Batteries for Wireless Mic Bodypacks: What the Manufacturers Say
A wireless mic bodypack is only as dependable as the batteries in it, and the manufacturers do not all agree on which cells to fit. This guide sets out what Shure and Sennheiser say in their own manuals, what changes between alkaline, lithium and rechargeable cells, and how to store and rotate spares. Checked against the manuals listed at the end on 11 November 2026; always follow the manual for your own transmitter.
The short answer
- Fit the cells your transmitter's manual lists and, where the transmitter has a battery-type setting (Shure's do), set the same type so the battery meter reads correctly.
- Shure's SLX-D bodypacks run on two 1.5 V AA cells (alkaline, NiMH or non-rechargeable lithium, chosen in the menu) or the SB903 rechargeable. Sennheiser's EW-D transmitters run on two 1.5 V AA alkaline cells or the BA 70 rechargeable pack, and Sennheiser advises against NiMH AAs.
- Runtime depends on the chemistry, the RF power setting and the age of the cells. Shure's AD1 manual lists 8 hours on alkaline and 11 hours on its SB900C rechargeable at the lower UHF power settings.
- Store spares dry, at room temperature, with the contacts kept apart, and keep fresh and used cells in separate containers.
What the manufacturers say
| Transmitter | Batteries the maker lists | What the manual adds |
|---|---|---|
| Shure SLX-D bodypack and handheld | Two 1.5 V AA cells, or the SB903 lithium-ion rechargeable | Set the AA type in the menu to Alkaline, NiMH or Lithium (non-rechargeable, 1.5 V max); the default is Alkaline. The guide says to use only SB903 or 1.5 V AA cells, to avoid damaging the transmitter. |
| Shure AD1 | Two AA cells, or an SB900-series lithium-ion rechargeable | Menu options Alkaline, NiMH or Lithium primary. Shure rechargeables should be charged only in a Shure charger. |
| Shure QLX-D | Two AA cells, or an SB900-series lithium-ion rechargeable | Menu options AL (alkaline), nH (NiMH) and Li (lithium primary). |
| Shure UR1M micro bodypack | Two 1.5 V AAA cells: alkaline, lithium primary or NiMH | Select the battery type for the most accurate metering. |
| Sennheiser EW-D SK bodypack | Two 1.5 V AA alkaline cells, or the BA 70 rechargeable pack | Sennheiser says it is not advisable to use NiMH AAs: two 1.2 V cells give 2.4 V, and the transmitter will soon show low battery and shut down. |
The same size of cell is not always the right cell. Two manufacturers' transmitters that both take AAs can disagree on NiMH, so check the manual before you standardise a fly pack on one chemistry.
Alkaline, lithium or rechargeable: what changes
- Voltage. An alkaline AA is 1.5 V, a NiMH AA 1.2 V. In a two-cell transmitter that is 3.0 V against 2.4 V, which is why Sennheiser's EW-D range advises against NiMH while Shure's SLX-D lists it as a supported type.
- Runtime. Shure's AD1 manual gives typical runtimes for fresh, high-quality cells: at 2 mW or 10 mW UHF, 11 hours on the SB900C rechargeable against 8 hours on alkaline; at 35 mW, 5 hours 30 minutes against 3 hours 30 minutes. Shure's UR1M manual lists 6 hours on alkaline at normal RF power and 9 hours on lithium primary cells.
- Treat the figures as typical. Shure states that runtime varies with the manufacturer and age of the cell. Plan a change inside the published runtime rather than at the edge of it.
- Rechargeables have their own rules. Shure's rechargeables are charged only in Shure chargers. For storage, Shure advises room temperature, about 40% charge for the long term, and a check every six months.
Set the battery type, or the meter is guessing
Shure's guides tell you to set the battery type in the transmitter menu to match the cells installed, so the runtime display is accurate. On SLX-D the default is Alkaline, so lithium or NiMH cells need the setting changed. When a Shure rechargeable is fitted, the menu does not ask. Sennheiser's EW-D metering is matched to its two supported sources, two alkaline AAs or the BA 70.
Storing and carrying spares
- Room temperature, dry. Procell's own FAQ recommends storing batteries at room temperature in a dry place, says refrigeration is not necessary or recommended, and says heat or cold reduces performance. The Duracell Procell Constant AA (PC1500) datasheet gives a recommended storage range of 5 to 30 °C.
