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  #1  
Old 08-07-2018, 11:54 AM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
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Default Wireless systems and passive K&K?

I'm wondering if anyone has done any tests using a wireless system like the inexpensive XVive U2, or one of the Line 6 G10 systems directly into a passive K&K pickup. Did you notice any pre-amplification benefits?

I have the U2 on order. I intend to use it with the K&K equipped guitars, but I also have a Fender Strat that I will use it with, if the acoustics are a no go.

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Last edited by martingitdave; 08-07-2018 at 01:22 PM.
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Old 08-07-2018, 12:06 PM
buzzardwhiskey buzzardwhiskey is offline
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I tried the U2 units on my K&K equipped Martin and sent them back within a day. I was getting an odd "clicking" that had a small tonal aspect. The sound was independent of the force of my picking or strumming and was very alarming. No go for me.

Which is really too bad 'cause they're a cool idea.
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Old 08-07-2018, 12:32 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
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Originally Posted by buzzardwhiskey View Post
I tried the U2 units on my K&K equipped Martin and sent them back within a day. I was getting an odd "clicking" that had a small tonal aspect. The sound was independent of the force of my picking or strumming and was very alarming. No go for me.

Which is really too bad 'cause they're a cool idea.
That's bizarre. How was the rest of the sound, assuming the clicking was caused by interference, or defect?
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Old 08-07-2018, 12:36 PM
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dogdog49 dogdog49 is offline
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I've used the Xvive units with my K&K passive equipped guitars (3 of them) for over a year with perfect results and zero problems. Highly recommended based on my experience.
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Old 08-07-2018, 12:47 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
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I've used the Xvive units with my K&K passive equipped guitars (3 of them) for over a year with perfect results and zero problems. Highly recommended based on my experience.
Great! Can you tell me if you've noticed any difference in the tone between using the U2s versus a standard cable?
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Old 08-07-2018, 01:08 PM
buzzardwhiskey buzzardwhiskey is offline
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Quote:
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That's bizarre. How was the rest of the sound, assuming the clicking was caused by interference, or defect?
Seemed OK. But it was hard to concentrate.
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Old 08-07-2018, 01:51 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
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Seemed OK. But it was hard to concentrate.
Ha! I can imagine.
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Old 08-07-2018, 05:22 PM
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Great! Can you tell me if you've noticed any difference in the tone between using the U2s versus a standard cable?
Absolutely no difference in tone that I could detect.
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Old 08-07-2018, 05:33 PM
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SalFromChatham SalFromChatham is offline
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I gig with my D18 and J50... both have k&k. I use the U2. Perfect results. I just can’t use it for any active pickup. There is a hum...

I love the freedom of the U2... I get to walk around, check sound, socialize... all’s in song.
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Old 08-07-2018, 09:03 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
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Thanks for the feedback on the U2 guys!
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Old 08-07-2018, 09:40 PM
Petty1818 Petty1818 is offline
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I would avoid the U2 system, it's just not reliable. I ordered one over a year ago with high hopes. However, it didn't matter if the pickup was active or passive, I always had interference issues. Xvive have confirmed that the U2 will not work with active pickups so that's already a big knock. I just could not get mine to produce a quiet signal. I got a replacement from the music store I ordered it from and the second U2 was noisier and all four channels had drop out issues.

I recently got the Line 6 G10 and it's incredible. Dead silent, super easy to use and it sounds great. Another option is the new Boss WL-20 system. It seems like it could be a winner.
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Old 08-08-2018, 03:35 AM
Julian Mount Julian Mount is offline
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I'm using a U2 with an active pick up. No issues at all. No drop outs, no clicking, no interference, no hum. It works great in all situations.
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Old 08-08-2018, 05:45 AM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
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I got the XVive U2 in the mail right away (thanks Amazon.com!) and gave it a good try in my music studio last night. I tried it with three different K&K guitars into the Bose S1, which has been a bit tricky for me with respect to impedance matching. I use a Mogami 10 foot cable as a comparison.

I'm not sure if I was just hearing what I wanted to hear, or not. But, to my ears, the active electronics in the XVive U2 seems to be flattening out the frequency response, and possibly restoring some highs. I did not have to use the "mid cut trick" or put the S1 pro on it's side to make it sound normal. The results would be different for different amplifiers based on the input impedance of the amp's preamp circuit.

Anyway, mumbo-jumbo aside, it sounded nice!

Not sure how it would hold up at a gig, but I assume it would do a competent job for the price. I also suspect these could break fairly easily if you aren't careful.
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Old 08-08-2018, 11:53 AM
leew3 leew3 is offline
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Dave,
I use this system with my K & K equipped mandolin in live situations and have had great success. I love being wireless as I play several instruments and it's one less cable to deal with. I run the receiver into the K & K small preamp and plug that into the aux in of my Bose S1 using a 1/4 to 1/8 adapter. Works great! I'm considering have K & Ks put in my spiffy new Martin 000-18 and then would likely try this wireless system on that as well. Good luck, I think you'll like this option.
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Old 08-10-2018, 09:07 AM
uriah1 uriah1 is offline
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I use those with my Gibby K&K loaded j45. Work pretty good.

I just wish I could have waited and got the new wood fashioned xvive
remotes.

https://www.musik-produktiv.co.uk/xv...stem-wood.html

Last edited by uriah1; 08-10-2018 at 11:32 AM.
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