NUX B-3 vs XVIVE U-3 Wireless Microphone Systems Comparison

NUX B-3 vs Xvive U-3 Wireless Mic Systems - Which is Best?
Today I am comparing two wireless packs the NUX B-3 and the XVIVE U-3 which are very comparable wireless microphone systems. Both wireless microphone systems can be used for vocal and voice applications. In this test, I compare the sound quality between them both as well as how they perform at a distance outside in ideal conditions.
🇺🇸USA Links (B&H Photo)
XVIVE U3 2.4 GHz Wireless System - bhpho.to/2Fztj7r
🇺🇸USA Links (Amazon)
NUX B-3 - amzn.to/2KJ9rEv
XVIVE U3 - amzn.to/2XhpsTy
🇬🇧UK Links (Amazon)
NUX B-3 Wireless Pack
✅amzn.to/2H61zuk UK
✅amzn.to/2H5Ivwb UK
🇨🇦 Canada Links (Amazon)
✅amzn.to/2SQ1T1J CANADA
✅amzn.to/2UqFdXt CANADA

[@zurvey]

I like these kinds of videos testing the range of wireless mic systems and really appreciate you making time to do them. And thank you for not zooming as you got farther; it gives us a better perspective of the distance. I do wish there was a way to test wireless mic tech in spaces with crowded wifi, though. Last weekend I had all four of my Rode Wireless Go II and Saramonic Blink 500 B2 mics go choppy broadcasting live from someone's house. It was a group interview of authors. Comments from the internet complained about the audio, but I never could find a way to fix the problem. In the end I had to unplug them and use the mics built into the MacBook Pros in the room - FAR from ideal, but at least people at home could make out what they were saying. Now I'm paranoid to use wireless mics without setting up wired backups for a livestream.

[@siliconaudio]

I've tested the NUX B-3 to try to emulate your issues when your body is between the transmitter and receiver. What I've found is that this is much less of a problem when indoors than out. I'm pretty sure the reason for this is that inside a building (all in my tests have had steel roofs), the signal can bounce off other surfaces and find alternative paths to the receiver. Out in the open air, you don't have any surfaces or structures that will reflect the RF energy, so any obstruction to direct line of site is a deal-breaker. I think you'd be surprised how much better these work inside buildings. Possibly, they would also work better outdoors, but where there are buildings and structures to reflect the signal - haven't tested this yet.

[@COACHBANK]

Thanks

[@OnlineMD]

Hi from the USA, it is November 2022. I just today got a CARVIN AUDIO WM5 unit transmitter/receiver. It is for dynamic mics, uses 5 GHz and I tested it with my Shure Beta 58A. Sound quality and volume are outstanding (volume is the same as if the mic was wired). It charges in 2 hours and is said to last 4 hours. I only tested it for 20 minutes today. I wish you'd test indoors on stage and see if there is FEEDBACK, which is completely unlikely on the beach! :)

[@jamalabdul2009]

All I was thinking about when watching this was “Don’t fall Shane!!! The knee!!! “ This comparison definitely shows the limitations of these wireless mic transmitters. The sound quality of both are great as long as you’re close by and facing the camera. Great review!!! Cheers!!🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks mate! Yeah it's getting worse and worse. I should have it fixed in the next couple of months fingers crossed. 😆

[@landonbailey]

ha same!

[@SteveVickAK]

Thank you so much for doing this. I was thinking of getting this for livestream weddings. But people will definitely be in line of sight. So glad I found your video. Saved me $100s.

[@ChopsRocks302]

Thanks for doing a straightforward, thorough & informative comparison & review. I was considering buying one of these systems for my lead vocal mic with my band. BUT, after seeing this, I think that I had better find a different option. As soon as your body came between the transmitter & receiver, the signal got interrupted/was lost, so with a gigging performance situation in mind, where there would definitely be bodies between me (& the mic) & the mixer, I'd have signal interruption. Thanks again, great vid!

[@MikeSadlerAU]

That'll only happen in an open space... inside e.g. a small pub, there'd be sufficient 'bounced' signal to work. Personally, I use these things for Studio work (very small/lots of bouncy surfaces) and use better quality digital (Line6, Shure, e.g.) for inputs or UHF for IEM's (maybe not as clear, but cheaper and no complete cutouts). FWIW, YMMV.

[@bennettshapiro7711]

An easy way to fix that is to put the receiver at the end of a mic cable at the base of the vocalist’s mic stand.

