TEST: Alesis Guitarlink Wireless

 A wireless guitar transmitter for under 100 euros? Can something like this work well and can a product that operates within these strict financial regulations withstand the rigors of everyday life on stage? Alesis takes up the ball and brings the Alesis Guitarlink Wireless, a Chinese-made product onto the market that wants to attract attention with a close to double-digit retail price.

construction

A lot has happened in the mobile communications sector in recent years. Many frequencies that could only recently be used for the transmission range of transmitter systems or radio links have been transferred by the government to mobile communications or used for other purposes. In addition to the frequency bands 790-814 MHz and 838-862 MHz, which may still be used until December 31, 2015, only three transmission ranges may be used from January 1, 2016.

On the one hand there is the 823-832 MHz LTE center gap, 863-865 MHz EU-HFB (Harmonized Frequency Band) and the ever popular 2.4 GHz. The interested observer and connoisseur of the technology will now notice the following:

1.) 823-832 MHz: Whenever someone with an LTE cell phone is nearby, they can simply chop up and garble your signal depending on their transmission strength. Dropouts are the result, which True Diversity can, however, compensate for in high-quality systems.

2.) 863-865 MHz: This range is also used by fleet/bundle radio, various taxi companies, private rescue services, etc. You have to use 500MW to get a guitar/Vox signal to the receiver.

3.) 2.4 GHz: Oh, aren't all our cell phones transmitting on this frequency, or aren't the majority of our WLAN systems also in this range? Extremely clean channel separation is therefore absolutely necessary in order not to cause transmission chaos.

Alesis has opted for the least evil of the above-mentioned problem and placed its signal transmission in the 2.4 GHz range. So far so good. If the hardware does its job perfectly, nothing can go wrong. Essentially, the Alesis Guitarlink Wireless System consists of two components plus a power supply for the receiver. In an emergency, however, it can also be powered by two AAA batteries. Its counterpart, the transmitter, also requires this battery configuration for operation.

When it comes to weight and dimensions, you can't actually use even smaller values. Both the receiver and the transmitter weigh just under 100 grams each, all without batteries, of course. While most of the competition's receiving units require at least half a rack width of 9.5 inches as a minimum, the Alesis Guitarlink Wireless Receiver is content with the dimensions of a cigarette pack. However, this concept also prevents the product from being used in a rack, so the Alesis Guitarlink Wireless can only be used as a pure “amp top” device. Alternatively, the small housing can also be mounted on the pedalboard.

However, it has four simple but very non-slip rubber feet, which give the very light housing the necessary stability even on smooth surfaces. In my opinion it seems impossible to attach even fewer controls to a case of this type. Only an on/off switch on the back of the housing, an input socket for the power supply and a volume control and output socket adorn the receiver.

The counterpart in the form of the transmitter was also kept very simple. The manufacturer only installed an on/off switch on the back of the device. Both units also have a pair switch and an indicator light. The transmitter was equipped with a permanently installed, approx. 50 centimeter long cable, which in terms of length normally covers a waistband solution. However, a professional belt solution will not be possible with this cable due to its length. Most straps have a narrow strap end in the last few centimeters before anchoring, where the transmitter cannot clamp properly. Unfortunately, the cable does not reach the wide part of the belt.

In addition, the cable is quite stiff and, depending on the area of use, resists being curved accordingly. An open concept with a corresponding plug connection would have been a better solution in every respect, including transport. When it comes to processing, you also have to pay tribute to the low selling price. When it comes to the housing, one is inclined to speak of plastic, not plastic, and the on/off sliders are of a simple design and have a corresponding amount of play in the guidance.


Practice

When it comes to pairing, the Alesis Guitarlink Wireless is the ideal partner for those who don't like technology. Unpacked, switched on, and the connection is established. If you have any difficulties, all you have to do is press the two plastic buttons on the transmitter and receiver at the same time. The manufacturer specifies a range of 20 meters, which should easily be sufficient in a normal club environment. With large open-air stages, problems could arise under certain circumstances, for example if a catwalk is used intensively. It is therefore advisable to carry out a range check during the sound check.

Let's come to the big setting feature of every guitar transmitter, the sound. While the first generation stations years ago were able to make up a lot of ground in heavy metal with a compressed, treble-heavy and mostly non-dynamic signal, current versions try to at least come close to the familiar sound of a high-quality cable. Unfortunately, the Alesis Guitarlink Wireless only achieves this with some compromises.

On the one hand, the signal is significantly more musty than with a simple 6 meter standard cable for just under 10 euros. With a correspondingly higher quality cable, the difference would probably have been even more noticeable. The amplifier also no longer responds as sensitively to the guitar's volume control due to limited dynamics in signal transmission.

Another limitation that is noticeable in practice is the lack of volume control options. Although I turned the volume control on the receiver up to full stop, the signal was quieter than the cable version, which can also lead to a loss of sound. The expected overdrive of the amplifier's preamplifier at full deflection did not occur. The absence of a level display is particularly noticeable in this area. It would be helpful to have a simple visual control of the level present, at least with a 3-fold LED chain. Therefore, the manufacturer probably played it safe and left a few headroom dB more room.

As a final point, it must be mentioned that unfortunately the background noise also increased significantly, especially with high gain settings on the amp or when using an external distortion, and unfortunately it could not be eliminated by turning down the guitar signal. Only a volume pedal, which is placed behind the receiver in the signal path, or deactivating the distortion / changing channels on the amplifier during breaks in playing leads to a reduction in the background noise level.



