Shure GLXD16 vs. Shure PGXD14: Which Wireless Guitar System Is The Best?

Here is another round of the heavy hitters in the wireless guitar system realm; The Shure GLXD 16 vs. Shure PGXD 14. While I’m a current owner of the GLXD16 for the past two years, the guitarist in one of my bands is an owner of the PGXD14 for three years.

Let me begin by saying that you will not go wrong with either of these wireless instrument systems. They are both extremely reliable and do not negatively affect the tone of your instrument. However, while the Shure GLXD16 is globally available, the PGXD14 operates in the 900 MHz frequency band which is not available in countries outside of the U.S.A and Canada. Therefore, if you live in or planning on touring outside of those countries, the Shure GLXD16 is the choice for you.

A few things to keep in mind about how we compared and contrasted each system.

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 and the PGXD 14

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 the 2 years of touring the U.S. and Canada, neither the Shure GLXD 16 (used by me) or the PGXD 14 (used by John the guitarist) ever had a single instance of dropouts or signal interference.

Shure GLXD 16
To be frank, one of the Shure GLXD 16’s greatest strengths is its outstanding reliability. I have never in my two years of owning this system experienced a dropout in the 35 states and two countries I have used it in. Each channel uses six different frequencies that continuously scan to monitor the frequencies condition. After that, it transmits the audio signal on the three clearest audio frequency 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.

Shure PGXD 14 
The guitarist John Pagano who uses the PGXD 14 has never failed him once. It has never cut out, broke, or had signal interference in the years of touring the US and Canada. The Shure PGXD 14 is the most reliable wireless system for the cheapest price with little to no cutouts. The Shure PGXD 14 is one of the few wireless systems that operate in the 900 MHZ frequency band which is less congested than other frequency bands. In other words, there is less chance for signal interference. It uses True Digital Diversity, meaning both antennas work independently to scan for the best open channel. If one antenna starts to get signal interference, the other antenna acts as a safety net. The PGXD Automatic frequency selection feature finds the clearest open channel with a push of the button on the receiver.

Overall, both of these wireless instrument systems are both incredibly reliable. However, the PGXD can only be used in the U.S.A and Canada, while the GLXD16 is globally available and license-free.

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 tossed around dancing on stage.

Shure GLXD 16
This wireless guitar system has no durability issues. Truly built to last with both the transmitter and receiver made of solid metal. The best way to describe both units is “They are built like a tank.”

Shure PGXD 14
Plastic systems are more susceptible to damage than those that are metal. Unfortunately, one of the reasons the PGXD 14 is at a cheaper price is because it’s made of plastic. However, my guitarist John who’s been touring with the PGXD 14 for years now has never had any durability issues with the system. If your the type of player who dances your life out on stage, I highly recommend getting a Neotech wireless pouch for extra protection for your transmitter.

Overall, the all-metal Shure GLXD is much more durable and roadworthy than the all-plastic PGXD 14.

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, latency, and the dynamic range.

Shure GLXD 16
There is extremely little to no noticeable difference in tone or sound quality between the GLXD 16 and a quality cable. 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. The GLXD 16 has the full frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, a wide dynamic range of 120dB (great for a bass player), and no noticeable latency.

Shure PGXD 14
The Shure PGXD 14 uses 24-bit/48kHz uncompressed digital transmission for the most accurate representation of your instrument. With a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, you will be able to get incredible frequency clarity of your instrument. Keep in mind that the dynamic range of the PGXD 14 at 108dB is not up to par with the GLXD16. Bass players will benefit using the GLXD16 with its 120dB dynamic range.

In the video below, we tested the Shure PGXD 14 up against a high-quality instrument cable plugged directly into the amp to see if there is a tone difference.

Overall, both wireless instrument systems have roughly zero noticeable difference in tone between the wireless and a quality cable. However, the Shure GLXD 16 is better for bass players with its wider dynamic range of 120db.

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.

On top of that, once both the receiver and transmitter are turned on, they automatically sync with each other. There are no extra buttons to press to begin playing.

Shure PGXD 14
The Shure PGXD 14 may have incredible signal strength, reliability with no cutouts, and instrument tone but it does come with its downsides considering the low price. With the Shure PGXD 14, you must place it on your amp and plug it in the power supply which adds a setup step before every show.

Unfortunately, like most wireless guitar systems, the PGXD 14’s transmitter takes 2 AA batteries for 9 hours of playtime. This as well makes the system a bit less convenient considering the consistent purchases and changing of batteries.

Another convenience downside of the PGXD 14 is the units do not automatically sync up with each other like the Shure GLXD 16. After turning on both the transmitter and receiver for the PGXD 14, you must sync the transmitter to the receiver by keeping the transmitter case open toward the receiver, then press the circular button on the right of the receiver.

Overall, the Shure GLXD 16 is much more convenient than the Shure PGXD14

Range

Although the wireless “technically” covers 200 ft hypothetically, it may not have the strongest signal or increased latency at 180 ft. If your the musician that dances across the entire big stage or takes the solo into the crowd, the range can be an essential 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.

Shure PGXD 14
The Shure PGXD 14 has an incredible range of 200 feet. A system with a long-range can be a very beneficial factor if used to its potential. In our personal experience, we believe the range for the PGXD 14 is actually much more than 200 feet.

In one of the 2 videos below, John takes his guitar solo to the beach area where he is about 350 feet away, and the system is working just fine.

Shure GLXD 16 Benefits

• 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.
• Metal build for added durability and longevity
• Better dynamic range at 120db
• Easy set up as it’s pedalboard attachable
• Extremely long battery life at 16 hours
• Uses Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries cutting battery cost and hassle
• Able to use it worldwide without limitations or added license with 2.4GHz frequency band

Shure PGXD 14 Benefits

• $100 dollars cheaper
• Longer range
• slightly less latency at 3.5 ms

Similarities Between The Shure GLXD16 And the PGXD14

• Both are compatible with active pickups
• Neither hurt the tone of your instrument
• Both are extremely reliable

To Sum It Up

Both wireless instrument systems are definitely great choices as reliable units that will not let you down. Obviously, the Shure GLXD 16 most definitely has the upper hand. Out of every single wireless guitar system on the market, we picked the Shure GLXD 16 as The Top Wireless Guitar System Pick For 2019 for a vast amount of reasons.