The SHURE GLXD16+ is the only pedal-type guitar wireless system of professional quality available for purchase. In professional settings, uninterrupted sound is more crucial than any changes in audio quality. The SHURE GLXD16+ automatically selects the most stable frequency band and connects the transmitter and receiver. Moreover, no setup is required; you simply turn on the power. Of course, there are no negative changes or delays in the sound. It can be placed alongside other pedals and is powered by a 9V power supply. If you want a guitar wireless system with reliable sound quality and connection, this is the only choice.
Looking for a Reliable Guitar Wireless System?
For those who are:
● Searching for a reliable guitar wireless system
● Concerned about integrated plug and transmitter systems like BOSS or LINE6
● Desiring the highest quality guitar wireless sound
Yosh, an ex-musical instrument store clerk (@Yosh_Guitar), provides a thorough explanation of SHURE’s pedal-type guitar wireless system, GLX-D+. Many professional musicians around the world used the SHURE GLXD16. Whenever bandmates asked for wireless recommendations, I always suggested the SHURE GLXD16. However, it was discontinued a few years ago, leaving a gap in the market for professional-quality pedal-type guitar wireless systems. In April 2023, the highly recommended SHURE pedal-type wireless system made a comeback with an update! Introducing the SHURE GLXD16+. This article will explain why the SHURE GLXD16+ is the top recommendation for guitar wireless systems and will compare it with its predecessor.
Pros of SHURE GLXD16+
The Only Pedal-Type Guitar Wireless System on the Market
The SHURE GLXD16+ is currently the only pedal-type guitar wireless system available for purchase. It can be installed on your pedalboard, simplifying equipment setup and saving space. It operates on a 9V 400mA power supply, which can also be supplied from a power supply unit.
Natural Sound with Zero Latency
The sound quality is high, almost equivalent to when using a cable. It achieves this with a frequency response of 20-20kHz and operates with a dynamic range of 120 dB. You won’t notice any latency. Even if you compare it side by side with a cable, it’s hard to tell which one is wireless.
Easy to Use
Just turn on the power, and it’s ready to use. The system automatically selects the optimal frequency and pairs the transmitter and receiver. No complicated settings are required, making setup quick and easy.
Automatic Frequency Management to Prevent Interference
This feature distinguishes it from cheaper wireless systems, ensuring high reliability. It avoids interference with other wireless devices, ensuring a stable connection. The transmitter and receiver are always connected to three frequencies, automatically switching to the most stable one. This prevents sound interruptions due to interference. It’s reliable even in environments with many wireless devices, such as live stages or practice studios.
Wireless Range Up to 60m
It can be used within a range of up to 60 meters indoors, making it suitable for large stages or outdoor events. Whether you’re giving an aggressive performance on stage or getting closer to the audience on the floor, you can rely on it.
15 Minutes of Charging for a Stage Performance
A quick 15-minute charge allows for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of use. Even if you forget to charge it, a quick charge right before a practice or live performance ensures full performance. When fully charged, it can be used continuously for up to 17 hours, making it reliable for long rehearsals or consecutive live performances.
Receiver with Guitar Input
This is a new feature not found in the previous model. The receiver is equipped with a guitar input terminal. Since pedal-type wireless systems are often fixed to pedalboards, you can quickly use a cable when wireless isn’t necessary.
High-Quality Built-in Tuner
The footswitch can be used as a high-quality tuner. There’s no need to prepare a separate tuner for your pedal board, making equipment transportation and setup even simpler. This tuner is highly accurate and responsive, equivalent or even superior to general tuners.
Transmitter with Secure Mini XLR Plug
The connection to the guitar is a regular phone plug, but the connection to the transmitter side is a 3-pin mini cannon. Once inserted, it’s securely fixed and won’t easily come off.
Disadvantage: Pricier than Other Brands
There are no complaints regarding its quality. If there’s a downside, it’s that the SHURE guitar wireless system is pricier than other brands. Even during the absence of the old SHURE GLXD model, pedal-type guitar wireless systems like BOSS WL-50 ($239.99), and LINE6 Relay G10S ($269.99) were available. All of these were priced under $300, making the $499 SHURE GLDX16+ considerably more expensive. However, the cheaper models sometimes had reviews mentioning sound interruptions. They’re not necessarily bad in sound quality and might be fine for home use or casual studio/live sessions with friends. But for professional stages where failure is not an option, SHURE is undoubtedly the top choice in terms of quality and reliability.
Differences from the Previous Model
| Specification | GLXD16+ | GLXD16 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Time | About 17 hours | About 11.5 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB Micro Type-B |
| Current Requirement | 9V-15V, 400mA | 9V-15V, 250mA |
| Receiver Size | 138 x 95 x 48mm | 133 x 95 x 46 mm |
| Receiver Weight | 560g | 504g |
| Transmitter Size | 115 x 66.94 x 28.51 mm | 90 x 65 x 23 mm |
| Transmitter Weight (without battery) | 153.1g | 132g |
A specification table is provided, comparing the new GLX-D+ with the old GLX-D. Apart from the receiver’s guitar input, there doesn’t seem to be a significant difference in specifications. What guitarists might want to know is the operating time, size, and slightly increased current requirement. The operating time of the GXLD16+ has increased from about 11.5 hours to about 17 hours. The Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) has improved from 0.2% in the old model to 0.07% in the new one, indicating even less change in sound quality. The appearance hasn’t changed much, but the SHURE logo on the receiver is slightly more prominent.
For Pedal-Type Guitar Wireless, It’s Only SHURE!
Recently, there were no professional-level pedal-type guitar wireless systems available. The audio-technica ATW-1501 was discontinued even before the SHURE GLXD. The BOSS WL-50 and Line6 Relay G10S, judging from the size of their transmitters, are inferior in sound quality and connection stability compared to SHURE. In short, for a professional setting where you need reliable quality, the SHURE GLXD16+ is the only choice.
