Line 6 XD-V75 Wireless Microphone System Set Up & Review
Wireless Audio has never been easier
The thought of not running wires is cost saver’s dream. “Wireless audio” is such a desirable concept and it’s commonly found itself in the populous with most people having seen or used at least one in their lives. BUT how do we find the best bang for buck? AND from a commercial point of view when budgeting wireless audio systems; how do we determine the best type of wireless technology for our application?
I am focused on the middle of the road, the sweet spot where cost and performance are perfectly balanced for an optimum outcome. For a system that is perfectly matched. A system that integrates so well that over time you couldn’t be caught without it. When it comes to applications where 1-4 microphones are required the “Line 6” simple set up and sophisticated features makes it a stand out in its category.
Application Specific
“Line 6” microphones sit on the 2.4 GHz band offering a cost saving solution as they live on an unlicensed band. Plus, the “Line 6” transmission is not subject to UHF interference from TV signals.
To utilise the “line 6” wireless microphones in superior fashion, a few simple concepts must be followed. You will be able to achieve superior audio quality, a secure and drop out free signal and the ability to use multiple channels of wireless together without interference of conflicts. I took a look at the XD-V75 wireless handheld system and put it to the test to determine how quickly and easily I could set up my own wireless system.
Set Up
The mic set up was so simple and took about the same time to make a cup of instant coffee. Only issue was the design on the battery compartment within the handheld microphone. It was very fiddly and I was afraid I was going to break the plastic clip. It felt very brittle strait out of the box but once the batteries were in the transmitter and the handheld transmitter powered on, this wireless kit was up and running in less than a minute. When powered on, the transmitter landed on CH1 and the receiver default CH1. Bonus instant user friendly setup. If not so lucky on the 1 minute set up I had, the unit can scan for channels and be manually set.
Here’s the basic set up points.
- Batteries in transmitter
- TURN ON: Press and hold ON/Mute button (top line = current channel | Bottom Line shows in hrs remaining battery life.
- TURN ON: Receiver default to CH1
- Transmitter default CH1 (must be set to same channel as receiver)
- YOUR UP AND RUNNING!!
But what if you need to change channels?
- Press on/mute button on Transmitter to toggle through channels 1-14. Channels will flash until desired is selected.
- To set desired channel press the select button for 2 seconds
- Likewise on Receiver. Press set up and toggle through to channel section to change channels.
Features
I enjoyed playing with the smart and sensible features that are included in the XD-V75. The encryption was easy to understand but it’s set up was very time consuming. I did like the different microphone models included in the handheld transmitter. I could toggle though and select from the following modles; SM58 or a e Shure® SM58® and Beta58® and SM57®, Sennheiser® e835 and e935, Audio-Technica® AE4100, Electro-Voice® N/D767a, Audix® OM5, and AKG® D5. They sounded great. I was really impressed with the SM58 vs Beta58 difference. Impressive detail! The unit is also packed full of advanced speech filters for source specific users. These include,
| Name | Application | Description |
| SF1 | Speech Filter 1 | Gentle high-pass |
| SF2 | Speech Filter 2 | Gentle high-pass and high-cut |
| SF3 | Speech Filter 3 | Moderate high-pass and high-cut |
| SF4 | Speech Filter 4 | Gentle high-pass, mid-cut and high-cut |
| SF5 | Speech Filter 5 | Moderate high-pass, mid-cut and high-cut |
| SF6 | Speech Filter 6 | Aggressive high-pass, mid-cut and high-cut |
| IF1 | Instrument Filter 1 | Guitar cable high frequency roll-off |
| IF2 | Instrument Filter 2 | Woodwind instrument enhancement |
| IF3 | Instrument Filter 3 | Brass instrument enhancement |
The Unpack
An Easy & Professional Microphone System
For a single RU rack solution the XD-V75 is a perfect match when coupled with the Yamaha MA2030a mixer/amplifier. Add a DCP1V4s PoE wall plate with source on/off and zone volume and you have a complete single zone solution. This set us is perfect for a boardroom or classroom.
| 5” Surface Mount | 4” in-Ceiling |
| MA2030a @ $500 | MA2030a @ $500 |
| XD-V75 @ $999 | XD-V75 @ $999 |
| DCP1V4S @ $200 | DCP1V4S @ $200 |
| VXS5 @ $450 | VXC4 @ $400 |
| Total = $2,149inc | Total = $2,099inc |
(pricing based on 1x pair of Speakers)
Example Map
(Based on 2x Pairs of Speakers)
SPL Examples
I have calculated the SPL based on a large and small boardroom/classroom/conference scenario with a cost saving & performance driven system in mind. At 15W per speaker in 100V you are utilizing 1/2 the MA2030a capacity. These calculations are allowing the amplifiers 50% headroom. To achieve greater SPL you simply change to low impedance, set to stereo and pump 30W per speaker in the room.
100V Line @ 15W per speaker
8ohm 60W per speaker
Potentials
The beauty of matching “Line 6” 2.4GHz microphones to single room applications is apparent in the guaranteed performance and effectiveness the units deliver. You can reach up to 100m with the XD-V75 in ideal conditions. Even my preconceptions when putting the receivers to the test challenged my expectations. I had a bit of a run around in my office to test the potential drop outs. I set the receiver up in the open and then walked throughout our building up and down levels and even outside to find that no dropouts occurred. I had a spotter inside checking how much signal I had and listened to the quality of the transmission. We could only get it to drop out when I started walking down the street. I was impressed the signal transmission was consistent while roving as well as continuing the clean sound through different floors & walls. There’s mixed reviews online about the “Line 6” stuff and from what I see, mostly refers to the earlier generations. The new gen 4 stuff is where it’s at. From personal experience if you follow the setup guide and implement the “Line 6” gear into the right applications you’re onto a winner.
Conclusions
“Line 6” 2.4 GHz systems need to be utilized in the right environment for optimum outcomes. The baby brothers of the XD-V75; the V35, V55 etc, come at a more cost sensitive price point and perform with just as much class and operation as you would expect from the XD-V75 with distance and mic modeling the only sacrifice in the lower end models.
Overall the quick and easy set up and simple delivery of the features was a stand out although, the design of the battery holder needs more thought to allow simpler use. The XD-V75 is perfect for those small conference set ups with a couple of a participants. I would utilise for school halls where units can brought out in a portable rack or for physical installations where antennas have good line of sight. The “Line 6” XD-V75 is a product with end user ease of use in mind and therefore wins over its competitors. The “Line 6” XD-V75 is a perfect balance of cost and professionalism for those 1-4 mic applications with spaces such as basket ball courts a breeze.
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