Shure GLXD 16 vs. Line 6 G70 vs. Line 6 G50

Here it is, some of the top 3 players in the wireless guitar system world head to head. Shure GLXD 16 vs. Line 6 G70 vs. Line 6 G50 facing off. As a previous owner of 2 of these wireless guitar systems and a current owner of one of them, I went into great detail in comparing and contrasting all three. 

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 Shure GLXD 16, Line 6 G50, and Line 6 G70

Before We Get Started: Tech Specs and Details Of Each Wireless 

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 G50 and G70 cut out every now and then. However, The Shure GLXD 16 has not yet dropped out on me once in the 18 months of owning it.

Shure GLXD 16
To be frank, one of the Shure GLXD 16’s greatest strengths is its outstanding 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, strength, and reliability.

Line 6 G70
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. In my experience and a few online reviews dropouts do rarely occur with the Line 6 G70. However, In most cases, only for half a second. Thus, the Line 6 G70 just gets four stars out of five on reliability.

Line 6 G50
Like the G70, this system has rare occurrences of dropouts as well. It is however very reliable for its low price at $299 on Amazon.

Durability + Longevity

Luckily, The Shure GLXD 16, Line 6 G70, and G50 are all made of metal (Both the Transmitter and receiver.) 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 tossed around dancing on stage.

Shure GLXD 16
This wireless guitar system has no durability issues. It is truly built to last with both the transmitter and receiver made of solid metal.

Line 6 G70
This wireless guitar system has no durability issues. Truly built to last with both the transmitter and receiver made of solid metal.

Line 6 G50
Both the transmitter and receiver are made of metal. However, this system does have a durability flaw. (1) The Line 6 G50’s transmitter has a weak battery door that flies open a bit too easily. I have had the battery door fly open while performing, which lost power mid-show. I ended up taping it, which became a hassle every time I changed batteries. There were also many other reviews of customers saying the same thing. (2) The receiver’s antennas are weak and susceptible to damage.

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 system’s tone is its frequency response, digital transmission, and dynamic range.

Shure GLXD 16
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.

Line 6 G70
I personally, and many other musician reviews, experienced zero tone loss with line 6 G70 regardless of the instrument used. This system has the lowest latency of any digital wireless guitar system on the market with 1.48 (ms). The Line 6 G70 operates on the latest generation of 24-bit/48kHz uncompressed digital transmission. It has an incredible frequency response of 10Hz-20kHz and 120dB of dynamic range. Unlike the Shure GLXD 16, it gives you the option to simulate cable length anywhere from 5-100 feet of length, or you can just turn cable simulation off. 

Line 6 G50
Like the others, no tone loss with the Line 6 G50. It has a frequency response of 10Hz-20kHz and 120dB of dynamic range. On the receiver, you have the option to use the cable tone simulator up to 50 feet.

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.

Shure GLXD 16
The Shure GLXD 16 is of very few wireless guitar systems that is literally a 2 in one deal. Not only is it a flawless wireless system, but also a reliable tuner pedal as well. The receiver is shaped like a pedal and fits perfectly in just about any pedalboard. The Tuner works perfectly for me, and it’s effortless to use.

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.

Line 6 G70
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 and tuners as well. 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 on your pedalboard. Unfortunately, the Line 6 G70 uses AA disposable batteries which decreases its convenience compared to the Shure GLXD 16.

Line 6 G50
Of the three systems, the Line 6 G50 is the least convenient of them all. Like the G70 it too uses AA disposable batteries. However, unlike the Shure GLXD 16 and the Line 6 G70, it has a table-top receiver. You must manually set the table-top receiver on top of your amp before every show.

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 important factor.

Shure GLXD 16
One of the only downfalls of the Shure GLXD 16 is its range. It gives you up to 100 ft indoors, line-of-sight is 200 ft. max, and outdoors is up to 65 feet. However, I have performed many shows with the GLXD 16 across massive stages and never had a problem. To get a better idea of the range, view the video below.

Line 6 G70 / Line 6 G50
The line 6 G70 and G50 both give 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.

Extra Features

Shure GLXD 16

• Built-in tuner
• LINKFREQ intelligent frequency management quickly identifies the best open channels
• Bidirectional communication that lets your transmitter automatically link to your receiver and follow any frequency changes.

Line 6 G70

• 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.

Line 6 G50

• Cable tone simulation up to 50 feet cable length

Similarities Between The Shure GLXD 16, Line 6 G70, and Line 6 G50

• They are all compatible with active pickups
• They all use globally-unlicensed 2.4GHz frequency band
• None of them hurt the tone of your instrument
• They are all made of metal

Our Winner

It is abnormally rare to find a wireless system with all of the phenomenal qualifications like the Shure GLXD 16.

From Tone, reliability, signal strength and clarity, convenient pedal, 2 in one deal with tuner, compatible with active pickups, the most extended battery life of 16 hours, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, both transmitter and receiver made of metal for durability, 200 feet radius range. Even more so rare, is the price at $449 with all of these qualities.

All The Reasons The Shure GLXD 16 is Our Top Pick For Wireless Guitar Systems for 2018 Summed Up 

1. The Tone Is Flawless- I tested it between my Mogami cable and the wireless, no difference.
2. Durability– Most units I used to own died by sweat damage, or parts of the transmitter will break from either impact or touring conditions. The transmitter comes in a metal casing, then add the Neotech wireless pouch to protect it from moisture/more impact/sweat. 
3. Signal Strength/Reliability- ZERO DROPOUTS. For the 14 months, I have had it, big stage, small stage, tall stage, bar, brick, cold weather, etc ZERO DROPOUTS. 
   (If that changes on any of my upcoming shows I will come back to correct this) It has continuous interference monitoring and automatic frequency switching that eliminates signal interruption.
4. Convenience- GLXD 16 is a tuner as well, when I bought this I returned my $99 PolyTune 3 tuner. Works just as good as it, a 2 in one deal. Fits perfectly in a pedalboard to eliminate an extra setup step prior to a show.
5. Battery life- 16 hours of battery life per full charge, and 1.5 hours of continuous playing after 15 minutes of charge. 
6. Range- The range is 200 feet radius which is great for a digital wireless unit. Me and the guitarist have a part in our show where we do a solo battle in the crowd. There have been many times with the other units I had would cut out when I reach a certain point, it has not happened yet with the GLXD 16.
7. Rare Combination/Competitive Price – Usually mid-high level grade wireless units lack 1 or 2 of the following. Especially for the price.
8. Please don’t believe every article you read online, Check the reviews yourself for the Shure GLXD 16 here

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