I deal with a lot of electronics, and a place called BearWobble put out some low discharge NIMH rechargeables a while back that IMO beat out the Eneloops and others. The key is to get some that are really low discharge or else every time you pick them up they will be dead.
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Cirrus battery life, Rechargeables
- Thread starter Plstrns
- Start date
The perception on Peavey & batteries is due to the BXP line - which was certainly my experience*. It's not 'normal' on the US Cirrus. Are you leaving it plugged in? Worth getting it checked.
* - still love 'em - but mine chewed threw batteries like candy until I put in a US Mill preamp.
* - still love 'em - but mine chewed threw batteries like candy until I put in a US Mill preamp.
Sorry for bringing up this old thread, but I suppose this information is relevant and useful.
Based on my recent experimentation with various MIA Cirrus basses, I gathered this: there were two versions of VFL pickups, early unmarked version which was used since beginning of production and Korean (?) version, marked with "g & b co" sticker underneath, which appeared later on (no later than 2005). Physically they are similar, but internal electronics differ sharply - early pickups saturate and distort quicker and thus sound more compressed. Later version pickups have more clear, rich and punchy sound and react to the blend pot almost as if it were a three-position switch.
But the most glaring distinction is power drain - earlier versions draw only about 0,5 mA each, while later draw 5+ mA! Combined with a preamp, they use about 12 mA! Therefore some Cirri are quite conventional active basses with common battery life expectations, and some are better sounding, voracious eaters.
Based on my recent experimentation with various MIA Cirrus basses, I gathered this: there were two versions of VFL pickups, early unmarked version which was used since beginning of production and Korean (?) version, marked with "g & b co" sticker underneath, which appeared later on (no later than 2005). Physically they are similar, but internal electronics differ sharply - early pickups saturate and distort quicker and thus sound more compressed. Later version pickups have more clear, rich and punchy sound and react to the blend pot almost as if it were a three-position switch.
But the most glaring distinction is power drain - earlier versions draw only about 0,5 mA each, while later draw 5+ mA! Combined with a preamp, they use about 12 mA! Therefore some Cirri are quite conventional active basses with common battery life expectations, and some are better sounding, voracious eaters.
I concur that something may be wrong with the electronics. I have a Peavey GV, which I believe has the same preamp as the Cirrus. I recall being horrified at seeing 2 batteries when I opened the control compartment for the first time. I installed a pair of cheap Rayovac alkalines in December 2013 and they're still very much alive.
I once had a problem with an Ibanez SR05 eating batteries. I discovered that when I unplugged the cord, two wires on the jack were touching. The battery drained within a couple of days.
I once had a problem with an Ibanez SR05 eating batteries. I discovered that when I unplugged the cord, two wires on the jack were touching. The battery drained within a couple of days.
+1
My Cirrus gets more like 60+ hours from batteries, if not better. I will say change the batteries before they die. My batteries died in church, and they sounded like the loudest and longest fart in recorded history before bass went completely silent.
