By Carlos Martin Schwab
With so many guitar wireless systems on the market, it’s hard to choose. In this review, I will explain why the Spark LINK; launched at NAMM this year, is my current wireless system.
Inside the guitar player’s mind: “What am I looking for when I need to choose a guitar wireless system?” That is simple:
For years, I relied on the Line 6 Relay G10, which shares many of the Spark LINK characteristics. Despite the bulk size of its receiver and some connection issues over the 30’ distance, it did a good job but I always wanted to try a newer product. Opening the Spark LINK box,
I was impressed by the sleek and small form factor of the receiver and the transmitter: 3” x 1.1” x 1” without the plug and around 40g of weight. The plastic housings look sturdy and have a black/golden color that matches the Spark line style.
Now, straight to the most important characteristics: the connection is very reliable way over the 40’ distance indoors (It was more than 100’ outdoors), delivering a good quality and noise-free signal all the time, and with a slightly lower latency than the Relay G10 due to the Positive Grid proprietary new chipset. The transmission technology is 2.4GHz and not 5GHz.
The company made this decision after a thorough evaluation of several factors, including wireless reliability, transmission distance, latency, power consumption, cost, and adherence to global wireless regulations and compliance standards. While 5GHz technology can offer higher speeds, it also presents limitations such as shorter range and greater susceptibility to interference, which could impact the performance and reliability of the Spark LINK. Its battery autonomy is around 6 hours, giving enough time for setup, soundcheck, and gig in a professional environment.
Two characteristics divide the waters between the wireless systems. One is compatibility with active pickups because not all the wireless systems have it. I have active pickups in several of my guitars and never had an issue with the Spark LINK or the Relay G10.
The other is compatibility with recessed input connectors, such as the Ibanez S guitars and Ibanez SR basses. Unfortunately, the Spark link is not compatible with recessed input connectors. A final feature that probably I will never use is the 4-channel selector, allowing 4 different musicians use their Spark LINK pairs at the same time without any interference.
About the price, the retail price is $129. Considering its characteristics and performance, it’s a bargain. In comparison, the new Line 6 Relay G10II is sold at $200.
Pros:
Very reliable wireless connection
Very good quality and noise-free signal
Very low latency (<3ms)
Good battery autonomy
Affordable price
Cons:
Not compatible with recessed input connectors
More info at https://www.positivegrid.com/products/spark-link
And 2 videos here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXzqILCNoZ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNbfUXsTQoA
Carlos Martin Schwab thanks Leslie Buttonow, Positive Grid Communications Manager, for her technical help with this review.
