Mic Pack Battery & Labeling Guidelines
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A mic pack that dies during a show is one of the most stressful problems for sound crew and actors. Good battery habits and clear labeling help everything run smoothly and prevent awkward silent solos on stage.
What Is a Mic Pack?
A mic pack is the small wireless transmitter that sends an actor’s voice to the sound board. It clips to a waistband or costume and connects to a headset mic. If the battery runs out or the pack gets mixed up, that actor’s mic will stop working - even if it’s placed perfectly!
Battery Guidelines
1. What Kind of Batteries Do We Use?
| Wireless System | Battery Type |
|---|---|
| Sennheiser EW-D | AA batteries only (currently) |
| Audio-Technica ATW-3100b | AA batteries only |
We use standard AA batteries in all packs for now.
Warning: Do not use cheap dollar-store batteries - they often don’t last through a full show.
2. Battery Replacement Rules
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Before each full show | Use fresh batteries in every pack. No exceptions. |
| During rehearsals | Replace only if the battery is below half or running low |
| Long tech days (4+ hrs) | Swap batteries halfway through if unsure |
Important: Never reuse batteries across multiple shows unless you’re absolutely sure they’re full.
3. Can We Use Rechargeable Batteries?
Right now, we use disposable AAs, but here’s what’s possible:
Sennheiser EW-D: These packs can safely use rechargeable AAs, and there’s even an official rechargeable battery module (BA 70) available. If we invest in that:
- We get accurate percentage-based battery readouts
- Packs can be charged in a dock overnight - no battery swaps needed
- More eco-friendly and potentially cost-saving long-term
Audio-Technica ATW-3100b: These do not work well with rechargeable batteries:
- Battery life indicators are less accurate
- Rechargeables may cause sudden shutdowns or dropouts
- Stick with disposable AAs for reliability in live shows
4. Battery Handling Tips
- Store spares in a labeled, dry container backstage
- Don’t mix old and new batteries in a pack
- Recycle or dispose of used batteries properly - keep a used battery box in the booth or backstage
Labeling Guidelines
1. Label Each Mic Pack by Actor Name or Number
- Use masking tape or small printed labels
- Label the mic pack, headset, and receiver channel to match
Example: “Mic 4 - Max” on the pack, headset, and sound board
2. Use Color-Coding (Optional)
| Color | Mic # | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Tape | Mic 1 | Lead Male |
| Red Tape | Mic 2 | Lead Female |
| Yellow | Mic 3 | Ensemble |
Use colors along with names - helps with fast mic swaps during a show.
3. Mic Assignment Chart
Make a simple table showing:
- Actor -> Mic Number -> Mixer Channel
Keep a copy:
- At the sound board
- Backstage near mic wrangling area
- In the cue binder or tech script
For New Crew Members
- Always check the battery level before handing out a mic
- Ask before changing brands or trying rechargeable batteries
- If a mic dies during the show, swap to a labeled backup pack - don’t try to change batteries mid-scene
Emergency Backup Plan
In an ideal world, we would be prepared to have this emergency backup plan. We can’t quite pull this off at the moment. Consider this aspirational.
- Keep 1-2 fully set up spare packs (with fresh batteries and labeled headsets) backstage
- If a mic fails, swap the actor into a backup pack quickly and inform the sound board operator