Hey guys,

What 9v battery is best to use in my headset mic?
Energizer or Duracell?
Should I use a battery tester to see how many times I can use each battery before it dies mid-show?
I refuse to use rechargeables as I read they can be very unreliable and die quickly.
Thanks
Scott

Scott, I always use fresh Duracell batteries in my headset mic. However, I think any of the top brand name batteries are fine....just make sure they are alkaline. The big 3 for me are Duracell, Energizer, and Rayovac. (Not in that particular order) I am a musician, so I have a lot of experience with batteries. Rayovac batteries are less expensive than Duracell or Energizer batteries and I have found that they last just as long, if not longer in some cases.

I replace my batteries every weekend. I couldn't tell you how long they last but I always purchase either Duracell or Energizer.

Dan.

There are some industrial-strength 9v batteries that are recommended by the instructions of some older Collector's Workshop effects. Not sure where one would go about purchasing them in a hometown setting.

Steve

Personally, I had a Sennheiser 9v transmitter and receiver and the battery life was 2-3 hours or 2 shows. It was $5.00 for two 9v batteries. Every two shows I was paying $5.00 and it was adding up fast. When I realized my battery expense was over $250 I looked at another solution.

So I switched to a newer system that runs on AA batteries, life is about 8 hours. Battery expense is way lower.

Just in case your 9v battery life is similar and you have a similar experience.

Guys,

Most manufacturers recommend the industry standard... Procell - industrial version of Duracell, best prices I can find in the States are here:

http://www.cheap-batteries.com/p/PC16049VC.html

Gary

Thanks everyone. Great idea Gary!

I use a universal battery tester that I bought at Radio Shack, many years ago. It never let me down. I'm not sure what's available down under, but a battery tester will tell you if you can safely get more use out of your batteries, saving you money. A tester pays for itself and they don't cost much.

Check out Targets dollar section every time you're in. They have 9v batteries for a buck every so often.

Lithium Batteries:

http://www.batteryspace.com/9VPrimaryLithiumBattery.aspx

My buddy works in a Surgery Operating Room and he says they
use Lithium batteries in their equipment. Because they are the best.
They use them once and throw them away.
Yes I've asked him to get me the ones they throw away
but none yet.

This is what I thought (if you mean cheap no-name batteries). I bought a bulk pack of no-name 9v batteries for $5.
It lasted 10 minutes into my show, and cut out. I went straight to change to my old Duracell which lasted a full show prior to this one, and this carried me through this one also.
Lucky it was a quick change in a casual setting!

Don't skimp on quality!!

Lithium Polymer rechargeables and chargers from http://www.thomasdistributing.com

I've been using them daily for months at the theater, they're very reliable and they last longer on one charge than the alkalines. We saved a lot of money by using these.

I agree, always liked the rechargeable batteries.
Max

I always use Duracell and never leave home w/o my Battery Tester. the Battery tester has served me well and save me a lot of money. I do not need to go out every weekend and use fresh batteries. Just use common sense and purchase a Battery Tester for under $ 10.00. It will save you money in the long run. I have a Battery Tester with every Microphone System and I always do carry extra batteries with me.

Rodney

I only trust Energizer 9V batteries. I also have a tester just to be sure they are in the right voltage. Every time I buy batteries, I always test all of them.

I also recommend the rechargeable batteries. I've used them for years, they do great, plus I save tons of money. I just can't justify buying batteries to use once, then throwing them away!

Here are a few of the ones I use:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUN......F8&psc=1

I've also used these, they're good too:
http://www.thomasdistributing.com/-Maha-......230.html

Hope that helps!
Kevin

Duracell batteries quality are very bad!Energizer are better!

Two votes for the Duracell Procells.

Traditionally in professional theaters you buy them by the case, use them once and throw them in a box.

Then once it's full, the tech takes home a box of mostly new batteries to use in all their toys....wiimotes....etc.

In fact, everyone should be buying them as they're cheaper and last longer than the commercially marketed junk lines!

And as a side note, in terms of expendables - if anyone is buying the regular HPL lamps for Source Four Theatrical Lights, they make a HPL-X version which is a buck or two more a lamp, but lasts 5-10 times longer than the regular HPL Lamps.

I take the dollar store route. I change the batteries for very battery item I have for every show. Not every other show or once a day. EVERY SHOW. The only exception is the flat battery in my sound man remote. My mic battery only has to last for no more than an hour. I have been buying the dollar store batteries for about five years now with no problems. I do not need them last any longer than one show.

I get the Radio Shack alkaline 4 for $10. They work great and I always have spares.