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During a production, a wireless mic required "0" input gain at the console preamp and still had plenty of signal in the level meter (acting like a line-level input requiring -20dB PAD). Very odd. Then, the batteries died. Once they were changed out of the transmitter, the gain staging went back to normal and (as it should) the mic required input gain on the console to get good levels. We use Pro Cell batteries. Is this a normal characteristic of these batteries when hitting end-of-life? If so, what really causes this? :confused:

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mdb Wed, 02/23/2011 - 08:40

It is a Countryman mic using a Shure transmitter/ receiver (I'd have to get the specific model, but it's not a cheap Shure wireless system). Another tech was actually running the sound and called me over. He had decent gain on the meter and the trim pot completely turned off. Then the batteries in the transmitter died about 2 minutes later. Once the batteries were changed the board went back to normal. I didn't have a answer for it and I don't know if it has ever happened before - at least not on my watch.