G10S signal issues

[xman03]

Hello, just received my G10S and I'm already frustrated with it. Full disclosure upfront, I currently use a G70 for guitar, with the G10S connected to the aux in on the G70 for fiddle/violin. First use, connected at home using the 9V power supply connected to my T-Rex Chameleon on it's own isolated power spot, and the signal would almost immediately cut out when the transmitter was more than 7' away, or line of sight was broken; it cut out going behind drywall. I tried re-pairing the transmitter/receiver, updated the transmitter to V1.04, same result. I could actually activate the transmitter and put my hand between it and the receiver and observer the signal go from three green bars to a single red bar, fluctuating wildly in-between. Assumed it might be Wi-Fi interference in my house, so I took it to the gig.

 

Gig #1, same result as at home, unit dropped signal immediately and wouldn't maintain solid connection, had to dump it and go wired.

 

Troubleshooting the next day, I connected it to a 5V USB high output supply(Anker 5 port USB mounted under my board). Worked like a charm, actually couldn't get it to drop out going through my entire house, despite being right next to a fairly powerful Wi-Fi access point on 2.4Ghz.

 

Gig #2, left G10S on USB power, worked great.

 

Gig #3, even with line of sight and 1-2 red bars when scanning, it would still cut out when I was directly standing over the receiver. I connected both G70 and G10S to USB power this time because the hub puts out 12 watts per USB port(5V x 2.4A) as opposed to 300-500mA from my T-Rex on each 9V output(2.7-4.5 watts). I tried probably 10 times to re-pair the unit, to no avail. 

 

My mobile and tablet eventually got moved as far as possible from both systems on gig #3 with no signal change. During setup, I set the G70 to scan, pick a channel(this time it was 2), and then force the G10S to rescan. At gig #2 the G70 transmitter was not on/in use, but the receiver was powered on via 9V, with the G10S powered via USB; with the same channel 2 in effect on the G70 receiver but no transmitter. Could this be a power issue; would it be worth my while to get a couple isolating USB to 9V adapters? At this point I'd prefer to just get another G70 transmitter, but playing violin the convenience of having absolutely no cables/wires simply cannot be beat. Throughout this the G70 has remained absolutely unaffected, still rock solid with great battery life and zero dropouts, so I'm very reluctant to get rid of that system; not to mention it is more robust and I rely heavily on the tuner out/mute feature.

 

I still have my G30 and G90 receivers(yes, I am THAT guy...), would it be worth my time to manually select a channel on the G10S and try the G10T on those other systems since they are supposedly cross-compatible? Are there certain channels that work better between the G70's 16 channels vs the G10/30/50/90's 11 channels? I remember in the past seeing the G30/90 spectrum and where the various overlap existed; if that exists for the G70 I think it might help in my situation. Thanks in advance for your help and insight!

 

EDIT: found the spectrum compatibility between G70/legacy systems, looks like I should have been fine using channel 2 on the G70.

[ZeroFunction]

I have a very similar issue.  The signal on my G10S also cuts out frequently when using the included 9V power supply.  When using the USB cable and a 5V supply I have no issues.  I'm not sure why this is happening.  I checked and verified that both my receiver and transmitter are running the latest firmware.  Could it be a problem with the 9V power supply or is it something with the 9V plug on the receiver unit?  Grounding issues? I really don't know.  I opened a support ticket and hope to hear back soon. 

[kritan]

I also have the same issue.  distance from the unit doesn't matter.  I have not tried the USB power yet, hopefully that will get it stable.  Love to hear the support solution for you, but I will open my own ticket as well.

[xman03]

Got an update to my situation.

 

Gig #4, the cutout came back with a vengeance. Was on USB power, but was also told by the house sound engineer that there were a ton of wireless interference issues at this venue, so I chalked it up to that. Since I questioned if it was the piezo pickup output from my fiddle(Barcus Berry 3100 bridge transducer), I used the right angle 1/4 adapter and it made absolutely no difference.

 

Gig #5, rock solid. I moved power to an isolated 500ma 9V output from a TrueTone CS7, I manually set the channel to either 10 or 11(I'll check when I get home), and had my G70 on channel 1. I had at least 50' of range on the G70(tossed my guitar to our sound engineer for him to play), and the G10S was still reliable to 25', since that's the furthest I got from my board. I'm off this weekend, but have another two shows next weekend and will report back with my results.

