Wireless Guitar vs Cable and more! (Xvive U2 Review)

Warning - This is a VERY geeky video with numbers and science. Well, almost science. I put all the marketing stuff of the XVIVE U2 to the test. Does it deliver as the company say it will? Is it a solution for budget guitar wireless systems?
Get it from Thomann - redir.love/thoprod/403718?off...
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00:00 Intro
00:20 Introducing the Xvive U2
02:45 The range
03:19 Latency and tone
06:18 Frequency range
08:27 Battery life
09:36 Transmission range
11:29 Does it fit your guitar?
13:56 The review
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The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed by any outside persons.
#theguitargeek #xviveU2 #WirelessGuitar

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Oh hi! Here is an easy Sub button - kzbin.info/door/I5i6aBbINMIEkYW3b6olHg

[@CABALDRUMMER]

@TheGuitarGeek How does it do when using it through a pedalboard?

[@joesatchton212]

Ibanez S series and some other guitars with slanted jacks: DON'T BOTHER to get these - they won't fit. I have these and hate them for several reasons. The physical design is awful, especially on guitars like I mentioned above. Standard strat jacks seem OK and of course SG, ES335, Tele and LP jacks are fine. But the problems are: - the plastic collar around the end of the plug end is too long; - worse, the huge rounded shoulder area at the hinge means the jack cannot be fully inserted into S series guitars and some other "non-standard", narrower jack openings. I had to have a custom 16" M to F cable made in order to attach the transmitter to my strap like old school wireless packs on my MIJ S series guitars. Secondly, the navigation to change channels on these are terrible and non-intuitive. In order to get to channel 4 you need to press the button multiple times rather than starting at channel 1 then pressing once to get to channel 2, etc. U2 does NOT work this way. Thirdly, in my busy wifi home environment, the performance of the U2 system is the worst in terms of stability of signal across all channels versus my other 3 low to mid-priced systems. I find these awful. Far, far better are the NUX B2 and the near identical OEM Harley Benton systems. Both are among the lowest profile units on the market, both function flawlessly, channel switching makes far more logical sense and the battery life is superior. Andy, on battery life, important to tell your audience the times given by manufacturers are skewed to reflect the RECEIVER'S LIFE, NOT the transmitter. Expect the transmitter to yield between 10-25% LESS life. Also, simply leaving the units on overnight is not the right way to test - you need to actually play the guitar and have the transmitter work to send actual signals to the receiver unit. Doing it this way, you will find the actual transmitter life is more like 3.5 to 4 hours max. Sorry for the mini rant :)

[@GilesDMT]

Another excellent review...I love the real-world tests! Edgy, haha, etc etc. Thank you!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks! It was very freeing, walking up the road with a guitar

[@techender]

Had a set of these for about 5 years now and after innumerable gigs and rehearsals, the batteries have stopped holding their charge. Just bought a new set, because they’re fantastic!

[@markay_]

Sweet! Do they work with pedals?

[@TheOfficial_What]

great review man, covered everything i was questioning and more!

[@scubatrooper9895]

Albeit two years ago… This video is quite “Edgy” and your review, as always, spot on and valued. Much appreciated and I’ll be looking to add this item to my gear.

[@stanwgg]

I’ve had a set for a 1-1/2 years. Still working great. For the last year I’ve only used it on the weekends. 👍

[@aitken1965]

Well, here goes. I'm playing live with this system tonight!

[@caseykittel]

Nice! I’m going to test all my guitar cables using the phone, white noise, EQ freeze trick. Love it. Just think - even one crap cable in a pedal board can change your tone. You can even test how well your pedal board passes white noise with all the pedals bypassed. This is great. Thank you! I just subscribed too 😘

[@chrishughes6661]

Great video and review Andy - I've been on the edge of buying a set of these for a while and I think it's about confirmed my purchase!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Glad I could help

[@wv838]

Been considering wireless for a while. Now it's on my shopping list. Good review, Andy. And not all edgy, no delay;)

[@2tubeguitar]

Excelent review! Thanks

[@davidgrayson5009]

Well Done!!! You concisely and thoroughly covered almost everything that I wanted to know. I just bought a set as in intro to guitar wireless and love 'em at home so far. Eagerly waitting to see if they actually work in a gig environment. Our band also uses a couple of xvive u4 in ear sets so I am wondering if we will have issues. I see from the listed frequencies that ch 1 and 2 are common between the u4 and u2 products but the other channels are different.

