lift on its top head. On the right side of the receiver is an extra aux-in jack that may save you in a bad situation. If the receiver does not sense the transmitter in a bad signal area, it will automatically use the aux-in for the input for all the patches.

The receiver shows the battery playtime left in hours and minutes on its front screen, although using rechargeable batteries, like Tenergy, tend to make the battery reading inaccurate.

The line 6 G70 is a digital wireless system where the transmitter uses a quarter-inch cable, yet the cable that comes with it has a nice cable lock. For minimizing dropouts, the receiver has a built-in quad-antenna array with advanced dual receiver topology for signal reliability and strength. When opening the transmitter by pressing the buttons on the side while pulling it vertically, within it gives you the option to change channels, change batteries, putting the transmitter into sleep mode, or attaching a USB for updates.

Details/Tech specs

Pros-

• 5 in 1 deal wireless guitar system, gain pedal, ABY switch, Tuner, and Direct box.
• Made of Metal for durability and longevity 
• Made with Studio quality DAC and ADC converters
• Abnormally low latency at 1.48 milliseconds
• Extra aux-in jack
• Output C (XLR direct in) gives you the ability to send a balanced or full ranged signal with 120dB 
• Great Tone 
• 24-bit/48kHz uncompressed digital transmission
• Built-in quad-antenna array with advanced dual receiver topology for signal reliability and strength
• Gain setting allows you to increase up to +12dB or decrease to -18dB
• Ground lift switch attached for DI
• Receiver shows transmitters battery life
• Compatible with active pickups

Cons-

• The metal clip on the transmitter for attaching to your guitar/bass strap has many complaints. To fix this, get a Neotech wireless pouch.
• Many reviews claim dropouts occur, although some claim its rare, others claim frequently.
• Low battery life (8 hours) compared to Shure GLXD 16 (16 hours)
• 2 AA disposable batteries needed
• Does not work well with rechargeable batteries
• Reviews claim tuner doesn’t work well with banjo
• Some claim the possibility of extra noise

Shure GLXD 16

The Shure GLXD 16 was picked for our Best Wireless Guitar System Of 2019 and rightfully so. This system is not at 5 in 1 deal like the line 6 G70, but the Shure GLXD 16 wireless/tuner is unbeatable in many important areas.

1. Reliability -Signal strength and reliability is unbeatable 
2. Durability- Able to last long/withstand touring and climate conditions
3. Tone- No difference when tested against a Mogami cable
4. Convenience- Auto setup simplicity, never need to change channels or sync it after 1st use, pedalboard attachable. 
5. Battery- The best battery life of every single wireless guitar system series at 16 hours. Uses a lithium-ion rechargeable battery charged by USB on the transmitter.
6. Absolute Best Bang For Your Buck- According to our extensive research and personal experience, we were unable to find a system nearly as efficient as the Shure GLXD-16 for the price at $449 on Amazon

It is very possible to find many current wireless guitar systems that can match quality cable tone, yet it is rare to see a system with ZERO recorded dropouts like the GLXD 16. I personally have been through 5 wireless guitar systems, the only system that has never dropped out on me ever (17 months) is my current wireless, the Shure GLXD 16.
This unit is considered the most reliable wireless guitar system from our research, reviews, and personal experience.

Shure GLXD systems are of the only systems that feature Shure’s state of the art LINKFREQ automatic frequency management and bidirectional communication that lets your transmitter automatically link to your receiver and follow any frequency changes.

Each channel uses six different frequencies that continuously scan to monitor the frequencies condition. After that, it transmits the audio signal on the three clearest audio frequency of the six available. If one of the frequencies get interference or conditions deteriorate, it automatically changes to a backup frequency without interrupting the audio. This is why GLXD systems have been raved about for signal clarity and reliability. This system is an easy set up that automatically links the receiver and transmitter together. There is no need to set channels or mess with settings.

The Shure GLXD 16 transmitter and receiver is made out of metal for durability and longevity like the line 6 G70. Keep in mind, the majority of wireless transmitters are made of ABS plastic, which is far less roadworthy.