 

Here's hoping using a solid isolated 9V 500ma power supply fixes this issue! Still fairly baffled as to why it was cutting out on USB for me, but if it's due to 2.4Ghz interference that's a big problem, since in my situations it would cut out at 6' with line of sight. Worth noting, the G70 emits a high pitch(around 1800hz) when connected to USB power. Not sure if that's a ground issue, but I moved it back to isolated 9V(300ma from my T-rex Chameleon) and have had zero noise since.

 

I realize not everyone is going to have 3 separate power supplies at their disposal, so if anyone has any ideas/suggestions I'm more than happy to put them through their paces and report back with my results.

Edited March 7, 2019 by xman03
Added detail for Gig #4

[ljholland]

Question - I just used my new G10S at our rehearsal.  It cut out if I was more than a few feet away.  Especially if I were to the left of the unit facing down.

 

I had the channel set to auto.  Is it better to pick a channel?

[kritan]

Xman03 -

 

Are you using any wireless routers in your setup?  I have the G10S only, on my pedalboard in the same location I had the G10, but I am getting dropouts.  I am also running the CS7 and have it powered by a 9V 500ms slot.  I have spoken to Line6 support and they said I need to keep my wireless routers, which we use for our mixer, at least 15-20 ft away.  We are a small cover band, and some of the stages we play are maybe 15ft long at best, so that's not always an option.  Any hints to what you are doing that works would be great. 

ljholland - support suggested going through all the channels and finding the one that best fits your situation.  So this may mean doing this in the studio, then trying to find one that works in a live setting at each venue.

 

[ljholland]

You probably have something about the wireless router being too close.  At our rehearsal, our mixer has a wireless router and my pedal board was less than 3 feet from it.  That's got to be the problem.  I'll try changing channels to see if that improves things.

 

What interesting is that we had a big gig Saturday night and the G10S worked perfectly.  No dropouts at all and all green bars the entire time.  During sound check, I was even able to go out into the audience area and only started dropping when I was over 40 feet away.

 

Thanks for the tip Kritan!

[kritan]

My pleasure!  I have more info for you.

 

We have 2 Presonus mixers, one for the studio and one for live.  Both are iPad controlled, so wireless networks are a must.  At rehearsal last night, we encountered a new issue where connectivity to the mixer was lost when I was using the G10s.  I would dock the transmitter and the mixer access came back, so it's definitely interference with the 2.4GHz networks.  This morning, I turned off the 2.4GHz network and enabled the 5GHz network on my router, low and behold, no interference issues!  I was able to stay connected to the mixer and wandered 25ft, non-line-of-sight, away from the G10s before cut outs, so it's a promising solution.

 

Is this an end all fix?  I dunno yet.  We have a gig this weekend, where the venue has their own wireless network, but I'll give it a try and report back.  Hoping it resolves the issue.

 

Kritan

[ljholland]

Wow - great idea!  I didn't think of that.  Our little router should have 5Ghz also.  I'll have to try it.

 

L-

[kritan]

Just to give an update.  Rehearsal the other night, no issues whatsoever with the G10S and the 5GHz network.  Gig #1 last night, worked flawlessly, not one dropout, worked as well or better than my G10 did, so I think the 5GHz is the ticket!

[ZeroFunction]

Update:  Support responded and offered to replace the unit, but based off the feedback here I did more testing and found that 2.4 Ghz has more of an impact than using the USB power supply.  It's difficult to say if there really is a power issue or not, so I've closed my support ticket for now as everything is currently working.

 

 

[Smiffy]

We run a lot of wireless for our 6 piece band. We had trouble with an ADJ airstream bridge which used to drop our bass players G50 signal, and my G70 walked all over our TF1 link to the iPad. We too changed the TF1 and iPad to operate on 5Ghz and it cured the problem. However I moved to the G70 from a G10 because the G10 took a liking to our drummers IEMs and would not leave that channel for love nor money. Annoying as I preferred the plug in transmitter to the belt pack for sure. Will keep an eye on the forums before I risk the G10s....just in case!!

