Best Wireless Guitar System For Active Pickups: Top 3

While there are many wireless guitar/instrument systems that are compatible with active pickups, which are the 3 best of the bunch? Some wireless guitar systems don’t work well or aren’t designed for active pickups. The reason is that the transmitter of the system goes into Protection Mode that stops the transmitter from working correctly. This happens because some active electronics are wired with inverse polarity.

It is also challenging to find out which wireless guitar systems are more compatible with active pickups and which ones are not. About six months ago, I called every guitar wireless system manufacturer to talk about the active pickup compatibility of each system.

I made a list of every single wireless system that was 100% compatible with active pickups per what the manufacturer said, what real users were saying, and my personal experience.

Due to popular demand, we created the top 3 best wireless guitar and bass systems that are 100% compatible with active pickups below.

1.Shure GLXD 16

The Shure GLXD 16 was picked for our Best Wireless Guitar System Of 2019 and rightfully so.

The Shure GLXD 16 is 100% compatible with active pickups or any type of instrument output.
Not only does it work correctly on the active setting of my American Elite Precision Fender, but I also called the manufacturers of Shure to clarify which of their systems are compatible with active pickups.

While all of their systems were compatible with active pickups, the manufacturer then said without me even asking “In the process of making the GLXD series, the creators ran multiple instrument tests for compatibility between the wireless system and instrument active output.”

If you use active pickups or have a boost switch of any sort, you are entirely safe from hums, squeals, dropouts, buzzes, etc. with the Shure GLXD 16.

The Shure GLXD 16 Wireless Guitar System 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.

Reliability

Shure GLXD systems are 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.

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 (18 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.

Each channel uses six different frequencies that continuously scan to monitor the frequency condition. After that, it transmits the audio signal on the three clearest audio frequencies 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.

Durability

The Shure GLXD 16 transmitter and receiver is made out of metal for durability and longevity. 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 system that you decide to get, make sure to add the Neotech Wireless Pouch. Metal alone will not necessarily protect your transmitter from moisture/sweat.

Convenience

It has the highest battery life with Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries. Most wireless guitar systems are kind of annoying in terms of keeping up with the transmitter’s charge. The vast majority use disposable batteries.

Luckily the Shure GLXD 16 is not only tied in the top 3 wireless systems for the most extended battery life of 16 hours, but it also uses lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. It is charged by plugging in a USB on the side of the transmitter. This ends up saving money and becomes less of a hassle.

Shure GLXD 16 built-in tuner pedal: Convenient Pedalboard attachable
The Shure GLXD 16 is of very few wireless guitar systems that are literally a 2 in one deal. Not only is it a flawless wireless system, but also a reliable tuner pedal as well.

As you may have already seen, the receiver of this wireless system is shaped like a pedal and fits perfectly in just about any pedalboard. At first, I was skeptical about how it worked as a tuner.

The GLXD 16 tuner has worked out great for me ever since. Works just like a tuner without having to set anything up. Stomp the pedal, the instrument mutes, tune, stomp the pedal again, play.

Tone

A critical factor of what makes a good wireless system is the tone and audio clarity.

In this video, I tested the highest quality cable (Mogami cable) versus the Shure GLXD 16 to see if there’s a difference in tone. I also checked various pedals between the Mogami cable and the wireless.

Shure GLXD 16 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 a 2.4 GHz band

Shure GLXD 16 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 that happens in the future with my Shure GLXD 16, I’ll come back to update this.

Tech Specs

2. Line 6 G70

The Line 6 G70 is an excellent wireless guitar system that is 100% compatible with any instrument with active pickups or a hot output.

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. You are able to switch between multiple transmitters by tapping on the pedal when changing channels as well.

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 for this system.

When opening the transmitter by pressing the buttons on the side while pulling it vertically, within gives you the option to change channels, change batteries, a switch to put the transmitter into sleep mode, or attaching a USB for updates.

Reliability

For minimizing dropouts, the receiver has a built-in quad-antenna array with advanced dual receiver topology for signal reliability and strength. Most wireless guitar systems do get signal interference/dropouts. According to some reviews dropouts do rarely occur with the Line 6 G70. Yet, In most cases, only for half a second. Thus, The Line 6 G70 just gets 4 stars out of 5 on reliability.

Tone

The Line 6 G70 operates on the latest generation of 24-bit/48kHz uncompressed digital transmission. In other words, the tone is flawless. You will hear no difference between this system and a high-quality cable. With an incredible 120dB of dynamic range, this system has also been raved about for its abnormally low latency of 1.48 (ms).