- Keep contacts apart and clean. Procell advises storing batteries without the contacts touching and keeping battery and compartment contacts clean. Shure advises cleaning transmitter battery contacts with an electrical contact cleaner made for gold contacts and safe on plastics.
- Check the date. The date printed on a Procell pack is its expiration (best-by) date, so check it before a tour rather than after.
- Separate fresh from used. A pair of clear organiser cases, one for fresh and one for part-used cells, stops half-used batteries going back into a transmitter by mistake.
A routine for a show day
- Look up the published runtime for your transmitter and its RF power setting in the manual. If the day or the show is longer, schedule a change.
- Fit fresh cells and set the battery type in the menu.
- Keep used cells in their own case, marked as used.
- Before reusing leftover cells, sort fresh from flat with a battery tester rather than trusting memory. Procell says not to mix old and new batteries, and recommends changing all the batteries in a unit at the same time.
- Keep one spare set per transmitter in the fly pack, dry and at room temperature.
Batteries and kit we stock
- Duracell Procell AA, box of 10: the Procell Constant range, made for steady low-current professional devices. For radio mic transmitters and IEM packs, Procell's Constant and Intense ranges differ, so check the equipment maker's recommendation to choose between them.
- NX AA, box of 10: 1.5 V LR6 alkaline cells from the NX-Power Tech range.
- Battery organiser case: holds 24 AA or 24 AAA cells in a clear case.
- ANENG BT-168 PRO battery tester: shows the voltage of AA, AAA, C, D and 9 V cells on a digital display.
The full range is in batteries. You can collect from our London shop at 60 Weir Road, SW19 8UG.
FAQs
Can I use rechargeable NiMH AA batteries in a wireless mic transmitter?
It depends on the transmitter, so follow its manual. Shure's SLX-D guide lists NiMH as a supported AA type that you select in the menu. Sennheiser says it is not advisable to use NiMH AAs in its EW-D and EW-DX transmitters, because two 1.2 V cells give 2.4 V and the transmitter will soon show low battery and shut down.
What should I set the battery type to in a Shure transmitter?
Set it to match the cells installed: Alkaline, NiMH, or Lithium (non-rechargeable, 1.5 V maximum). Shure says this makes the runtime display accurate. On SLX-D the default is Alkaline, and the menu does not ask when a Shure rechargeable is fitted.
How long do batteries last in a wireless bodypack?
Shure's AD1 manual gives typical figures for fresh, high-quality cells: at 2 mW or 10 mW UHF, about 8 hours on alkaline against 11 hours on the SB900C rechargeable. Shure says runtime varies with the manufacturer and age of the cell, so plan a change inside the published runtime for your transmitter and power setting.
How should I store spare AA batteries?
Procell recommends storing batteries at room temperature in a dry place, says refrigeration is not necessary or recommended, and advises keeping the contacts from touching. The Duracell Procell Constant AA (PC1500) datasheet gives a recommended storage range of 5 to 30 degrees Celsius.
How do I find the best-by date on Procell batteries?
The date printed on a Procell pack is its expiration (best-by) date, which represents the shelf life. Check it before a tour so that spares are not close to expiry.
Why do my transmitter's battery bars drop suddenly?
Check that the battery type set in the menu matches the cells fitted. Shure says the battery type setting is what makes the runtime display accurate, and Sennheiser notes that NiMH AAs in an EW-D transmitter will soon show low battery and shut down.
How do I stop part-used batteries going back into a transmitter?
Keep fresh and used cells in separate clear cases and mark the used one. Before reusing leftover cells, check them with a battery tester rather than relying on memory.
Where can I buy Duracell Procell batteries in London?
TourStock sells Duracell Procell AA, AAA and 9V batteries in boxes of 10 online with UK delivery, and you can collect from the shop at Ground Floor, 60 Weir Road, London SW19 8UG.
Sources
- Shure, SLX-D wireless system guide, version 7.0 (2026-A): pubs.shure.com/view/guide/SLXD
- Shure, AD1 user guide: shure.com/en-US/docs/guide/AD1
- Shure, QLX-D guide: pubs.shure.com/view/guide/QLXD
- Shure, UR1M micro bodypack guide: pubs.shure.com/view/guide/UR1M
- Sennheiser, EW-D, EW-DX and EW-DP batteries: help.sennheiser.com; EW-D SK specifications: docs.cloud.sennheiser.com
- Procell, frequently asked questions (storage, best-by dates, changing batteries): procell.com; Duracell Procell Constant AA (PC1500) technical data sheet (PDF)