 

[jrami131-us]

You know, I wish I had read these before I purchased the 10s.  It seems if there is a wifi connection, this thing won't work.  This is huge inattention on Line6's part.  We are defiantly in the age of wifi.   Even if the venues don't have wifi for the clientele, most likely they have wifi for their own tech.  In today's day and age, how are you going to make a unit which will no perform if there is a wifi signal close by.  Heck, we have wifi for our mixer.  I owned the G10 an was happy with it until it stopped working.  I replaced it twice (service warranty) and it seemed after 8 months (or so) it would stop working.  It wouldn't cut in and out it just flat out stopped working.  When it did work, it was awesome.  I played so many shows with seamless guitar changes.  I was happy the see the G10s because I had changed to a Samson POS and was positive Line6 would have a awesome piece of equipment.  I am an avid Line6 owner (no I not leaving line6, they still are great) and am so disappointed in this equipment they have put out. (proudly too) I would even be happy if it performed as well as the G10 (8 month life).  5 minutes in thou, that is a bit too much to let slide.    

[phil_m]

14 hours ago, jrami131-us said:

You know, I wish I had read these before I purchased the 10s.  It seems if there is a wifi connection, this thing won't work.  This is huge inattention on Line6's part.  We are defiantly in the age of wifi.   Even if the venues don't have wifi for the clientele, most likely they have wifi for their own tech.  In today's day and age, how are you going to make a unit which will no perform if there is a wifi signal close by.  Heck, we have wifi for our mixer.  I owned the G10 an was happy with it until it stopped working.  I replaced it twice (service warranty) and it seemed after 8 months (or so) it would stop working.  It wouldn't cut in and out it just flat out stopped working.  When it did work, it was awesome.  I played so many shows with seamless guitar changes.  I was happy the see the G10s because I had changed to a Samson POS and was positive Line6 would have a awesome piece of equipment.  I am an avid Line6 owner (no I not leaving line6, they still are great) and am so disappointed in this equipment they have put out. (proudly too) I would even be happy if it performed as well as the G10 (8 month life).  5 minutes in thou, that is a bit too much to let slide.    

 

The reason companies use the 2.4 GHz part of the spectrum for things like wireless audio is that it’s one of the relatively few bands that they can operate in without having to worry about getting an FCC license, and it’s generally used for the same sort of things all over the world. As far as WiFi interference, it really does come down to being too close to a source most of the time. As long as you can have your receiver 10 feet away from a router, it shouldn’t be a issue. I’ve used my G10 and G10S all over the place, and I’ve not had any issues.

[anderdb]

I just encountered this issue today, thankfully before using it at a gig this weekend for the first time. Exactly the same thing as being described here. I walk maybe 10 feet away and it starts to cut out. Swap my G10 receiver in and the G10 works flawlessly as it has for the couple of years I've used it at gigs and rehearsals. 

 

Yes, there is a wifi router for my mixer, but that is so common these days that wireless gear needs to be designed for that situation. Even if I did shut off 2.4 GHz on my router, there isn't much I could do about the venue's wifi, other musicians' wireless systems, and all the other things using 2.4 GHz (which, again, my G10 receiver has had no problems with). 

 

I didn't have much time to play around with it, but one thing I noticed when I was swapping the G10 and G10S out for testing was that the G10S would sometimes work fine after being powered back on. I'm wondering if maybe this could just be an issue with it's auto channel selector. That gives me some hope that maybe this is something that could be improved with a firmware update in the future. The new form factor would be perfect if it just performed equally as well as the G10. 

 

[LastRide]

I have the same issue with a recently purchased 10s. Quick cut outs every so often. I don't gig, only using it at home. My router is about 25 feet away. I do need to run 2.4GHz for one of my items that doesn't have 5 GHz. I also have a G10 that I purchased recently as well with no problems, and a G50 without problems. I think there is an issue with the G10s models that needs to be addressed with a firmware update. I run it on auto. Maybe I should try selecting a channel.

[AmishOutlaws]

I purchased a G10S after being happy with my G50 until it started cutting out after 5 or 6 years of consistent use. I have had the G10S for just over a month and have used it at around 20 performances and had ONE where I had no signal issues. We perform in night clubs, concert halls, casinos, catering halls and more. WiFi, cell signals, etc. abound everywhere. Bottom line is the unit should work with the accessories it came with with at least SOME consistency rather than not working most of the time. I am hoping to return it and move on to another product or brand, pending a response from Line 6 on my ticket. I also chatted with Amazon, the retailer, and that support person was asking me to try different cables and power supplies before returning it so I threw the towel in there.

