Active pickups require a battery to power the onboard preamp. The battery life of active pickups will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of battery, the output level of the pickups, and the amount of time you play your bass guitar.
In general, active pickups can last for several months to a year on a single battery. However, if you play your bass guitar for long periods of time or if you use a lot of effects pedals, you may need to change the battery more frequently.
Here are some tips for extending the battery life of your active pickups:
- Use a high-quality battery. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries tend to last longer than alkaline batteries.
- Turn off the preamp when you are not using your bass guitar.
- Lower the output level of the pickups.
- Avoid using effects pedals that require a lot of power.
If you are concerned about the battery life of your active pickups, you can purchase a battery eliminator. A battery eliminator is a device that plugs into your bass guitar and provides a constant power source for the preamp. This can extend the battery life of your active pickups indefinitely.
Here are some of the factors that can affect the battery life of active pickups:
- Type of battery: The type of battery you use will affect the battery life of your active pickups. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries tend to last longer than alkaline batteries.
- Output level of the pickups: The higher the output level of the pickups, the more power they will consume and the shorter the battery life will be.
- Amount of time you play your bass guitar: The more you play your bass guitar, the more power the pickups will consume and the shorter the battery life will be.
- Use of effects pedals: If you use a lot of effects pedals, they will also consume power from the pickups. This can shorten the battery life of your active pickups.
Ultimately, the battery life of your active pickups will depend on a number of factors. However, by following the tips above, you can extend the life of your batteries and make sure that your active pickups are always ready to play.
According to EMG, a popular active pickup manufacturer, their batteries can last for up to 3000 hours of playing time. This is based on a standard 9V battery and an output level of 10. However, the actual battery life will vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
If you are unsure how long your active pickup batteries will last, it is a good idea to check them regularly. You can usually tell when a battery is starting to run low because the sound will become weaker. If you notice this happening, it is time to change the battery.
It is also a good idea to have a spare battery on hand in case your active pickups die unexpectedly. This will prevent you from having to stop playing in the middle of a gig.