Conclusion
With the Alesis Guitarlink Wireless, a manufacturer is able to push a guitar transmitter into the double-digit sales range for the first time. Easy to use, small dimensions and extremely light weight make the product a very helpful travel luggage utensil for the mobile musician.

On the other hand, the above-mentioned points are compensated for by compromises in the area of sound and increased background noise, so that the bottom line is that a simple, easy-to-use transmitter is left for quick use.

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Additional Informations:

Alesis is an American company that designs and markets a wide range of electronic musical instruments, audio processors, mixers, amplifiers, audio interfaces, recording equipment, drum machines, professional audio, and electronic percussion products³. The company was established in 1980 and has since revolutionized the music industry with its innovative products⁴.

## Founding and Early Years
Alesis was founded in Hollywood in 1984 by MXR co-founder Keith Elliott Barr³. Leveraging his ability to design custom integrated circuits, Barr's company introduced technologically advanced products at prices within the reach of most project studios³. Alesis' first product was the XT Reverb, an all-digital reverb that carried an unprecedented low price of $799³.

## Innovations and Products
Alesis has a diverse range of products that includes keyboards, synthesizers, hard disk recorders, iPod recording and playback devices, electronic drums, mixers, signal processors, effects units, amplifiers, and speakers¹². The company's passion for inspiring musical creativity and innovation through new technology is consistent across all its products⁴.

In 1986, Alesis produced the first under-$1000 16-bit professional effects processor, the MIDIverb³. This was followed by the introduction of studio-quality drum machines (HR-16 and SR-16) and synthesizers, studio monitors, and mixing consoles⁴.

## Breakthrough with ADAT
1991 proved to be a groundbreaking year for Alesis with the introduction of the ADAT Multi-Channel Digital Tape Recorder³. Each ADAT could record 8 tracks of 16-bit audio on an S-VHS videocassette tape, and up to 16 ADATs could be connected together to record 128 tracks of audio simultaneously³. This technology allowed any artist or musician to record studio-quality recordings⁴.

## Recent Developments
In 2001, Alesis was acquired by Jack O’Donnell⁴. Under his leadership, the company has delivered more solutions and value to musicians than ever before⁴. The company ventured into producing the world's most affordable analog mixers with built-in Digital Signal Processing (award-winning MultiMix Series Mixers), an advanced yet affordable full line of electronic percussion products (USB Pro Kit, DM5 Pro Kit, SURGE Cymbals, Performance Pad), as well as highly innovative and adaptable computer audio interfaces and controllers (MasterControl)⁴.

## Conclusion
Alesis continues to be on the leading edge of professional audio and music technology⁴. The company is dedicated to delivering the most innovative and inspiring professional audio gear for musicians, producers, and engineers of all levels⁴. With its commitment to innovation and quality, Alesis is set to continue its legacy of revolutionizing the music industry⁴.


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The name "Alesis" resonates with innovation and excellence in the music technology industry, but have you ever wondered how this distinctive name came into existence? In this in-depth article, we will embark on a journey through time to unveil the fascinating story behind the birth of the name "Alesis" and the visionary mind responsible for it.

1. The Visionary Behind Alesis:
   The story of Alesis begins with Keith Barr, a brilliant engineer and passionate musician. Keith Barr's dual interests in engineering and music converged to form the foundation of Alesis, but the name itself was a product of careful consideration.

2. The Birth of Alesis:
   In 1984, Keith Barr founded Alesis Corporation in Hollywood, California. The name "Alesis" was not a random choice; rather, it was a deliberate selection that carried a profound significance.

3. Deciphering the Name:
   The name "Alesis" is unique and captivating. It is often believed to be derived from a combination of "Al" (referring to the first two letters of the founder's first name, Alan) and "esis," which was associated with a range of abstract concepts, including synthesis, synthesisers, and essential elements.

4. A Personal Touch:
   The inclusion of the first two letters of Keith Barr's first name, "Al," in the name "Alesis" adds a personal dimension to the brand. It reflects the founder's deep commitment to his vision and his dedication to making a profound impact on the world of music technology.

5. The Significance of "Al":
   The incorporation of "Al" into the name Alesis serves as a subtle tribute to the visionary founder, who not only possessed an extraordinary talent for engineering but also possessed a profound love for music. This personal touch is a testament to Keith Barr's role as the driving force behind the company.

6. A Name to Remember:
   Alesis' unique and memorable name played a significant role in setting the company apart in the competitive music technology industry. It not only sounded distinctive but also conveyed a sense of creativity and forward-thinking.

7. Keith Barr's Legacy:
   Keith Barr's innovative spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of music technology are embodied in the name "Alesis." His vision of making high-quality music equipment accessible to all musicians has endured through the company's products and its enduring legacy.

Conclusion:
The name "Alesis" carries with it a rich history and a profound story of a visionary founder, Keith Barr, who combined his engineering expertise with a deep love for music to create a brand that has transformed the music technology industry. The name "Alesis" is not merely a combination of letters; it is a symbol of innovation, creativity, and the enduring spirit of one man's vision. It continues to inspire musicians and enthusiasts worldwide, serving as a reminder of the remarkable journey that began with a name and blossomed into a legacy.