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.

Durability

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. This system gets five stars for durability, but adding the Neotech wireless pouch will be very beneficial to extra protection.

Convenience 

The line 6 G70 and the Shure GLXD 16 are both the most convenient wireless guitar systems for professionals. This is because they are both attachable to your pedalboard eliminating an extra setup step. Most wireless guitar systems must be sat on top of an amplifier or attached to a rackmount. This system is already there waiting for you in your pedalboard.

Range

The line 6 G70 gives you 200 feet of range which is pretty good for a digital wireless guitar system. 200 feet gives you significantly more than enough to go well into the crowd whether you decide to crowd surf, walk the crowd, etc.

Features

• The line 6 G70 is the only wireless guitar system that has all of these features in 1; Tuner, ABY switcher, direct box, and gain pedal.
• 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. 

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

3. Shure GLXD 14R

The Shure GLXD 14r has the same flawless reliability, signal strength, incredible tone, best battery life using rechargeable batteries, and metal build for durability and longevity just like the older brother, Shure GLXD 16. What makes This system different is that it is rack-mountable. Those who prefer to rackmount their wireless receiver rather than putting it in there pedal board or on top of their amp will benefit from the Shure GLXD 14r.

This system has a charging port located on the right-hand side of the receiver for the lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Each lithium-ion battery for this system and the rest of the GLXD series last 16 hours per full charge and a total life of 13,000 hours. Each lithium-ion battery costs $29 on Amazon.

Reliability 

The Shure GLXD family is superb in terms of reliability. 
Each channel uses six different frequencies that continuously scan to monitor the frequency condition. After that, it transmits the audio signal on the three clearest audio frequencies 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.

Tone

There is no noticeable difference in tone between the Shure GLXD 14R and a quality cable. Like all of the GLXD series by Shure, the frequency response is at 20Hz-20kHz with a dynamic range of 120dB. (great for bass players)

Every review of all Shure GLXD series claims the same tone between the wireless system and a quality cable, including me with my GLXD 16.

Durability 

The Shure GLXD 14R’s receiver and the transmitter are made of metal giving this system five stars for durability and longevity. For more protection for your transmitter from impact, dust, humidity, and sweat, we highly recommend adding the Neotech wireless pouch from Amazon at $15. As a matter of fact, we recommend that pouch for all wireless transmitters.

Convenience 

The Shure GLXD 14R is the all-time most convenient wireless guitar system for a musician who wants to rackmount his or her receiver. Tied for 3rd in the most extended battery life of 16 hours with the GLXD 14 and GLXD 16, this system also eliminates disposable battery purchases. The lithium-ion battery that comes with purchasing this unit is recharged in the receivers charging port, making this system much more convenient.

Range

All of the Shure GLXD family’s greatest and only weakness is that the range is not as far as most of the wireless guitar systems on this list. 
Indoors: Up to 100 ft. Line-of-sight (200 ft. max); Outdoors: Up to 65 ft. Line-of-sight (165 ft. ideal conditions)

All though it is clearly more than enough to cover the biggest of stages, if you’re looking to take a solo deep within the crowd at a massive stadium, this may not be the best wireless choice for you. I personally use the Shure GLXD 16, which has the same range as the GLXD 14 and 14r, and I have never once had a single problem with range.

Features 

• Up to 9 compatible systems simultaneous channels (11 in ideal conditions)
• Ability to charge the battery in receivers charging port
• Rackmountable
• Comes with Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries up to 16 hours of use per full charge and 13,000 hours total. Extra Shure SB902 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery for GLX-D sold separate.
• Automatic Frequency Management by Shure’s GLXD family is used for clear audio easy auto-setup.
• Transmitter and receiver automatically change through frequencies together using bidirectional communication

Tech specs/details

Pros

• A very reliable wireless guitar system (little to no dropouts)
• High battery life (16 Hours)
• Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries cutting battery cost
• Battery charging port located on the receiver
• Metal transmitter and receiver (longevity and durability)
• Unnoticeable tone difference compared to quality cable
• Auto setup between transmitter and receiver
• Clear and clean audio
• Rackmountable for musicians who prefer a rackmount

Cons

• More expensive than the Shure GLXD 14 and 16
• Higher latency than other wireless units 4 – 7.3 ms, yet still unnoticeable
• Lower range than most wireless guitar systems on this list

The Bottom Line

These are the top 3 wireless guitar systems that work with active pickups or any high output instrument. We understand that these systems are a bit more on the pricier side. However, purchasing a high-quality system will always end up saving you money and embarrassment later on.

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