Line 6 G30 vs. Xvive U2: Complete Breakdown

Which wireless guitar system is better? The Line 6 G30 and the Xvive Audio U2 are both some of the most popular wireless instrument systems on the market. However, both have their ups and downs. As a previous owner of both of these systems, I’ve got some skin in the game for the most accurate review I can provide.

Depending on what you’re looking for in a stage wireless system will determine which of these two units may be your best bet. May the battle commence!

But first…

What Makes A Wireless Guitar System Good? (Top 5)

1. Reliability -Signal strength, little to no dropouts 
2. Durability- Able to last long/withstand touring conditions
3. Tone- Does it negatively affect the tone of your instrument compared to a quality cable
4. Convenience- Battery life, setup simplicity, easier instrument change, pedalboard attachable 
5. Range- Able to have a strong signal to cover a big stage, or perform in the crowd 

We compared and contrasted each of these factors for the Line 6 G30 vs Xvive U2 

Reliability And Signal Strength

Reliability and signal strength is probably the most critical factor when determining a good wireless system. In my experience, both the Line 6 G30 and Xvive U2 cut out every now and then. However, every wireless guitar system in this price range loses signal from time to time due to interference.

Line 6 G30
The Line 6 G30 is the number 1 selling wireless guitar system in the United States. I used to be an owner of this wireless unit for about one year as I traveled the entire east coast with this system. In that year, I have experienced cutouts due to signal interference. However, they were rare and only lasted half a second. You are also able to switch between 6 channels in case of interference.

Xvive Audio U2
In terms of how reliable the Xvive Audio U2 is, I’m torn. Many reviews claim cutouts occur frequently; other reviews claim it never loses connection. In my experience, I have had maybe 1 or 2 mini cutouts that lasted less than a second. Yet, I also have not used this system at many gigs. Considering these units are all budget-friendly, they do not have frequency interference agility true diversity features such as the higher budget systems. Therefore, a significant factor of signal interference and dropouts has to do with your location. If anything, it’s best to test out this system and if it doesn’t work like how you want it to in your area, return it.

Overall, I have experienced roughly the same amount of minor and rare cutouts per system. However, of these two systems, I only trusted the Line 6 G30 enough to tour the east coast as I have with it.

Durability + Longevity

Metal units are significantly more “roadworthy” than plastic units. Your music equipment is consistently being tossed around when you are touring from state to state whether it is from the van/bus, back into the van/bus, or being thrown around dancing on stage.

Line 6 G30
While both the receiver and transmitter are made of plastic, the Line 6 G30 is overall much more durable than the Xvive U2. The transmitter’s shell is made up of rugged polycarbonate for increased durability. The part that’s most susceptible to damage is the battery compartment on the transmitter. It is quite flimsy. If you were to purchase this unit, it’s best to add a Neotech wireless pouch for transmitter protection.

Xvive Audio U2
This wireless guitar system is quite flimsy. It consistently hangs from the instrument flopping back and forth while playing. I do not recommend this unit for musicians who dance, headbang, or show any high energy movements while performing. On the flip side, the transmitter stays plugged into your instrument very well once plugged in.

Overall, the Line 6 G30 is much more durable than the Xvive U2.

Tone

A wireless system must be able to capture the full and accurate tone of your instrument compared to using a quality cable. A few crucial elements for a wireless systems tone is its frequency response, digital transmission, and the dynamic range.

The video below is me (bassist on right) using the Line 6 G30 during a live performance roughly 3 years ago. In the beginning, I’m using the Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus Pedal. If you want to skip to the heavier jamming go to 2:50.

Line 6 G30
The Line 6 G30 has a full frequency response from 10 Hz-20kHz and an incredible dynamic range of 118dB. I recognized no difference in tone between a regular instrument cable and this system for my bass. It uses 2.4GHz digital transmission with an encrypted data stream for signal protection. With its 24-bit delta-sigma, 128 times oversampling, and the remainder of the tech specs listed earlier; The Line 6 G30 will not hurt the tone of your instrument. Unlike the Xvive audio U2, the Line 6 G30 is compatible with active pickups and active electronics. If your instrument has active pickups, the G30 is the choice for you! Lastly, the receiver gives you the option of cable tone between 30 ft, 15 ft, or bypass.  

Xvive Audio U2
The Xvive produces very good sound quality. I and many others were unable to tell the difference between a cable and this wireless. It provides 24-bit uncompressed digital audio, a full frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, and mildly low latency at 6 ms. Compared to the Line 6 G30, its dynamic range of 103dB is lacking. In my opinion, the audio clarity is crystal clear with no added unwanted distortion or fuzz. However, a few reviews claimed minor added distortion. Unfortunately, the unit is not compatible with active pickups while the Line 6 G30 is.

Overall, according to my ears, the Line 6 G30 produces slightly better sound quality. You will not hear a difference of tone or latency compared to a quality cable.