[@fergeraci]

Phenomenal review. Thank you very much 👍

[@henryssurfshowcase]

Great edgy review, looks like you really covered this item well! I liked your eq snapshot especially..

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you!

[@blutonemusic]

Hi Andy, I absolutely love your 'Edgy' content!😂😂 Thanks for this review and especially useful to know that you can have multiple guitars with transmitters working with just one receiver. Great point to make. All the best and thanks John

[@Janoline6]

Amazing review! Thank you!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You are welcome

[@mattnelson8325]

Thanks for the info. very EDGY!

[@mikeroadblock]

Love the edgy reviews. Had this for a few years. Works like you stated here. Cheers!

[@NurfHerderEclipse]

You are way more scientific than most guitar players. Props for a great review. Alderley Edgey.

[@douglaspate9314]

As an extra mega benefit, not mentioned anywhere in any review I would like to add the following I suffer from very bad knees (they will be replaced in the coming 12 months) The XVives replace the cables on the floor and I can now move around more freely, more securely, when I am standing. For me the XVives are a life changer.

[@leightnite3056]

Just got a set a couple days ago, gigged em last night, I'm happy w em! Light, solid, classy, sounds good. Did notice the slight drop in highs as well! Oh yeah, ran em 3 hours straight, stayed strong, Edgy if you will...

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks for joining in with quality info. Glad to hear we’re having similar results

[@jeremyfried5463]

Edgy. I just bought mine and your review was very helpful.

[@RaxFx]

I have this and very happy (only use at home) What I specially like is that you can permanently power the Receiver with any USB power supply so you only have to worry about the Transmitter. if it looses a bit of treble I don't worry - my ears also rolloff some

[@erickmazur807]

I bought one today. It works. Tested it in a wifi area. Next to my phone. Then i walked down the block and only got a tad of latency. Solid lil piece of gear

[@SkeeterDigs]

Best review of this product on the inter web👍✌️

[@randyupchurch1899]

...Thank you,my Brother,for all the"tech-stuff";..."Almost" got a-bit "EDGY",near the end!!!...Peace & love from Southern Illinois...

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks Randy

[@keithspillett5298]

Re the difference in sound between the Xvive and the cable, it's likely that different cables will also sound/measure differently to each other. One thing that SHOULD be a 'given' is that the Xvive will sound the same irrespective of operating distance, always assuming it's within range of course. Different cable lengths can produce wildly differing results/sounds. Great channel BTW

[@astronorthwet636]

I had one of the early Sampson bug style wireless units 25 years ago and I did manage to destroy the transmitter first time out by taking it down then back up steps to the stage. The Les Paul hung down just enough to hit the transmitter on a step as I leaned forward going up the steps. That can happen to these too. I also got some crackling from the swivel joint of the old Sampson unit from vibration but a little Velcro fixed it to the guitar body and no crackle. I’m sure newer tech has solved that issue. If not there’s always Velcro!

[@paul-qu7qx]

Hey thanks for the info . Thanks to you im getting one. Shame we didnt hear you play much. Take care oh and ..... Edgy.....😁😁

[@Jetsetscotty]

Love my XVIVE-U2. Use it at home and have had no problems. Sounds no different than cable for my ears and no lag too. I seem to get 5 hours plus between charges. Only problem that I have noticed is that with my Katana Artist I have just bought (thanks to your review) it occasionally and momentarily cuts out when my laptop is plugged in next to the Artist. The bluetooth is always on on the laptop so I may try it turned off next time since it is only connected with a cable. Please use thicker RED borders around your thumbnails too, love the red 'EDGY' borders. Why not :O) Haha.

[@ernieb3626]

I realy apreciate the video. Came across you recently stuck home sick and Dare I say........"it was worth it"?lol, anyway keep it up and I hope your channell grows tremendosly. Do you have any video of you playing in your band? Just curious

[@Ironbrood4426]

thanks for this informative and "edgy" video. I used to live in Germany and that looked like an end of village sign in your distance test, maybe near an old military base, miss that area.