For complete protection of your transmitter for any wireless you decide to get, make sure to add the Neotech Wireless Pouch. Metal alone will not necessarily protect your transmitter from moisture/sweat.

For Tone, I’m going to let this video speak for itself: Shure GLXD 16 v.s High-Quality Mogami Cable

On top of having outstanding tone, reliability, signal strength, battery life, with a built-in tuner, the Shure Glxd 16 is able to support multiple transmitters at a time. If you have various instruments that all have different output levels, you can adjust the input signal level from (-20 to +12 dB). Each transmitter remains at the dB level you set it at.

Details/Tech specs

Pros

• The Tone Is Flawless- I tested it between my Mogami cable and the wireless, no difference.
• LINKFREQ intelligent frequency management quickly identifies the best open channels
• Durability– Most units I used to own died by sweat damage, or the transmitter will break from either impact or touring conditions. The transmitter and receiver are made of metal then add the Neotech Wireless Pouch to protect it from moisture/more impact/sweat for completion. 
• Signal Strength/Reliability- ZERO DROPOUTS. For the 17 months, I have had it, big stage, small stage, tall stage, bar, brick, cold weather, etc ZERO DROPOUTS. This system is considered most reliable from our research and personal experience (If that changes on any of my upcoming shows I will come back to correct this)
• Transmitter automatically follow receiver frequency changes  using bidirectional communication
• Convenience- GLXD 16 is a tuner and does auto-sync between transmitter and receiver. When I bought this I returned my $99 PolyTune 3 tuner. Works just as good, a 2 in one deal. Fits perfectly in the pedalboard to eliminate an extra setup step prior to a show.
• Battery life- 16 hours of battery life per full charge, and 1.5 hours of continuous playing after 15 minutes of charge.
• Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries- eliminates consistent disposable battery purchases.
• Rare Combination/Competitive Price – Usually mid-high level grade wireless units lack 1 or 2 of the following. Especially for the price.
• Globally-unlicensed 2.4GHz frequency band, 4 compatible systems able to operate at the same time, 8 in ideal conditions.
• Compatible with Active Pickups
• A Digital wireless system that operates on 2.4 GHz band

Cons

• The rubber lid on the transmitter is annoying. I cut mine off, you really don’t need it. 
• If I can think of any more or anything happens in the future with my Shure GLXD 16, I’ll come back to update this.

Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set

The Sennheiser XSW-D with a built-in tuner operates in the globally unlicensed and unrestricted frequency band of 2.4GHz. It uses digital diversity, meaning both antennas work together to hold the connection with the transmitter. If one of the antennas gets hit with signal interference, the other antenna still holds the connection. This system is very reliable, while signal interference only happens on a rare occasion for half a second.

The Sennheiser XSW-D produces a frequency response of 10 Hz-18 kHz. The latency is at 3.9 ms is entirely unnoticeable. The XSW-D delivers excellent clarity. The difference in tone between this wireless instrument system and a high-quality cable was very minimal.

The Sennheiser XSW-D is a plugin and play system with no manual setup. Not only is the receiver designed to fit nicely within your pedalboard, but Sennheiser XSW-D has a built-in tuner as well! In case your pedalboard is running out of room, you can replace your current tuner with the XSW-D receiver. As you use the wireless receiver as your new tuner, you can then sell your old tuner for some cash. What makes the Sennheiser XSW-D even more convenient to use is its lithium-ion rechargeable battery. This eliminates consistent battery purchases saving you money down the road. Unfortunately, the transmitter only gives you 5 hours of continuous playtime.

One of the Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard wireless guitar systems greatest strengths is its remarkable range of 250 feet. Imagine nearly an entire football field of roaming with your instrument. The Sennheiser XSW-D has one of the greatest amounts of range for a digital wireless guitar system with 250 feet.

One of the most significant longevity risks with the Sennheiser XSW-D is the rechargeable lithium-ion battery is not replaceable. This increases the chance of needing an entirely new transmitter every 2-4 years once the lithium-ion battery dies. The transmitter that comes with this system, unfortunately, is made of plastic, making it much more susceptible to damage than metal units.

