REVIEW – Cable can be one of the most annoying things to manage as a musician and when the opportunity came up to check out the Spark Link Wireless Guitar system I wanted to see how it performed.
What is it?
The Spark Link Wireless Guitar System consists of two small wireless devices the size of large key fobs that connect to any standard pickup outputs and amp inputs.
What’s included?
- Spark LINK TX (Transmitter)
- Spark LINK RX (Receiver)
- USB A to C Cable (1.5 meters)
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety Instructions
Tech specs
- Frequency Response: 20Hz ~ 20kHz
- Sample Rate / Bit Depth: 48kHz / 24-bit
- Latency:< 3ms
- Dynamic Range: 96dB
- USB Type-C charging port
- Wireless Connectivity: Positive Grid proprietary wireless audio (2.4GHz)
- Transmission Range: Up to 70 feet line-of-sight (21 meters)
- Dimensions: 107.3mm x 27.7mm x 25.4mm (4.2in x 1.1in x 1in)
- Weight: 39g (0.09lbs)
Design and features
These wireless transmitters are very light and fit well into the guitar output and amp input. They can be used with any device that uses a standard pickup connection, but we used them on my son’s electric guitar. Each of them is clearly marked on the back with a TX for the transmitter and an RX for the receiver.
Pairing is very easy. On the front of the devices, you just have to push and hold the power button on each to put it into search mode, and when both pair up, the lights turn green.
Assembly, Installation, Setup
Once charged, these transmitters are pretty much plug and play. The included USB cable has a pigtail that allows you to charge both units at the same time. Advertised play time on a charge is 6 hours.
Performance
Now for the fun part of the review. How do these things shape up?
My son is a budding musician and has really enjoyed putting them through their paces. One of the tests he did was to set it up with an amp in the living room and walk outside to see how far he could go before it started cutting out. He was able to make it well beyond the advertised 70 foot range and still get a decent signal. The one issue you run into in that situation is that you can’t hear yourself playing and the sound lag increases the further you get away.
Playing guitar in the pit for a musical they’re working on, he said that they were great because he didn’t have to worry about tangling himself or anyone else with a cord.
What I like about Spark LINK Wireless Guitar System
- They are not lying about the range on these things. It exceeded expectations in that category.
- The sound quality is great. No noticeable degradation in quality and there was no noticeable difference when compared with a corded connection.
- Battery life is great and hasn’t been an issue at all.
- The extra freedom to move around is really nice.
What needs to be improved?
- Needs a carry case for when you’re not using them. We coopted an eyeglass case, which works great, but a branded carry case would be nice.
Final thoughts
I think the Spark LINK wireless guitar system is great, especially in tight quarters or where you need freedom to move. My son loves them, and they have come in handy during recent rehearsals and performances. The quality is very good and I would recommend them to anyone who could use some additional freedom while playing guitar. I’m not an audiophile, but I do appreciate music and have been around it for quite a while, and they seem like a great cable replacement strategy.
Price: $129
Where to buy: Positive Grid
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Positive Grid. Positive Grid did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