[@glahome1]

Excellent review, good show Boss! On a separate note, what is the brand of the black and white stripe tele? I am subscribed and will be watching often. Keep up the entertaining and informative shows. Good-day mate!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

It’s the Harley Benton. Link in the video description

[@glahome1]

@@TheGuitarGeek Thanks Boss!

[@keithh8661]

This vidio looks like a lot of work,thanks,I'm writing this during the demo,but promise ta watch till the end lol hope u show the price

[@markhawkins1950]

Hedgy! That was right wasn't it? A cool and deeply scientific video.

[@rogerYT69]

thx for the video ...perfect timing because my Line 6 Relay G10 is broken after the recommended overheating update! do not update the older G10's! Update works well but the akku is emty after 20-30 minutes with a full battery charge. a lot users have this problem after update. now i buy a xvive U2 ;)

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I’m glad I could help!

[@rogerYT69]

@@TheGuitarGeek thanks a lot! i am verry happy with my new xvive ...greetings from switzerland ;)

[@Hardy-One]

Thank you for doing that A/B comparison with a cable-connection. I think a 6 ms latency is quite a lot. Because it's 6 ms more(!) than the latency you get already from your cable. So in addition (aka: the real latency from hitting the string to hearing the tone) you would come into a range of latency that feels disturbing, i think. - Can you tell the latency of your Shure-System? Is it any faster?

[@bradleyberdahl6148]

edgey....thanx Bro!

[@cullenjames7542]

I own a set. I'm a home player, so I don't have reliability or endurance experience, but I can tell you this: It works fine on all my passive electronic guitars. It gets noisy AF if I plug up a bass with active EQ or any of my guitars with Fluence pickups.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Ahh that’s GREAT info. Thank you !

[@TheKookyman]

Thanks for this review, i have the katana boss air wireless, i don't know if i need and pc interface, or i can connect it to the pc

[@johnnyclifford9423]

I have three transmitters and the receiver. I use several guitars and it's really convenient as you turn one off and turn the next one on. It's that simple and I don't have to unplug and plug in any of the guitars I'm using. I started using channel 4 because another guitar player in our band has been using channel 1. I got a pretty bad amount of interference and drop outs on channel 4. I switched to channel 3 at rehearsal tonight and it worked fine. I have a fairly big show Saturday so that will be the test. We're now using channels 1, 2 & 3 in our band. I hope it works. Has anyone else had any problems with channel 4?

[@skaboosh]

Is it good enough for pro concerts? Thanks.

[@JaredGunstonTV]

I've owned one for about 3 years, maybe 4. I was gigging nightly. It can't last a rehersal or a gig or 2 sets anymore. I can't use it at home neither where I live now or where I lived previrus. 2.4 is not great but usually works on stage, I've had the odd gig where it makes that weird artifact glitching. It's a "works in most cases" but once it starts getting old it's no longer reliable. I did enjoy it when new, minus the bad connectivity at home. One other thing if you performing with others it's easily knocked out of the guitar and Mines front cover has fallen off and is now a thing that falls off if the unit drops. Just my 2c as an owner of one of these, mine will not play anymore gigs, but first 1to2 years was enjoyable, where it worked.

[@bacongl]

I got a few different kinds of these. I love them. It is just annoying to charge them all the time. I only really use them for shows. Cable is still superior.

[@johanfagerstromjarlenfors]

5:22 I also hear a difference. The cable get more highs than the wireless and the wireless has a rounder sound with much more lows

[@user-xj5dj5lp3y]

I buy the lakato wireless and like half the volume and sound junk. Do u think these are the same as leads

[@chrisiagallo]

Do you know if this acts as a buffer?

[@DarkoPorsche]

What is the lifetime of the built in battery?

[@Larrymarx]

Thank you *TheGuitarGeek* for your excellent review of the *Xvive U2* probably the best review I've seen... *edgy* LM

[@joetechmatrixemail2920]

Great job on this video. It's quite edgy. You go beyond where other reviews fail to achieve IMHO.

[@adamgh0]

I just use a cable (INTEX). There's SO much bluetooth and WiFi interference at your average venue that it's just not necessary to go wireless.

