Producernerd (Darren Mullan) tests out the Xvive U2 Instrument wireless system in this comprehensive product review. Find the XVIVE U2 here www.mannys.com... xvive.com
Darren, I’m not normally into this kind of nerdy stuff, but I find the way you explain things is so good that even a dummy like me can understand. I just subscribed and will follow all of your videos. Thanks
I've been using this system reliably and regularly for 3 or 4 years now, gigging all over my area. Sometimes I think there's a subtle difference in tone between these and a cable, but it's certainly nothing that an average audience member would notice. In terms of interference, there's been a couple instances where the signal would be breaking up/cutting in and out, but I chalked it up to something in the building (besides, I just gig as an acoustic duo crammed in corners of small bars, so no real need to move around anyway). After 3 or 4 years using them they still get through a 3 or 4 hour gig no problem, but probably wouldn't last a 5 hour one without recharging them during your breaks. Overall for the price and convenience of not having to wrap a cable up at the end of the night, great purchase and I'd highly recommend. PS I'll have to check out their in-ear system you made a video on if I ever find myself needing IEMs
Okay, that's very helpful to know (that the U2 and U4 share the same channels). You know, the next step for Xvive would be to have "channel groups", so that you have more than one "set of six". Or, may just have the U2 on one band and the U4 devices on another band. Each would still support up to six, but they wouldn't have overlapping channels/freqs. But, absolutely, you're right about Xvive hitting a sweet spot. We use three in our band (the other two are using Shure systems). Zero issue. Quick story: My wife and I were singing an opening number for a community theater gala, and the room we were performing in was HORRIBLE acoustically. It was just a big echo chamber. The sound person--very inexperienced--was chasing volumes to enable us and the dancers to hear the music and stay in time, but it was blasting everything out. I grabbed two of my U4's, quickly set my wife and I up with independent monitor mixes, and we had zero issues, and the sound person could drop the volume. Life saver.
Another interesting video about a piece of equipment that I didn't know existed. Being a musical artist is very expensive. We all appreciate what you put into your recordings Darren.
Dang the concert was fantastic. I hope a lot pay the 10 dollars so u can all get compensated. Can we get one every couple of months? Everyone is a star!! But Chloe???? A triple star. It’s not fair to say one shines more. But what a concert!! U had me crying, dancing laughing and listening the whole time. Thank u, thank u, thank u.
Love your channel. I did a fair amount of research for an affordable pair of wireless guitar transmitters for my amateur man cave studio. I got tired of cables. I ended up with the Getaria GWS-8. US$42. They work great. Next up, I have a Samson S-patch I need to connect my audio interface (Focus Rite Saffire Pro 40), compressor, channel strip, audient mic pre, tube mic pre, and Eleven Rack to. Right now I am using most of my outboard gear as isolated pieces. I need to redo my desk and get the cables off the floor into cable management systems. I really fight dust in my office studio. I swear I think all this gear attracts dust from the entire house like a magnet! I have 3 4U racks I made on my desk and I wan to put them on wheels on the floor. Although, having the knobs at eye level is nice too. I found early on that key to a fun studio is having things out and ready to go when you feel like playing or recording.
Great video Darren, I've been using the U2 for about two years and never had a problem. I also can't tell the difference between it and a decent cable.
Oh, speaking of interference...our band uses the Soundcraft Ui24r for mixing, and it has built-in wifi. We noticed a little bit of dropout when we had all the tablets going (because we can each manage our own mixes wirelessly) and all the in-ears going. The solution was in mapping what was happening in the 2.4Ghz range. The Ui24r can be configured to only operate its wifi in the 5Ghz range, which solved our problem. The only drawback there is if anyone needs to connect with it but doesn't have a 5Ghz capable devices. Anyway, dropouts disappeared and we've been fine since.
I've been gigging a set of these for about a year or so. The only issue I've had is when there's a stack of 2.4 in the room - but in that case even the soundguy mixing off his ipad has issues. I've gotten through 6 hour pracos with them without the battery running out. In the case I do get some interference, I have a cheap UHF set that gets used instead. I can't put my finger on it, but the xvive does sound better than those (which are half the price though).
Would anyone wanna purchase my Xvive U2? It's now faulty, perhaps you can change the battery, or idk exactly what's wrong, but quite certain it can be fixed. Just that, in my area (Malaysia, Penang), no one is interested to fix it for me. So, please, anyone, offer me a small price, I'll send it to you. =)
There are battery shops in Australia that crack it open and replace the battery cells cheaply. I suggest you look around in case you have a similar service. Also check the charging cable in case it has a fault 👊🏼
*#2 Darren !!! Just so you know, some times I like to go back and REWATCH videos you make to see if I can pick up something I’ve missed!*
Darren, I’m not normally into this kind of nerdy stuff, but I find the way you explain things is so good that even a dummy like me can understand. I just subscribed and will follow all of your videos. Thanks
*EXCELLENT video Darren! You have always been on the right side of audio technology!!!*
I've been using this system reliably and regularly for 3 or 4 years now, gigging all over my area. Sometimes I think there's a subtle difference in tone between these and a cable, but it's certainly nothing that an average audience member would notice. In terms of interference, there's been a couple instances where the signal would be breaking up/cutting in and out, but I chalked it up to something in the building (besides, I just gig as an acoustic duo crammed in corners of small bars, so no real need to move around anyway).