[phil_m]

1 hour ago, AmishOutlaws said:

I purchased a G10S after being happy with my G50 until it started cutting out after 5 or 6 years of consistent use. I have had the G10S for just over a month and have used it at around 20 performances and had ONE where I had no signal issues. We perform in night clubs, concert halls, casinos, catering halls and more. WiFi, cell signals, etc. abound everywhere. Bottom line is the unit should work with the accessories it came with with at least SOME consistency rather than not working most of the time. I am hoping to return it and move on to another product or brand, pending a response from Line 6 on my ticket. I also chatted with Amazon, the retailer, and that support person was asking me to try different cables and power supplies before returning it so I threw the towel in there.

 

When you were at the venues, did you have the receiver channel select set to Auto and do the channel scan procedure so it could find the channel with the least interference? I’ve been using my G10S since January and the original G10 since 2016, and I’ve never had a drop out at any venue. 

[AmishOutlaws]

3 hours ago, phil_m said:

 

When you were at the venues, did you have the receiver channel select set to Auto and do the channel scan procedure so it could find the channel with the least interference? I’ve been using my G10S since January and the original G10 since 2016, and I’ve never had a drop out at any venue. 

 

I have tried it on Auto as well as trying to find individual channels. The documentation/'Pilot's Guide' does not go into detail on the channel scan procedure other than having it set to Auto and leaving it in for 10 seconds. If the process involves more than that and you can specify I would appreciate it. Granted, my band uses wireless mics, we have in ear monitors, some of my guys run their own in ear mixes off iPads. There are signals and frequencies flying everywhere plus we play a lot of venues with their own systems and devices so if the G10S is that susceptible to other devices and signals it may just not be a good fit for someone doing the gigs I am. Also, due to the design of my bass, I had to get a straight adapter from Sweetwater (the specs and brand under recommendation from Line 6 support) to get the transmitter to plug into my bass so I suppose that could also be a contributing factor. I think this just may not be the right system for me unfortunately.

[BluezNotez]

My G10S can have a great 3 bar connection, the transmitter goes to sleep, and when it wakes back up I have a very poor connection, at times flashing 1 red bar. By putting my hand on the transmitter, my body acting as an antenna I guess, I get three bars - hand off the transmitter same poor connection. I realize I could re-sync the transmitter - but that's not practical to do every time the transmitter goes to sleep.

[joesaba1]

I've used a G10 for years with no problems at all.  I thought I was upgrading to the G10S and liked the idea of the 9v power supply.  I've had all kinds of interference issues with the G10S. I'm going to try the USB power next gig and see if that helps.  And bring my G10 as a backup! I am very disappointed with the G10S.  I may return it and stick with the G10 if this continues to be an issue.  

[omeojoe]

On 5/27/2019 at 3:13 PM, LastRide said:

I have the same issue with a recently purchased 10s. Quick cut outs every so often. I don't gig, only using it at home. My router is about 25 feet away. I do need to run 2.4GHz for one of my items that doesn't have 5 GHz. I also have a G10 that I purchased recently as well with no problems, and a G50 without problems. I think there is an issue with the G10s models that needs to be addressed with a firmware update. I run it on auto. Maybe I should try selecting a channel.

i operate mine only at home and was experiencing interference from everything to do with wifi in the house...there doesnt seem to be a soloution

[bcfink12]

19 hours ago, omeojoe said:

i operate mine only at home and was experiencing interference from everything to do with wifi in the house...there doesnt seem to be a soloution

Is this then, only an issue with the 10S?

[brAzzi64]

Disabling the 2.4ghz radio on my router (located 12 feet away) did it for me, no more signal drops.

 

I live in a building with 3 units per floor, for reference, and I'm using the provided power supply, on a power outlet with a speaker, a lamp, and no ground connection.

[JuRo1971]

The problem it not solved with GT10 SII!

 

I also had the GT10 used for years without any problems. First I bought the GT10 S. This was already broken when it arrived. Low battery after 30 min. I then waited 9 month for the GT10 S II. Only reason for buying the unit is the more pedal friendly design.

What should I say. Only problems. I have signal drop out on a regular base. Our bass man bought the unit as well. On gig totally unusable, In the meantime also in the rehearsal. My bassman went back to the GT10. Also here I have problems. This unit seems to be crap. I operate the unit with an external Isolated power supply. I will now check behaviour with the usb power.

On the GT10 SII I have installed the labest firmware ...

[southtexas]

Not reliable  Unstable  wireless connection make this more a novelty than a tool for musicians.