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Who's Ed Gee?

[@RJW14]

if you simply look at the recordings the wireless is squished a bit as to be expected. Will the audience hear this though? Or will they be "Edgy" and complain that you're not using a 5000 dollar silver mogami cable?

[@Eliseo_M_P]

Very nice and edgy video. I'm gonna get this edgy product.

[@saarangnarayan123]

Naming a guitar-related piece of gear after a certain band is also quite edgy... edgy, exactly.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You get me dude 😉

[@doegywhail728]

Would battery life be effected by playing over just leaving it on?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I wasn’t prepared to sit there for 5 hours but what i can say (as I did), it would get through a gig.

[@doegywhail728]

@@TheGuitarGeek I’m pretty sure it would cover most if not all gigs, I just wondered if the spare half hour would be eaten up because it’s processing signal over no signal like an idling engine over a driven one. Just so punters don’t think it will go an extra half an hour when playing that’s all. You know how some folk are. 😁

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I do... it’ll cover a gig. I would count on half the battery time XVIVE state

[@doegywhail728]

@@TheGuitarGeek cool.👍

[@luissantiago7525]

There ok. But, I'll stick with my Shure GLX more expensive but well worth it.

[@sebastiendeheaulme125]

All WiFi devices switched on at the same time...I know understand where your haircut comes from.

[@PooNinja]

Mmm no breaking your stuff from tripping on your cable. Oooh I need an ABY, for totally different reasons.

[@PooNinja]

Pink noise!!! 🤦🏽

[@erickmazur807]

Poo this is a good product. Bought one today. Its sweet

[@todosportodos1]

4:15 - 4:23

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Edgy. Bruh!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Aww yeah

[@Guilhem74]

Edgy... U2... I sense some kind of a theme here...

[@dtinh182]

Edgy EDGY...Metro 20 #PEDALTRAINLOVESAUSTRIA. I want one! Slap a da bass! You really got me “ not really” Lets get ready to RUMBLE!!! 60 cycle hum sucks!!!One for the road! Number 1 RatFan!! AaahhHhAahhh! Da the guitar geek! Why so CIRRUS! RRRRRRR.Thats is .... RAT! Thunder! Thunder! Thunder! Damn thats cheap! Warranty VOID. I express daily. Ferrells Intergraded spaceship flange That quarterback is toast .Rest in peace little drumthing. Ampiltube 5 is alive and Joe bonamassa is wrong and he is a wobbly boy. Woooby dooper loopy

[@wv838]

Ah! The blue guitar is an AZ. You lucky bar-steward! :)

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Sure is!

[@RobertHamm]

film noir, "edgy", head bob zoom to close, "edgy".

[@backlom]

Your review was, dare I say, edgy. Yes, edgy.

[@kenlay3351]

Edggy

[@TheMerc1950]

Edgy...edgy...or is it?!

[@bobwallace9814]

Edgy met a bear. The bear was bulgy. The bulge was Edgy.

[@kimballowen-brown4771]

Super “Edgy”

[@user-xj5dj5lp3y]

But u can pay another 100 and buy a real pair of bose

[@mickavoidant4780]

At last someone tests wirelesses among phones and other 2.4GHz-ers, and onstage. Edgy edgy

[@tonybrooks476]

If it makes me sound more edgy, edgy I am in.

[@mickeyparker]

hedschi

[@Ian_KH]

Does not work with active instruments. They will blow the electronics and the unit will become useless.

[@vasotoe]

Edgy....🤣

[@saarangnarayan123]

The release time of this video was edgy... edgy.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yes! Trying something new

[@Briansgate]

yeah, but does it use multiple delays? Shoutout to multiple time WWE Champion.....EDGE! ya know, edgy.... sigh.

[@jameshalbert181]

I misheard the intro I thought this was a gift from your ex wife. If she divorced you you definitely don't deserve it haha

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hahahahahahaha

[@sajisguitar]

I too heard ex-wife!!!!

[@matthewearl9824]

Please stop using read borders around your video thumbnails. Thank you.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Why?

[@spacepalace1]

edgy

[@Gabe5]

Mine lasted less than 1 year. Awful customer service. Do yourself a favor and stay away from this Company.