[@ChopsRocks302]

Thanks so much, guys, I really appreciate the feedback & suggestions🙏👍. Actually, since posting this comment, I Have purchased the XVive U2 wireless system & have had no issues with signal interruption👍. Once I start playing out again, I will certainly put your suggestions to good use. Thanks again, & Rock On!

[@RobertHampton747]

I have a NUX B-3 and it is great in my indoor at home environment. I haven't done any distance tests or stage performances with it yet. I'm using it on a vintage Shure SM61, the same microphone used on the Donny and Marie show, back in the 70's. Although their mic's had antennas on them giving the appearance of being wireless, they were actually dead and all the singing was lip synced. Mine works great! Making the Shure SM61 truly wireless.

[@chuckbe1]

wondering how the new sennhieser xs system would fare in the same test

[@michaltanay2315]

I need advice this B-3 2.4GHz Wireless Mic System will be working with Shure PGA98H-XLR microphone ?

[@juancarlos3989]

Hi friend: Question: Hello, what is the difference between the NUX B-3 and the NUX B-4. Thank you Thank you

[@pjmuck]

Love your channel, Shane, and I'm a lefty guitarist as well. I use the XVive U3 and U3-c (condenser version) when performing live, and as I love the ability to use my mic of choice (Neumann KMS105), I am disappointed in it's range, especially when I go out into the audience (I'm the lead singer). Supposedly these have a maximum range of 90ft., so I'm thinking about going back to a wireless mic again (Line 6 XD-V75 was what I used before). My Soundman also confirmed that the Xvive was thinning/cutting out some of the body of my voice comparatively to when I cabled my mic. Have you tried the Sennheiser XSW-D XLR yet?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

NUX B-3 vs Xvive U-3 Wireless Mic Systems - Which is Best? Buy it below - Amazon affiliate links supports the channel ✅😀 NUX B-3 Wireless Pack ✅amzn.to/2H61zuk UK ✅amzn.to/2UqFdXt CANADA Xvive U3 Wireless Pack ✅amzn.to/2H5Ivwb UK ✅amzn.to/2SQ1T1J CANADA

[@OnlineMD]

I kind of wished you walked away from the receiver rather than walking BACKWARDS, because then we'll know how well the wireless goes right through you! 😄I wrote a comment just below about a Carvin WM5 which is outstanding. Not sure if this product came out just this year, 2022. Just got it today and I love it! Charges in 2 hours; runs for up to 4 hours as per the manual.

[@bowriverblues8445]

Hey Shane ...would either of these be good just to use at home in music room for vocals through acoustic vocal amp....I only ask because I’m sick of tripping over leads...

[@sasajelic9832]

Why does buzzing appear after microphone recording? Even bigger problem, that humming can't be removed from the recording?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Are you using an XLR adapter on your camera or device?

[@sasajelic9832]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy I use a KLR cable, but not from the device, but another cable. Do you think this is the cause of the problem?

[@WillDylan]

Can u perform the same test on the senheisser xsw-d xlr

[@ljaproductions07]

Hi, you mentioned about populated areas and not having a line of sight can mess things up but if you're in a populated area, have a line of sight and are close to the camera but a person either stands between you and the camera or at least walks between you and the camera, how would the audio breakup be on each? Great review by the way, good to see how far you can get without breakup and interesting to know that if you turn your back the signal basically becomes unusable.

[@DJActionVasquez]

Well damn here I was thinking I just found an easy, affordable solution to a wireless mic set-up for my dj set. Wow am I glad I watched this video!! Both of these systems are completely useless for me, and I would imagine other types of performers who have to move around on stage a lot. This is best for close proximity wireless convenience, like a small band or a recording set. Thanks a lot Geeky Nerdy Techy!

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

You're welcome! Thanks for the comment. Indoors they will work better. Probably a deflection thing off the walls etc but outdoors is tough work.

[@mohamedkasim5636]

Which one is better

[@amunozamunozamunoz]

Wondering if you have reviewed or heard of the skaa pro transmitters and receivers mini and how it would compare to these wireless systems?

[@powerbatterychannel4315]

Hello, what about the phantom power?

[@1951kbz]

Great review. Just wondering, if you were in a large room or hall would the signals bounce back and allow them to be usable indoors.

[@MikeSadlerAU]

Yes (mostly). See my other comment.

