Topic: Schoeps VMS02ib runtimes?

[F.O.Bean]

Does anyone have any first-hand experience with the Schoeps VMS02ib and the internal AA battery powering method? I'm just curious how long it will last with good quality rechargeable AAs? Obviously I'm going to test the runtimes myself once I get it in my possession very soon, but just wanted an idea, because the first time I get a chance to run it will most likely be at a show, which is before I can get a chance to do actual runtimes with my batteries. All the info I could find on ts.com was one single post stating that it ran for 10 hours. But that was the ONLY thing I saw actually stating an actual runtime. And it was from 2008, and I know that batteries have improved since then!

So if anyone can give me a relative and definite SAFE number to run it before I can do the runtimes, I'd really appreciate it. The show shouldn't last more than a few hours or so. Maybe from like 8pm-2am MAX? Damn, that's 6 hours. I'm guessing it can definitely handle that though. Guess I'll find out for sure soon enough The person I'm getting the 02ib from I'm pretty sure always ran an external battery pack like a Tekkeon, so I don't think he really knows either!

Thanks in advance,
Bean

[stevetoney]

You're gonna get something like 8 to 10 and maybe a little more.  I get a solid 20 - 24 on the 32ub, but that's powering mics at 12v.

[StuStu]

The VMS02ib operates a very long time no matter how you power it.

[dnsacks]

however, since it's your first time running it, I'd change out batteries at set break anyway.  Reason being, your rechargeable aa batteries may not be taking a full charge, etc., etc., etc.  Better to be extra conservative until you have a chance to confirm run times with your particular gear combo in a controlled environment.

 

[F.O.Bean]

however, since it's your first time running it, I'd change out batteries at set break anyway.  Reason being, your rechargeable aa batteries may not be taking a full charge, etc., etc., etc.  Better to be extra conservative until you have a chance to confirm run times with your particular gear combo in a controlled environment.

 

Thanks for the info guys!!! I was thinking of changing batteries at setbreak too. Unfortunately, I couldn't make the show tonight But I'm going to try to grab the 02ib this weekend. And I have a badass Maha Powerex HQ AA/AAA charger, and I'm positive my batts are still in good shape. I just started charging them last night, and so far, they're all still good to go. They maintain at least 80% capacity after 4-5 years of use! Not too shabby. But its all about the smart charger IMO! Mine has a break in feature that makes the batteries what they are today. It takes a couple days to do just [4] batteries, but it makes the battery charge as close to 100% as possible right off the bat so you don't need to cycle them 6 times first The break-in just charges and discharges the batteries VERY slowly!

[kingkita]

Hey Bean I ran mine for 2 phish shows no problem off batteries the only issue i had on this tour was my battery holder cracked and had to do a on the road repair,called redding audio about getting another one and they said they have no parts for any of the older vms not even a battery holder.So be careful with that battery holder.Found ones a radio shack but everything was reversed so i didn't even attempt to try it in SF taking the risk on frying it.

[F.O.Bean]

Hey Bean I ran mine for 2 phish shows no problem off batteries the only issue i had on this tour was my battery holder cracked and had to do a on the road repair,called redding audio about getting another one and they said they have no parts for any of the older vms not even a battery holder.So be careful with that battery holder.Found ones a radio shack but everything was reversed so i didn't even attempt to try it in SF taking the risk on frying it.

Damn, thats a bummer for sure. That's the first Ive heard of that. Hopefully I can find an extra battery tray somewhere. I'll definitely be on the lookout

[F.O.Bean]

Finally have the vms02ib in my possession Now I'm kinda freaking out about the powering on it. Does anyone have a real deal Schoeps DC connector for a vms02ib that I could buy? I heard that using radio shack adaptaplugs can end up frying my preamp. Any truth to that? I would just like to have a real Schoeps DC connector for my vms02ib, so that I can be sure its not going to fry my preamp I would like to have an external powering option in case something does happen to my battery tray

[F.O.Bean]

I ran my 4 year old 2300mah Energizer Rechargeable AAs in the 02ib recently, and I got over 15-16 hours before the 02ib sound started to get weird and get weird tones and stuff, so that's not too shabby. With new, broken in batteries, I should be able to get 18 hours or so hopefully. It ran until the m10 died, which is all I need the 02ib to run, which is [1] full day at a festie like Summer Camp, that goes from 12 noon until 4am, so 16+ hours has been done there just at one stage lol That's the perfect amount of time for the 02ib to run for my needs on internals. I'm not using the AA battery tray for my 02ib much at all, so that means that I need an RC battery setup asap lol! If anyone knows of a really HQ charger for RC batteries, please let me know But soon enough I'll have an external RC battery setup with 4Pin XLR's as my connectors, since my homie Tonedeaf scored me the special Schoeps DC connector for the vms02ib/vms52ub ;D8) Thanks again man!