ReVIEW
PRA AUDIO WiC REVIEW � Michael Elsner
Key Features
High resolution 24bit / 48k uncompressed digital audio signal
Frequency response of 20Hz- 22kHz
Transmitted on the 2.4GHz
OVERVIEW PRA Audio’ s flagship product, The WiC, which stands for Wireless Instrument Connection, is a wireless system for both guitar and bass. This system consists of a transmitter and receiver that are both identical in size, and made out of an ultra-rugged, light-weight plastic. All those crazy numbers listed above under Key Features simply mean you’ re getting an extremely high quality audio signal from your guitar to your amp, without the worry of interference or drop outs.
Each unit is powered by an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can be charged from 0 to full capacity in 2 1 / 2 hours. Once fully charged, the receiver and transmitter will give you 20 hours and 8 hours of performance time respectively. If you don’ t have 2.5 hours before your gig, fear not, the WiC units charge up quickly, and even a 15-30 minute charge should be enough to get you through the show
OUT OF THE BOX When you initially open the box, you’ ll find the WiC Transmitter( Blue) and the WiC Receiver( Red). The only distinguishing difference between the two units are the colors imprinted on them. For quick reference, just remember“ Receiver = Red.” You’ ll also find a leather holster, with a belt clip, for the transmitter, as well as 2 standard 1 / 4” cables; 1 to connect your guitar to the WiC Transmitter, and 1 to connect the WiC Receiver to your amplifier. To
charge the internal batteries, they’ ve included a dual USB charger with 2 charging cables and global power adaptors.
SETUP“ 33 Seconds to Freedom.” That’ s the catch phrase PRA Audio uses to describe how long it takes to set up a WiC system, and in my experience, it couldn’ t be easier. Since the receiver works off of the internal battery, there is no need to go searching for an open power outlet. This is especially ideal if you’ re overseas where voltage, and the actual plugs, vary from country to country. Setup is as simple as connecting your guitar to the transmitter via one of the included 1 / 4” cables, attach the transmitter to your belt or guitar strap with the leather holster, and then connect the receiver to your amp or pedalboard.
When you turn the units on, they will recognize each other and pair automatically. Once paired, the WiC automatically picks an available frequency on the 2.4GHz band and the lights on both units turn blue, indicating that you’ re ready to make some glorious noise! In less than 33 seconds, you’ re setup and free to roam the stage.
TEST DRIVE A few months ago I was getting my rig ready for a 4 week tour through China with a pop /
rock artist. Knowing that we’ d be headlining clubs and theaters, as well as playing a number of festivals, I started looking for a new wireless system to bring with me. I asked a number of my pro-touring friends for their recommendations on wireless units, and got a wide variety of responses. Some referred me to units in the $ 500- $ 700 range, while others recommended systems that cost $ 1500 and more.
Because of the amount of travel, and lack of personal guitar tech, I wanted the smallest, most travel-sized rig. A friend turned me on to the WiC and, after learning about the unit, I decided that it would be worth trying out on this particular tour. I have to say that I’ ve been thrilled with this unit.
Let’ s start with the portability factor. The pocket-sized receiver and transmitter made traveling with the WiC exceptionally easy. They occupied one of the pockets of my gig bag, and being on an international tour, the universal power adaptors are a godsend. Kudos to PRA Audio for thinking of this simple feature that makes a traveling musician’ s life 10x’ s easier! Prior to leaving the country, I used the WiC at rehearsals for 2 weeks as well as at a large outdoor festival. It performed wonderfully and I was confident going into the tour that it would not let me down. Aside from a slight bump in
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