[@landonbailey]

the battery feature is a good one. loved the beach scenes :)

[@rickwhitehead2359]

All good but what I want to know is what they are like in a crowded room or in a club or pub in a live situation and no one has asked this question What is it like when there are devices around like mobile phones , wifi routers , others wireless mics that clubs may use that can or may interfere . On beach there is nothing around so what is the use I want to use it a live performance but this experiment tells me nothing except you can get an X amount distance from them big deal who is going to be that far away from it anyway if you are doing a performance.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Indoors they work better. I'll do another test when I can :)

[@ChrisRulewski]

I got the Nux B3 when they came out. After experiencing the breakups at the first few gigs I used them in, they live in the drawer now. 😂 I feel like the stability of the signal of these kind of units still needs work. I use 2.4gz IEM packs, so I tried combining the B3, the Nux wireless guitar pack and these, and all together on a solo performer = mini-cutouts as they compete for attention and LoS. The IEMs won out and the other 2 units got shelved.

[@MikeSadlerAU]

Hey Shane (only just discovered this 'other' channel)... You'll find this same issue with all 2.4GHz radio equipment, regardless of the 'quality' of the equipment. :-( The 'problem' with the 2.4GHz (digital spectrum) is that it's the resonant frequency of water. This is why 2.4GHz is used for Microwave ovens... to vibrate the water molecules in the food and so cook it. Obviously, the energy expelled by radio mics, Wi-Fi, mice, etc, is considerably less than a microwave (because we don't want users 'cooked'!) and so is 'easily' absorbed by any watery or food type product in its path... including humans :-) Exactly the same issues arise with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (which is why I *always* recommend 5GHz for that)... the path to the potting shed from your house might be close, but Omni aerials, people, pools, metal, etc, etc all work against you when you have to restrict the energy output for safety reasons. From my military days, a lot of security around airfields/army Signals station was less about sneaky squirrel secret stuff and more about protecting people from (literally) being cooked in the proximity of high gain radio kit and antenna arrays :-) Inside, there would be sufficient reflected energy to allow paths around warm bodies, but in an open field (and especially next to a large body of water like a beach) it'll always be problematic.

[@PaulAshley]

Have you tied this with the Sennheiser XSW-D XLR Base Set?

[@ELBENDC2]

Shane nice and very good test, now please do the same test indoors, to see the diference pls, thanx

[@leif2752]

Thank you! You just actually saved me some money! Love the tech, but I just used the XVive at an event where I built a roving mobile DJ platform. Crackles and pops everywhere at the outdoor party, but once the people left it was fine...😂😂. Kind of defeats the point! Wondering now with the new 5ghz Joyo MW-1... Thanks!

[@paulm8157]

Good point about battery levels. Would you expect useable range to differ per battery level. If there’s no battery level indicator, just go/no go, would range be constant until no go level?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I would assume they'd work at their given distance and then just stop if there's no battery. I don't think battery level will affect distance performance.

[@Ronbc000]

I like kit that functions. Thanks for your review.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

No worries Ron, thanks for watching mate.

[@roywilson8877]

could do this with Busking(street musicians)? I know you are a photog but this would be a better test as I would never go that distance frrom my guitar

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

It would work for that sort of thing yep.

[@masterpdj2623]

I just ordered 2 sets of the U-3 but I think I'll return it. I was gonna use it in a DJ situation with speakers maybe 7ft away but It doesn't appear that I can trust them

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

It works way better indoors than outdoors. I think with no walls to bounce the signal off of, it struggles in these conditions.

[@RepairGuyDK]

What the hell Shane, are you still using Final Cut ??, didn´t we talk about that! (Davinci Resolve 15) *LOL*. thanks for the review, now i know NOT!! to buy this rubish mic transmitter, audio cuts out already at ....what.....6 feet? with your back turned ....WTF! is that!.......no way, i´m sticking with my Saramonic UWmic10 Wireless lavalier setup :-)

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

It's pretty hilarious I can't believe how fast they cut out. Supposedly 2.4 Ghz can't travel through liquid very well which explains this to some extent but it's pretty crappy. I never have this issues with my Rode Wireless. Ahh well.

[@YuriSamson]

Many thanks, Shane.

[@maddiebrad77]

Have you tried the Sennheiser XSW by any chance???

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Hi Maddie. I haven't tried that specific one before sorry.