Convenience

Convenience is not a common thought when first purchasing a wireless guitar system. In terms of battery life, how to charge or change the batteries, setting up the system before gigs, etc. an inconvenient wireless guitar system gets annoying fast. Not to mention, consistent battery purchases increase the annual overhead at a much faster pace than expected.

Line 6 G30
The receiver can sit on top of your amp, but it is small enough to fit in a pedal board as well (which is how I used it). Considering it’s compact enough to fit in your pedalboard adds a tremendous amount of convenience while eliminating a setup step. Unfortunately, the transmitter takes 2 AA batteries with 8 hours of battery life.

Xvive Audio U2
Although very compact, the Xvive Audio U2 is not the most convenient wireless guitar system. Like the typical combination plug transmitter and receiver, both units must charge by USB. This wireless system only has a battery life of 5 hours. Fortunately, it does not require disposable batteries, which increases the convenience of this unit compared to the Line 6 G30. The Xvive audio U2 is compatible with any instrument type besides instruments with active pickups and doesn’t fit in an Ibanez SR505 bass.

Overall, they are both more convenient and easy to use in their own ways. The Line 6 G30 has a longer battery life and can attach the receiver to your pedalboard. On the flip side, the Xvive Uz is rechargeable by USB eliminating disposable battery purchases.

Range

Although the wireless “technically” covers 100 ft hypothetically, it may not have the strongest signal or increased latency at 80 ft. If your the musician that dances across the entire big stage or takes the solo into the crowd, the range becomes an essential factor.

Line 6 G30
The Line 6 G30 gives you a true 100ft of range. When I would walk to the other side of the stage (bigger stages), the signal will remain clear and strong.

Xvive Audio U2
While the tech specs claim 100 feet, in my experience the range was shorter than the Line 6 G30.

Overall, the Line 6 G30 gives you slightly more range than the Xvive U2.

Pros & Cons Breakdown

Line 6 G30

Pros

• 100 feet of range (able to use on big stages)
• Unnoticeable tone coloration 
• Digital wireless (less Prone to interference)
• 24-bit delta-sigma, 128 times oversampling
• Incredible durability for the price (polycarbonate shell)
• Antenna is inside the transmitter
• Able to attach Receiver to the pedalboard
• 6 channels to choose from 
• 3 cable tone knobs to choose from on receiver (30 ft cable, 15 ft cable, bypass) 
• Broad 10Hz – 20kHz frequency response
• Very reliable for live performance use 
• Encrypted data stream for more signal protection

Cons

• Needs 2 AA Batteries (less convenient than line 6 G10, and Boss WL-50)
• Not the best range compared to higher quality wireless guitar systems. (when the guitarist and I would go into the crowd for our fun solo battle, it would cut out at times)
• Batteries within transmitter would go lose at times and would cut out
• The transmitter will fall off strap at times (I had to tape mine before discovering the Neotech Wireless Pouch)
• Flimsy battery cover
• Susceptible to sweat damage, mine broke due to sweat damage. (Again, before I discovered the Neotech Wireless Pouch)

Xvive U2

Pros 

• No extra cables or batteries needed (USB CHARGE)
• Very lightweight 
• Easy plugin, stays plugged in regardless of movement
• Quick recharge time
• Unit able to fold Forward and backward to fit most instruments
• 20Hz–20kHz frequency response digital wireless (not as prone to signal interference)
• Cool colors/design 
• Excellent reviews on instrument tonality for guitar or bass (including 5 string)
• Very convenient for practice use, and many/most claim reliable for live performance

Cons

• Lose/flimsy plug
• Not compatible with active pickups
• Hard to switch channels
• Need to turn both units on before playing and off after. (most wireless systems only need to turn the transmitter on)
• Inconvenient USB charge compared to line 6 G10, and  Boss WL-50
• Not a perfect transmitter to fit the jack for all instruments, some need to purchase a 12-inch male/male patch cord, and a female/female coupler for a better fit.
• Some reviewers say they have dropouts on gigs(many say otherwise)
• Some say it adds slight distortion, high pitched squeal, or noise when the guitar boost circuit activated
• Little battery life (3-5 hours)

Similarities Between The Line 6 G30 & Xvive U2

• Both use digital transmission
• Both operate on the globally unlicensed and globally unrestricted 2.4GHz frequency band
• Both are budget-friendly

Our Clear Winner

Our winner between both of these systems is the Line 6 G30. With its 24-bit delta-sigma, 128 times oversampling, 6 channels to choose from in the case other band members use wireless, polycarbonate shell for durability, 10hz-20kHz frequency response, 118 dB dynamic range, and fantastic popularity/reviews…. the line 6 G30 is the best choice for live performance in terms of reliability, guitar/bass tone, and durability. Although I recommend a higher level unit for touring/pro musicians willing to invest an extra $150-300 for a wireless, the line 6 G30 is the best wireless guitar unit for under $200.

For musicians who are, or planning on touring/playing shows often, view our top wireless guitar system pick for 2019 here. I am the current owner of that wireless guitar system, and it will not fail you in any way!

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