X2 Announces Portable Digital Wireless System
(Press Release | Posted 2008-01-09)
Designed specifically for working musicians, the XDS-PLUS combines the portability of a stompbox device with the advanced sonic and RF performance of the company's XDR95 rackmount system by putting the receiver in a rugged metal stompbox chassis. However, due to its compact and portable design, the system is also well equipped to solve some unique challenges facing sound reinforcement and installed sound professionals such as wireless high-quality audio distribution and portable PA applications. The system features X2's proprietary companderless digital format and new dual-diversity (anti-jamming) technology for the sound and feel of a direct wire connection with extended operating range and frequency response even in harsh conditions including RF interference on your channel. Additionally, the XDS-PLUS is 2009 Compliant meaning that it's free from DTV and FCC licensing concerns and can roam virtually anywhere throughout N. and S. America without issue.
The XDS-PLUS draws its wired sound characteristics from X2's patent-pending digital technology. A 24-bit A/D converter at the XDT4 bodypack transmitter captures the full dynamic range of incoming instrument, line-level or microphone signals, and then transfers them in digital format on two separate RF carrier frequencies. The XDR2 stompbox receiver decodes the signals back into analog audio via a 24-bit D/A converter. Two BNC chassis mounted external antennas supply RF signals to two separate receiver sections contained within the metal stompbox receiver chassis to deliver freedom from dropouts, multipath cancellation, RF interference and noise. Dual-frequency diversity minimizes or eliminates the negative affects of an undesired RF signal suddenly appearing on your channel. This is essential when considering today's wide presence of cell phones/blackberrys, wireless networks and other unforeseen or unknown sources of RF energy. The result is a reliable performance in a multitude of environments now and in the future.
The entire process takes place without the use of compression/expander (compander) noise reduction I/C's common to analog wireless units. These compander I/C's typically add coloration and distortion, and cause a noticeable modulation of the noise floor. The X2 system is notably free from all of these artifacts. The result is a frequency response from 10 Hz to 20 kHz, ± .5 dB (half a dB or less), dynamic range is >118 dB, and a THD of <.03%. Powering the receiver unit is achieved by utilizing the 9V, 300mA power adapter that is included with the system.
Guitarists and bass players enjoy an additional benefit of the XDS-PLUS system: it provides unity gain from the source to the receiver output. That means the instrumentalist can use their standard amp settings and achieve the overdrive or tonal effects they are used to.
Equipped with a multisegment LED display providing instant feedback to all integral system functions, the XDS-PLUS components are free from complicated setup procedures and multipage menus. The XDR2 metal stompbox receiver shows operating channel, diversity status, RF signal, audio level (10 segment) and remaining battery life in the transmitter (10 segment) in 20 minute increments. The XDT4 bodypack transmitter shows operating channel, remaining battery life (in five one-hour increments) and audio level when signal is present. Both components offer five user-selectable operating channels.
X2 launches XDS-PLUS Digital Wireless Instrument System at Winter NAMM 2008 (Booth 1874). $599 MSRP with expected delivery being February, 2008.
