Shure GLXD 14R
The Shure GLXD 14R is a rackmount digital wireless guitar system that operates in the globally-unlicensed 2.4GHz frequency band. Unlike analog wireless guitar systems, there is no need to purchase an additional license, nor will your frequency ever be banned from certain countries using a digital system.
When first powered up the receiver searches for the best available frequency, then connects it to the transmitter. It does this automatically without having to press any extra buttons. Up to 9 systems can be used at once.
The Shure GLXD family stands out from all wireless guitar systems in terms of its performance reliability, consistent signal strength, and most extended battery life with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Those who prefer to rackmount their wireless receiver rather than putting it in their pedalboard or on top of their amp will tremendously 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 lasts 16 hours per full charge and total life of 13,000 hours.
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.
This is why GLXD systems have been raved about for signal clarity and reliability. It is a straightforward set up that automatically links the receiver and transmitter together. There is no need to set channels or mess with settings.
Tone
There is no noticeable difference in tone between the Shure GLXD 14 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 5 of 5 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 receiver. Tied for 3rd for 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 that 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
- Compatible with active pickups
- 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
| Range: | Indoors: Up to 100 ft. Line-of-sight (200 ft. max); Outdoors: Up to 65 ft. Line-of-sight (165 ft. ideal conditions) |
| System: | Digital |
| Transmitter Battery/Life: | 16 hours/ rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Latency: | 4-7. 3 ms |
| Dynamic Range: | 120dB |
| Receiver/Transmitter Build: | Both metal |
| Transmitter Type: | Bodypack |
| Receiver Type: | Rackmount |
| Frequency Range: | 2.4GHz |
| Frequency Response: | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Sampling rate: | 44.1k |
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
- Globally-unlicensed digital transmission
Cons
- Higher latency than other wireless units 4 – 7.3 ms, yet still unnoticeable
- Lower range than most wireless guitar systems on this list
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