- ceiver module with an XLR output socket. Both units feature internal rechargeable batteries and the system can be switched for use with either mic-level or line-level audio, meaning that it can be used to transmit any type of audio signal. Before I go on to share my experiences of trying out the Xvive U3, I thought it would be worth first explaining some of the ways that this unique little tool could prove useful to mobile DJs. I’m aware that on first glance some readers may assume this isn’t for them and skip forward, but it’s actually a very versatile tool that I think could find a place in most mobile DJs' gig bag.

First off, the most obvious use for the U3 is to convert any standard corded mic into a wireless version. The small receiver unit will lock onto the XLR socket on the end of any standard vocal mic to create something that very much resembles a regular wireless mic. However, the obvious question is why would you want to do that when you can pick up a decent wireless mic kit for the same as – if not less than – the U3? The simple answer: flexibility.

Assuming that you use a decent dynamic mic for making announcements – for example the ‘industry standard’ SM58, you’re probably not keen on the idea of letting a tipsy guest get their mitts on it even if your client has specifically asked for their best mate to be allowed to say a few words. With the U3 it would be very easy to surreptitiously swap your SM58 for a cheap and cheerful alternative when it’s time to let someone else speak. Similarly, if you find yourself asked to plug a keyboard into your PA for the birthday girl’s best friend who’s going to play a song, or hook up a guitar for the best man who’s going to sing his speech, the U3 provides a quick, simple and cable-free solution.

It doesn’t matter where the music source is in a room, you can hook it up to your system with minimal hassle. The U3 can also be used to transmit an audio signal to a powered speaker. This means that if you ever find yourself asked to DJ from somewhere away from your speakers, it’s easy to connect your DJ mixer to them without having to run a cable. Likewise, if you need to put an extra speaker in another part of a venue – or outside on a patio – you can easily connect from the Thru output on an inside speaker to the Input on the outside cab without THE ART OF ADVXEVRTIVISEI NUG3 Xvive U3 the need to trail an unsightly cable rather than a or create a trip hazard. simply, they ooze the aforementioned Hopefully I’ve made a convincing case for the usefulness of the U3 As soon as I had in the mobile DJ world.

I reckon the box, without a that a pair of these systems ininstructions, I plugged cluded as part of a DJ setup would mitter into a mic, the end up proving useful in a wide the input socket variety of situations, especially if speaker and switched you take on ‘all day’ wedding work And that was that. and want to do all you can to help straight away with make your clients’ day perfect quired and no – including fixing problems that connected the aren’t directly related to your role. mixer to the input speaker and the U3 So now let’s take a look at the well in this configuration. product itself.

It is supplied in sleek black packaging, the unboxing of I found the sound which reminded me of when I first excellent, with no got an iPhone! After sliding off the ference between the cardboard wrapper and lifting the when using this lid to the box, I found the two parts pared to a regular of the U3 system presented sidenotice a very small by-side housed securely in slots cut but that could be from a dense piece of foam (with the a mixer’s gain control.

USB charging cable and instructions the latency – lag stored in a compartment hidden analogue-to-digital away at the back). This foam could analogue conversion easily be removed from the box be completely and fitted into a flight-case or rack advertised as less drawer for transportation to gigs. The transmission The two units are lightweight, on the 2.5GHz spectrum but have a very solid feel. They the same as Wi-Fi – are constructed from a mixture selectable channels of metal and plastic, and give the that up to six U3 pairs impression of a professional tool on the same event.

74 gimmicky toy. Put button allows for channel selecquality just like tion, while six backlit numbers smartphone! around it show clearly which channel is currently selected. them out of glance at the Other than that, the only control the transbuttons are power slide switches on receiver into both units and a mic (0dB) and line on a powered (-10dB) level switch on the transthem on. mitter. A green LED on the receiver They worked also illuminates to indicate that it is no setup rereceiving a wireless signal from the problems.

I then transmitter, while red LEDs on each output from my unit illuminate when the battery on a powered charge drops below 30% and then worked just as flash if it reaches less than 10%. The set is supplied with a twin quality to be charging cable that connects to discernible difboth the transmitter and receiver audio signal via USB B Micro sockets and allows wireless kit comcharging from a standard USB A XLR cable. I did port on a computer or a USB mains dip in the level, adapter.

The advertised battery life easily rectified by for the system is five hours, which I also found should be enough for most mobile caused by the gigs, and this can be achieved from and digital-to- 2.5 hours of charging time. process – to unnoticeable (it is The range of the system is adverthan 5ms). tised as 90ft, which should be more than enough for all of the potential system operates uses I described earlier. I tested it – which is in a large hall, taking my mic right and offers six into each corner – and even into a which means side room – without experiencing can be used any signal problems.

I also found A central push the weighting of an SM58 connected to the transmitter felt balanced and comfortable in my hand. My overall impression of the Xvive U3 was of a product that has been very well thought out and designed. It worked reliably and intuitively throughout the testing process, offering good audio quality from a pair of extremely compact and portable units. As I’ve already said, I think that a pair of these systems would prove invaluable for most DJs, especially if you currently use a corded mic but would like the flexibility of having a wireless option.

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