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Boss promises lag free, stable wireless connectivity from WL Series

Boss promises lag free, stable wireless connectivity from WL Series
The Boss WL Series includes a pedalboard receiver dock for inclusion in a stomp chain, and connecting wirelessly using a transmitter plugged into a guitar
The Boss WL Series includes a pedalboard receiver dock for inclusion in a stomp chain, and connecting wirelessly using a transmitter plugged into a guitar
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Docking the WL-20/WL-20L transmitter (right) into the receiver (left) automatically establishes a wireless connection
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Docking the WL-20/WL-20L transmitter (right) into the receiver (left) automatically establishes a wireless connection
Boss is promising "ultra-low latency and rock-solid stability" with a 50 ft (15 m) range from its WL Series system
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Boss is promising "ultra-low latency and rock-solid stability" with a 50 ft (15 m) range from its WL Series system
The WL-20L system doesn't include cable tone emulation, and can be used with line-level instruments like Roland's Aerophone
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The WL-20L system doesn't include cable tone emulation, and can be used with line-level instruments like Roland's Aerophone
The Boss WL Series includes a pedalboard receiver dock for inclusion in a stomp chain, and connecting wirelessly using a transmitter plugged into a guitar
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The Boss WL Series includes a pedalboard receiver dock for inclusion in a stomp chain, and connecting wirelessly using a transmitter plugged into a guitar
Docking the WL-50 transmitter (right) into the receiver dock (left) automatically establishes a wireless connection
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Docking the WL-50 transmitter (right) into the receiver dock (left) automatically establishes a wireless connection
The WL Series offers a wireless range of up to 50 ft
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The WL Series offers a wireless range of up to 50 ft
View gallery - 6 images

Back in 2016, Line 6 claimed its Relay G10 was the easiest wireless guitar system to use. A year later, Boss joined in with its own plug and play system for a new portable Katana amplifier called the Air. Now the Roland-owned music gear maker has launched a new line of wireless systems called the WL Series, which includes an intriguing pedalboard unit.

Built for bedroom noodlers, band rehearsals or life on the road, Boss says that it's developed new 2.4 GHz wireless technology for the WL Series, which is promised to be lightning fast with "ultra-low latency and rock-solid stability" for a range of 50 ft (15 m). The wireless connection channel is automatically set when the transmitter is docked into the receiver. And up to 14 WL setups can be used simultaneously in one space.

Unlike the G10 from Line 6, the WL-20 receiver just plugs straight into an amplifier's input jack and includes a cable tone emulator that reproduces the capacitive effect of a 10 ft (3 m) cable. The transmitter plugs into the output jack on the instrument, a wireless connection established and the player is ready to rock.

Boss is promising "ultra-low latency and rock-solid stability" with a 50 ft (15 m) range from its WL Series system
Boss is promising "ultra-low latency and rock-solid stability" with a 50 ft (15 m) range from its WL Series system

The battery in the receiver is said to be good for around 10 hours, while the one in the transmitter should last for up to 12 hours of continuous use between top-ups over USB.

If you don't need the cable tone emulator, the WL-20L system is going to be your system of choice here, which is pitched as being good for electric/acoustic guitars with a built-in pre-amp or active pickups. This system can also be used with line-level instruments like Roland's Aerophone.

Players who daisy chain stomps on a pedalboard will likely aim for the WL-50 flavor, with a receiver dock that can be placed on the board and powered by two AA-sized batteries or a PSA-series adapter. On adapter power, the receiver dock can share juice with other pedals.

Finally, the WL Series includes the US$99 WL-T – a spare transmitter that can be used in a $179 WL-20/WL-20L or $199 WL-50 setup, or with the Katana Air. The Series is introduced in the video below.

Product page: Boss WL Series

BOSS WL-Series Wireless System Introduction (WL-20/WL-20L/WL-50)

View gallery - 6 images
1 comment
1 comment
warren52nz
2.4 GHz is pretty busy spectrum. WiFi uses it, Bluetooth uses it. Everyone in the audience will have a phone using it if they haven't turned it off. Interference could be an issue. I guess they've worked through it though...