 

After contacting line6 about connection issues. I am disappointed in them not taking ownership of the very bad connection issues that makes using the G10 for professional performances not viable at all.  Their ads make claims are about their technology that they use to ensure a clean and reliable signal, but it is a fantasy and must have been tested in a Faraday cage.  They may be right if there is no other Wi-Fi being used  at the same time.  In the real world the competition on stage is significant and the G10 just can not reliably navigate around all of the other devises.  Numerous routers, wireless mics, wireless IEM, wireless iPads , mixers, and every phone on stage are a reality almost everywhere now ( moving them is just not an option).   It is a shame as the form factor is the best in the industry but that gives little comfort when the signal drops mid performance.  There are lots of cheap junky wireless transmitters out there that you get what you pay for, but while this is less expensive than a  quality Shure product, it is not cheap at all.  Low latency and clear sound is important, but none of that matters if you can not use it.  

[MrDRC]

Count me in with the above complaints. I bought the G10SII for having freedom in my studio but Ive got terrible connection issues. I have a dedicated studio in a single family home with typical wifi for a family of 4. My studio is pretty isolated but not isolated enough to prevent wifi bleed into my space. My Sweetwater rep and I have a very good relationship and he said this and the G30 are "junk" and I needed the G50 or G90. Quite a big price jump to get a reliable connection. I sent this back and not sure what my next step will be, maybe try a Shure or something. I made an impulse buy so I need to check these systems out closer. Im a Line 6 fan but this product is a fail.   

[PierM]

These toys are useless these days. Too much wireless pollution that only pro grade wireless stuff can probably handle.

 

I did the same mistake, buying a G10S with the hope to solve the connections issues I was getting with the standard G10, but was pretty much the same glitchy experience, if not worse.

[Tietech]

My issue that i am experiencing. I am 4 to 5 feet from the receiver with a perfect signal... if i turn and the transmitter loses sight of the receiver i lose the whole signal. I would never have bought this if i would have known that this device have so many issues.

[pixelpaulart]

I am extremely disappointed with the performance of my G10SII, too many signal dropouts make this device useless for gigging. At first I thought it was a defective device, and sent it back to sweetwater for a replacement. But the replacement performs just as poorly as the original. I now regret having sold my old trustworthy G10 5V system, it never gave me any issues in the 5 years I had it. I feel Line 6 has dropped the ball on this device, supposedly newer/better tech. The only thing I've found that helps is to dock the transmitter into the receiver for 15 seconds which apparently makes it reconnect to its best frequency. But then the question remains, why am I having to diddle around with a device that's advertised as being hassle free?

[PierM]

G10S is garbage. It's even worse then the smaller G10, as it uses a different system for the WiFi (even if using same freqs).

 

I did a lot of tests, in exactly same environment with G10S, G10 and Boss W20L

 

G10S drops out in Auto as well as in any other channel. Only way to make it working without drops is to use it in a desert.

G10 much more stable (it does drop out but less often than G10S), even if you have no control on the channel. Seems to better tolerate a busy WiFi area.

Boss WL-20L (grey one) it just works. Never had a drop out until now. Had the Boss WL-20 (the black one) with cable tone and returned as sounded awful for my ears, while the 20L (no cable tone) sounds spot on for my needs. They both works way better in a busy WiFi area than L6 relays.

 

So these days my G10S is grabbing dust in a closet, and I only use either the Boss or the old G10 with a G10TII as the original one has been ruined by the firmware.

[pixelpaulart]

The saddest part is that the technology for a rock solid signal already exists, and has for many years! Besides being a guitar player, I fly radio controlled model airplanes. There is a transmitter and a receiver which work over the 2.4 band. Some planes my friends fly cost $4-5k, expensive. Your plane might be up to 1,000 feet away. The technology has been worked out so you just DON'T LOSE A SIGNAL to your plane, which will cause a crash. It works every time and doesn't interfere with the 10 other guys that are flying their expensive planes. It is obvious that Line 6 has no awareness of that technology. Does Line 6 even monitor these posts?

[jloporto]

I just purchased a new G10TII transmitter and it will not make a positive connection unless you keep it pressed in place with your hand which is obviously unworkable.  I noticed that the spring on the contact post is much stronger than on my previous unit which seems to be "ejecting" the unit from every guitar I own.  This is the second new unit this week to have this same issue (thanks for the quick response Sweetwater).  I wonder if their manufacturer substituted the wrong pressure spring.  I opened a ticket with Line6 and am hoping to hear back.