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Topic: Mobile DJs....do you use rechargeable batteries in your mics?

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I just started using rechargeable batteries in my wireless mic at weddings and other events but a couple of people told me it's not good to use them. I should just buy large packs of Energizers or Duracells and use them. No one could tell me why rechargeables are bad though. Just that they are. So I'm curious what you mobile guys use. I'll recharge the batteries after every event I do but if it really isn't good to use them, then I'll just go back to regular batteries.
 
Posted Wed 07 Sep 16 @ 2:36 pm
It has been my experience that rechargeable batteries don't hold their charge like regular batteries. In other words, if you charge your batteries on Monday, will they still be fully charged on Saturday, or two weeks from now? Also, did you remember to charge them the day before, or did you even remember to take them out of the charger, and bring them with you? I can't be bothered with the uncertainty of will it or will it not work. I buy large packs at the warehouse stores, when they are on sale, and keep them with me at all times. These things hold their charge for many years. You can even buy the warehouse brands (they are not as good) to save some money. Rechargeables cost more in the beginning, and you are still paying for the electricity to recharge them.
 
A quick look learns that there are now also Li-Ion based 9V rechargable batteries though.
These will hold their charge and can safely be charged at any time. Because of the electronics they will probably last longer on a single charge as well.

Power to recharge them is negligible I think. At 9v, 500mAh that's 4,5Wh of electricity. At a poor 50% charging efficiency (probably better than that, should be 90% for Li-Ion) that would be at most 10Wh per charge. At $0.25/kWh that would come up to $0.0025 per charge.

These are $30 for 2 batteries + charger: https://www.amazon.com/MaximalPower-Rechargeable-Battery-CAPACITY-9V/dp/B0051WZ516
A quick look at 9V battery prices learns that you recover the initial cost after anywhere between 1 and 30 recharges. (Not to mention the environmental benefits)
 
In my Shure SM58 I use a rechargable PP3 / MN1604 battery, as I find that for the amount of time that I use it while DJing, it lasts for a good amount of time, even when packed away. Saying that though I alway carry a spare rechargeable, and a spare ordinary battery just in case.

For my KAM radio mics that I use for Karaoke, I use ordinary AA / MN1500 batteries.

Graham
 
As a primarily wedding-oriented mobile DJ for over 25 years, I find it much easier to arrive at a gig with my hardware, set it all up, test it and then make sure my mics are loaded with brand new Duracell Quantums.
Brand new sets at each and every wedding.
I am OCD about making sure nothing goes wrong at the most important day of a young couple's biggest day of their lives.
The rechargeable game requires me to keep track of which ones were charged and when. Which ones are older than the others?
That's one extra step that would not be needed by just popping in a fresh set of batteries.
Setting up for a wedding gig is hard enough as it is. The venue often has tables set up in your way as you bring your gear in. Somebody from the wedding party wants to talk to you about a "special surprise" thing that requires a certain song. etc etc etc
Popping in a fresh set of batteries is simple, easy and very cost effective as far as I'm concerned.

After the gig, I save the gig batteries and use them to die off by powering flashlights and TV/cable box remote controls around the house.

 
I used to use rechargeable batteries, but found they didn't always last if I was doing an all day event. I now buy Duracell Procell batteries. And use fresh ones for each event. And I always keep spares, just in case.
 
I only use my BeyerDynamic radio mic now and again. Tried rechargeables but the run out of power pretty quickly and discharge during storage.

Duracell seem to last forever and I just carry a spare new one in case.
 
yes
 
I use Deura DMU-2002 mics. They take 2 double A batteries. I change batteries twice a year, whether they need it or not. And yes, they sound great. If you are buying 9 volt batteries for your mics, ya need to update your mics.
 


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