Despite their incredible potential, wireless systems have in the past often failed to deliver on their promise of a cable-free future. Various technical issues such as intermittent drop-outs, hum interference, and high latency have sadly deterred musicians from embracing this technology. Thankfully, huge strides have since been made to address these problems, with even professional musicians no longer able to notice whether a guitar or bass is connected wirelessly to an amplifier. With the GTRS GWU4 Wireless Plug, shown here in its white incarnation, Mooer has achieved this feat thanks to ultra-high frequency technology that guarantees a latency response of less than 3ms in addition to a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz and a dynamic range of 103dB, and the whole solution comes at a very attractive price.
The GTRS GWU4 system is a set that comprises two dongles with 6.35mm (1/4") jack connectors that serve as the transmitter and receiver. Both of these house an 800mAh battery for up to six hours of performance, which should be more than enough for even the longest live gigs! The included Y-style USB-A to USB-C cable can charge both dongles simultaneously in 2.5 hours, and an integrated LED indicator helps keep track of the battery life. Thanks to the GWU4's channel selection feature, it can work with up to four GWU4 receivers for use with different amplifiers or multi-effects units. The colour of the LED indicator also denotes the currently selected channel. As long as there is a clean line of sight between the transmitter and receiver unit, the wireless system offers a range of up to 30 metres for freedom of movement on stage and in front of the audience.
Compared to early wireless systems, which were an expensive niche reserved mainly for professionals, today's systems are not only technically more sophisticated but also much cheaper, more compact, and less susceptible to interference. With its low latency and outstanding sound quality, the Mooer GTRS GWU4 Wireless Plug White is an excellent choice for those on a budget looking to experience the freedom of connecting their guitar or bass wirelessly to an amp without the compromises that had to be expected in the past.
Mooer is based in the Chinese city of Shenzhen and has been making products for guitarists since 2010, which include compact single pedals through to multi-effects units and compact amplifiers. The company initially produced a range of mini pedals before making perhaps its most significant breakthrough in 2016 with the sophisticated Ocean Machine delay pedal, which was designed in collaboration with Devin Townsend. Mooer's product range now also includes solutions that feature amp modelling, IR-based speaker simulation, and matching equalisers, and the company's focus remains firmly on the use of digital technology.
Time to say goodbye to tangled and accidentally unplugged cables, and say hello to a world of freedom and peace of mind both on stage and at home. The Mooer GTRS GWU4 Wireless Plug's range of up to 30 metres allows users to unleash their inner rockstar during performances, and the ability to wirelessly operate one transmitter with four GWU4 receivers opens up numerous options for addressing different amps, modellers, or multi-effects units simultaneously. Not having to worry about cable runs also means that musicians can even head over to the kitchen and grab a coffee or tea without having to put their instrument down when they are jamming at home.