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Professional Audio Industry Embraces German Rechargeable Battery Technology to Cut Costs and Environmental Impact
The professional audio industry is experiencing a significant shift as venues and touring productions increasingly adopt specialized rechargeable battery systems, with one US-based distributor reporting that over 50,000 organizations have made the switch to save thousands of dollars annually while reducing environmental waste.
Horizon Battery, which has distributed German-engineered Ansmann rechargeable batteries for more than 25 years, has seen widespread adoption across churches, schools, theaters, and touring productions. The company’s client roster includes major international touring acts such as Katy Perry, Rob Thomas, and Cirque du Soleil, highlighting the technology’s reliability in demanding professional environments.
The transition to rechargeable systems addresses a longstanding challenge in the professional audio sector, where wireless microphones, in-ear monitoring systems, and other battery-powered devices have traditionally consumed vast quantities of disposable batteries. For venues hosting multiple events weekly or touring productions with dozens of wireless channels, the cost of single-use batteries can reach tens of thousands of dollars annually.
Ansmann, the German mobile energy company behind the technology, has developed professional-grade rechargeable batteries specifically engineered for the unique demands of pro-audio applications. Unlike consumer-grade rechargeables, these systems are designed to maintain consistent voltage output throughout their discharge cycle, ensuring reliable performance for wireless transmitters and receivers that require stable power delivery.
The financial implications of switching to rechargeable systems are substantial. A mid-sized church operating 20 wireless microphones might typically spend $3,000 to $5,000 annually on disposable batteries. Theater productions and touring acts with larger wireless systems can see even more dramatic savings, with some organizations reporting cost reductions exceeding $10,000 per year after transitioning to rechargeable technology.
Beyond the economic benefits, the environmental impact of reducing disposable battery waste has become an increasingly important consideration for venues and production companies. With millions of alkaline batteries ending up in landfills each year from the entertainment industry alone, the shift to rechargeable battery systems represents a significant step toward more sustainable production practices.
The adoption of professional rechargeable systems has accelerated as battery technology has improved. Modern lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride formulations offer longer run times, faster charging, and more charge cycles than earlier generations of rechargeable batteries. These advances have addressed previous concerns about reliability and performance that once made audio professionals hesitant to abandon disposable batteries.
For touring productions, the logistics of battery management have also improved with the availability of professional charging systems that can handle dozens of batteries simultaneously while providing detailed charge status information. This infrastructure allows production teams to maintain a reliable rotation of fully charged batteries throughout multi-show runs.
As the professional audio industry continues to evolve, the widespread adoption of rechargeable battery technology demonstrates how operational efficiency and environmental responsibility can align. With established artists and venues leading the transition, the shift away from disposable batteries appears to be gaining momentum across all levels of professional audio production.