Pros

• Built-in tuner
• Generally reliable with extremely rare cutouts
• Generally good tone with minimal difference between system and cable
• Globally unlicensed and unrestricted 2.4GHz frequency band
• Uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

Cons

• The rechargeable lithium-ion battery is not replaceable
• Low battery life of 5 hours

Details and Tech Specs

Intellitouch Freedom One

The Intellitouch Freedom One is a very affordable digital wireless guitar system with a built-in tuner running at only $79 on Amazon. This unit has 30 feet of range and is an excellent wireless choice for practice or music teachers without having to use an extra tuner. The transmitter takes 1 AAA battery while a 9-volt battery charges the receiver.

Unlike the line 6 G70 and the Shure GLXD 16, the Intellitouch transmitter that is attached to the guitar is a combination plug that plugs directly in your instrument without needing an extra cable running to your guitar strap/back pocket. The transmitter folds back and forth to fit your instrument.

This system has a feature called Soundcheck Mode. When you activate this feature, the pedal lights up green. You then walk as far as you can away from the receiver until it turns red meaning you’re at the range limit.

A majority of wireless transmitters in this price range typically have very poor tone, oddly enough, the Intellitouch Freedom gives out great sound and clarity. Here at Perform Wireless, we never recommend a wireless guitar system below $150 for live performance use mainly because systems in that price range are very susceptible to dropouts and signal interference. But again, this is the reason why the Intellitouch Freedom is the perfect and only wireless solution for practice and music teachers without needing an extra tuner.

Details/Tech Specs

Pros

• Very Cheap, especially for a 2 in 1 deal
• Perfect wireless solution for practice without needing an extra tuner
• Great for music teachers
• Great tone for price

Cons

• High signal interference/dropouts
• Made of plastic
• Both receiver and transmitter need disposable batteries

Why Are Wireless Guitar Systems With A Built-In Tuner Important?

Getting a 2 in 1 deal on anything is pretty awesome in my book. As a Shure GLXD 16 owner and touring musician, the thing that stood out to me the most having my first wireless system with a built-in tuner was the convenience and space on the pedalboard.

When I first purchased the Shure GLXD 16 for reliability and tone, I was slightly skeptical about the tuner. I already had a 90$ PolyTune tuner I was already happy with. I set my Shure GLXD 16 up for the first time, realized how easy it was to not only use but how easy it was to tune. It literally works just like a tuner in every way; tap on the pedal mutes the signal to tune, tap on pedal and play. I sat there staring at my already cluttered pedalboard. Then, I began taking my previous tuner to replace it with the Shure GLXD 16, took my old tuner to a music store for a cash trade-in.

Pedal wireless guitar systems, in general, are the most convenient wireless guitar systems on the market. They eliminate an extra step when setting up before a show which can become crucial in many festival-type gigs. The five additional minutes it takes to set up a tabletop(on top of the amp), or rackmount (in a rackmount typically on top of the amp) receiver before a show can be 5 minutes of dialing your tone, compression, effect pedals, etc. For a pedal wireless, you open your pedalboard, power your pedalboard/receiver, turn the transmitter on, then play.

Are Their Other Pedal Wireless Systems Without A Built-In Tuner?

Yes, there are many pedal wireless guitar systems out here without a built-in tuner. Here is a list of all of them including some extra details.

Why Is It Important To Get A Wireless Guitar System In The First Place?

Those who have never been free from the cord in their entire life is a dog who has never experienced its true potential without his leash. 

When I got my first wireless guitar system, not only did I enjoy the live shows experience significantly more, but my live performance increased tremendously. It wasn’t overnight that my live performance got way better from getting a wireless system. But it was a gradual improvement after every show where it wouldn’t be possible with a cable for various reasons.

Believe it or not, there is a science and psychology behind the importance of putting on a visually appealing live performance (Stage Presence). Some research claims visual is more important than audio for original bands to non-musicians in the crowd.   

The choice of which wireless is right for you, is now in your hands.

May this website bring you closer to finding your one and only, so that you like I, can perform wireless happily ever after.