Wireless guitar system guide
Blackstar AIRWIRE i58
A strong battery-and-range proposition for players who want a simple 5.8 GHz set.
Blackstar specifies nine hours of operation, four channels and up to 35 metres of range for the AIRWIRE i58. The receiver includes switchable cable-tone simulation.
Best suited to
Passive-guitar players wanting long battery life and a compact system outside the 2.4 GHz band.
Look elsewhere if
Your active instrument produces interference or needs a dedicated input-level mode.
Buying analysis
Where the AIRWIRE i58 fits
AIRWIRE i58 pairs unusually good claimed endurance with 5.8 GHz operation. That combination suits rehearsal and gigging players who do not want to recharge after every session.
Blackstar's own guide advises increasing the distance from active circuitry if an active guitar produces noise, using a short extension cable if necessary. That caveat makes a pre-purchase compatibility test important for active instruments.
Strengths
- Nine-hour stated battery life
- 5.8 GHz operation
- Switchable cable-tone simulation
Limitations
- No active/passive level switch
- Four-channel ceiling
Source and scope
Checked against the manufacturer
Specifications marked with an asterisk are manufacturer-stated figures. Wireless Guitarist has not claimed hands-on testing of this product. Compatibility, regional availability and permitted spectrum can change.
Compare alternatives
Three systems to check next
FenderTelepathA well-specified first wireless system for players who swap between different guitars.
XviveA58One of the more convincing compact choices for active guitars and congested venues.
XviveU2Still a straightforward budget option for passive guitars, but compatibility deserves more scrutiny than on the A58.