[@maddiebrad77]

Geeky Nerdy Techy just bought one today! You should try it out... seems pretty decent!

[@jondunmore4268]

The fact that both of these FAILED MISERABLY as soon as he turned his back makes them USELESS. I would have bought this XVIVE unit for weddings (for the Officiant to use) - but the bride and groom are standing between the receiver and the transmitter at the back of the room! And so are the guests, when they all stand up. And all the summer weddings are outdoors, the venues having conned couples into making their guests sit under direct sun for an hour (!), so that makes the signal even more evasive, as it has no indoor surfaces to bounce off should too many bodies be in direct line-of-sight. Thank you, Geeky Nerdy, for exposing this crap. I've got a $1000 wireless Shure for onstage performance, so I was only looking at these for providing a better experience for Officiants at the weddings I perform at. If they are that sensitive to line-of-sight, who is this company actually conning into buying their lame equipment I gotta just stick to hard-wired. Nothing like old school reliability.

[@AlejandroCastroJ_S]

Great real world review.

[@waimeaguyz9074]

Xvive may have done a little better than the b3 but still unusable. the b3 feels solid though. i have both Xvive and B3. I like the B3's build quality. And I'm not going to be talking from 100 feet. How would a regular wireless mic do against these wireless.

[@RobCmusic]

This test doesn't give me confidence that I could use either of these units reliably. Most of my gigs I provide the sound system as well as play/sing and the receiver would be behind me with me between the transmitter and receiver. If this test is anything to go by then I think it would be a bit of a let down.

[@scotia807]

Really good review. Guess i'll stick to hard wired

[@reggiegraham6996]

I just bought 4 of these systems for my band, I'm using a Behringer xr18 Mixer that uses wifi. This System does not work well with my Mixer it kills my wifi connection.

[@bubblesthemonkey1695]

Do yourself a favor and don't use the built in wifi on the XR18, get an external dual band router and connect the XR18 on the 5GHZ band. the built in wifi uses the 2.4GHZ band and is notoriously unstable as that frequency is so crowed these days.

[@imark7777777]

I did not know about the battery level that is cool.

[@TomCee53]

I Really couldn’t tell the difference in quality or performance .

[@cathaldalymusic]

Thanks Shane I was going to get one of these, now I won’t!

[@stevecherelle5881]

Thank you. What total rubbish products. This is the exact test we need to see

[@fabyj6371]

very good video You saved me from spending 20,000 Argentine pesos on something that wouldn't help me.

[@DonaHannah-x8k]

The xvive is to wide to use with a vocal pedal

[@DandyDoesIt]

Nux is sleeker and blends in better being black. Thus advantage nux.

[@rachelinarizona6057]

Hi I want to start a youtube channel but I have to do this right. Can you coach me?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Happy to give you some pointers, sure. You can find my email address on the "about" Tab of my channel.

[@phoreal9273]

I don't think these chinese products can compare with Sennheiser line

[@garystephenarias3327]

SWEET =)

[@kenwilliams563]

I find the hiss level on those kind of systems so bad, they seem useless really, they have so much against them, at 2.4 Ghz they can mess up your WiFi, and as you have proved cannot pass a signal through the human body, what use are they in the real world? Oh I use a R0de M1. Ken.

[@bobvanwest]

To me the Xvive worked better

[@SV-Valhalla]

Wow, thanks for saving me some cash!! both of these suck!!! God forbid my guitarist should walk between the mixer and my mike.

[@Androcentus]

Exactly....Both had the same issues more or less.

[@pauloyoshizaki2103]

XVIVE - WIRELESS - RECEIVER - MINI - TRANSMISSOR ; ÓTIMO - ALCANCE : 100 MTS : LATÊNCIA ; 3Ghz ~ 9Ghz : Frequências- Latências - Alcance ! : com : 6 G : Internet- Triplo - Velocidades - Latências - Velocidades : XVIVE - RECEIVER : NEW - MODEL : 2023 .

[@alistairbarclay3116]

Thank you very much , now I know not to buy these. Range is very poor,

[@DanielDavis730]

If u have a 4 hour gig. The battery won't last. Total useless

[@hermangf9896]

tai

[@RobCmusic]

This test doesn't give me confidence that I could use either of these units reliably. Most of my gigs I provide the sound system as well as play/sing and the receiver would be behind me with me between the transmitter and receiver. If this test is anything to go by then I think it would be a bit of a let down.