After 3 or 4 years using them they still get through a 3 or 4 hour gig no problem, but probably wouldn't last a 5 hour one without recharging them during your breaks. Overall for the price and convenience of not having to wrap a cable up at the end of the night, great purchase and I'd highly recommend.
PS I'll have to check out their in-ear system you made a video on if I ever find myself needing IEMs
Okay, that's very helpful to know (that the U2 and U4 share the same channels). You know, the next step for Xvive would be to have "channel groups", so that you have more than one "set of six". Or, may just have the U2 on one band and the U4 devices on another band. Each would still support up to six, but they wouldn't have overlapping channels/freqs. But, absolutely, you're right about Xvive hitting a sweet spot. We use three in our band (the other two are using Shure systems). Zero issue.
Quick story: My wife and I were singing an opening number for a community theater gala, and the room we were performing in was HORRIBLE acoustically. It was just a big echo chamber. The sound person--very inexperienced--was chasing volumes to enable us and the dancers to hear the music and stay in time, but it was blasting everything out. I grabbed two of my U4's, quickly set my wife and I up with independent monitor mixes, and we had zero issues, and the sound person could drop the volume. Life saver.
Another interesting video about a piece of equipment that I didn't know existed. Being a musical artist is very expensive. We all appreciate what you put into your recordings Darren.
Very informative Darren, thanks a lot! Perfect timing too, looking for a wireless guitar system as we speak, lol
Dang the concert was fantastic. I hope a lot pay the 10 dollars so u can all get compensated. Can we get one every couple of months? Everyone is a star!! But Chloe???? A triple star. It’s not fair to say one shines more. But what a concert!! U had me crying, dancing laughing and listening the whole time. Thank u, thank u, thank u.
Love your channel. I did a fair amount of research for an affordable pair of wireless guitar transmitters for my amateur man cave studio. I got tired of cables. I ended up with the Getaria GWS-8. US$42. They work great. Next up, I have a Samson S-patch I need to connect my audio interface (Focus Rite Saffire Pro 40), compressor, channel strip, audient mic pre, tube mic pre, and Eleven Rack to. Right now I am using most of my outboard gear as isolated pieces. I need to redo my desk and get the cables off the floor into cable management systems. I really fight dust in my office studio. I swear I think all this gear attracts dust from the entire house like a magnet! I have 3 4U racks I made on my desk and I wan to put them on wheels on the floor. Although, having the knobs at eye level is nice too. I found early on that key to a fun studio is having things out and ready to go when you feel like playing or recording.
I have them and love them.
Great video Darren, I've been using the U2 for about two years and never had a problem. I also can't tell the difference between it and a decent cable.
really appreciate your video and very timely. going get a set. thanks Darren.
Excellent review
Oh, speaking of interference...our band uses the Soundcraft Ui24r for mixing, and it has built-in wifi. We noticed a little bit of dropout when we had all the tablets going (because we can each manage our own mixes wirelessly) and all the in-ears going. The solution was in mapping what was happening in the 2.4Ghz range. The Ui24r can be configured to only operate its wifi in the 5Ghz range, which solved our problem. The only drawback there is if anyone needs to connect with it but doesn't have a 5Ghz capable devices. Anyway, dropouts disappeared and we've been fine since.
Thanks for this info. I also use a Soundcraft Ui24 for location recording. 👊🏼
Darren please remake Ho Ho Ho it’s Magic By Pilot! It’s an awesome 70’s song and your vocals will be perfect for that song!! Love the music!!
I've been gigging a set of these for about a year or so. The only issue I've had is when there's a stack of 2.4 in the room - but in that case even the soundguy mixing off his ipad has issues. I've gotten through 6 hour pracos with them without the battery running out.
In the case I do get some interference, I have a cheap UHF set that gets used instead. I can't put my finger on it, but the xvive does sound better than those (which are half the price though).
About $155 in the U.S.
The guitar unit is 2.4GHz vs 5.8Ghz ...any issues with that in a crowded theatre?
Not in my experience. Chloe used it in the Adelaide city square in a huge production with zero dropouts
Compare to a lead .alot of these dont have the volume
👍👍👍👍👍👍🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
I bought them on this recommendation. Started well…… Died after three uses 😢.
No way! Im sure you can get a replacement and will have better luck.
Compare to a lead
Did. So close niot worth mentioning. The best players use these in Sing It Live videos with no argument including Bassist
Would anyone wanna purchase my Xvive U2? It's now faulty, perhaps you can change the battery, or idk exactly what's wrong, but quite certain it can be fixed. Just that, in my area (Malaysia, Penang), no one is interested to fix it for me. So, please, anyone, offer me a small price, I'll send it to you. =)
There are battery shops in Australia that crack it open and replace the battery cells cheaply. I suggest you look around in case you have a similar service. Also check the charging cable in case it has a fault 👊🏼