Line 6 G90 – Review A Wireless Guitar System

Line 6 G90

The Line 6 G90 is a high-quality rackmount digital wireless guitar system that operates in the 2.4 GHz globally unlicensed frequency band. It uses Line 6’s state-of-the-art “Virtual Wire Transmission” technology that lets you keep your full tone and audio clarity of any instrument you use. In other words, you will not hear a difference in your tone between a high-quality cable and this system.

One of the extra features this unit offers is its Cable Tone Simulator. According to reviews for the G90, the simulator actually works very well. There are 7 different cable lengths to choose from!

Reliability 

Each of the Line 6 G90’s channels broadcast encrypted data over four different frequencies simultaneously. However, many musicians claim the G90 never cuts out while others say dropouts do occur.

Tone

The Line 6 G90 offers crystal clear clarity of sound with full bandwidth and zero compression. One of the most raved about features of the G90 is its ability to capture the exact tone of your instrument without a noticeable difference compared to a high-quality cable. It uses 24-bit A/D conversion with very low self-noise. The system’s very large frequency response of 10Hz-20kHz, the high dynamic range of 120dB, and a very low latency of 2.9ms is very impressive for a wireless in its price range. In short, the tone of your instrument is not an issue with the Line 6 G90.

Durability

The Line 6 G90’s receiver and transmitter are both made of rugged metal that is built to last. 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 vehicle to stage, back into the vehicle, or being tossed around dancing on stage.

Most wireless transmitters are made of ABS plastic, significantly less road worthy than of a metal casing. A very overlooked important factor of metal vs. plastic housings is that plastic casing not only breaks easier, but there is a higher chance that the battery department will come loose while your playing. When that happens, your transmitter loses battery and shuts off.

Convenience 

The Line 6 G90’s receiver is easily rack-mountable, which makes it automatically more convenient than the standard wireless guitar system that must be set up on top of your amp every show. Assuming that you already use a rackmount, this system will be very convenient for you to use. 

This system is however less convenient than the Shure GLXD 14R considering its use of disposable batteries. Like mentioned earlier, consistent battery purchases become costly and annoying after a while.

Range

If your the musician that dances across the entire big stage or takes the solo into the crowd, the range becomes an essential factor. Luckily, the Line 6 G90 provides the highest amount of range for a digital wireless guitar system with 300 feet. This system gets 5 of 5 stars for range.

Features

• 14 Compatible channels
• Incorporates Line 6’s Virtual Wire Transmission technology for great dynamic response
• XLR output
• Each of its channels broadcasts encrypted data over four different frequencies simultaneously for secure transmission.
• Low noise system
• 300 feet of range
• Compander free for true tone
• High-quality 24-bit A/D conversion
• Rack-mountable
• Both receiver and transmitter pure metal
• The internal switching power supply works worldwide for touring musicians
• Cable tone simulation
• Compatible with active pickups
• Built-in antennas for more protection and less of an inconvenience

Tech specs/details

Pros

• Made of Metal for durability and longevity
• Rackmountable
• Zero tone loss
• Globally-unlicensed digital transmission
• The highest amount of range for a digital wireless guitar system
• The internal switching power supply works worldwide for touring musicians
• XLR output
• Incorporates Line 6’s Virtual Wire Transmission technology for great dynamic response
• Built-in antennas for more protection and less of an inconvenience

Cons

• Needs AA disposable batteries
• Many reviews claim dropouts occur, although some claim its rare, others claim frequently.
• Low battery life (8 hours) compared to Shure GLXD14R (16 hours)
• Many reviews claim the cable that comes with the system is of poor quality
• Few claim updating the firmware is difficult

If you’re looking for over-ear headphones, see our top picks here.

See the top made-in-USA sunglasses here.

See the difference between hiking waterfalls or mountains here.

Need a modern outdoor coffee table? See the top picks here.

Need an alarm clock? See the top choices here.