Do I need new batteries on my active bass?

[Mtoklitz22]

I've an active jazz bass that runs on two 9v batteries. I recently changed my batteries, that is on august 1st week 2020. I practice approx. 45 mins everyday. In that ime, I'll have the preamp on for 10-15 mins. My bass is sounding like this now. Should I change the batteries?
I handle and maintain my bass very carefully. Is everything alright with the electronic part of my bass?
Do let know guys. Thanks!
Edit: I DO NOT LEAVE MY BASS PLUGGED IN. I ALWAYS UNPLUG MY BASS AFTER USING.

 

[Camaro69]

I didn't think it sounded like the batteries are dead. But if you have some different batteries to test, why not?

I've also heard of players with active basses unplugging them from the output (amp or DI) when not in use

 

[Lowendtech]

I've an active jazz bass that runs on two 9v batteries. I recently changed my batteries, that is on august 1st week 2020. I practice approx. 45 mins everyday. In that ime, I'll have the preamp on for 10-15 mins. My bass is sounding like this now. Should I change the batteries?
I handle and maintain my bass very carefully. Is everything alright with the electronic part of my bass?
Do let know guys. Thanks!

You can diminish a brand new set of batteries in a day or so if you leave the cable plugged into your bass. Easy to check them with a multimeter.

 

[Mtoklitz22]

I didn't think it sounded like the batteries are dead. But if you have some different batteries to test, why not?

I've also heard of players with active basses unplugging them from the output (amp or DI) when not in use

Yes. I always unplug my bass as soon as I'm done using it. You hear the squeals in between? Isn't that a sign of batteries getting weak?

 

[Mtoklitz22]

You can diminish a brand new set of batteries in a day or so if you leave the cable plugged into your bass. Easy to check them with a multimeter.

I do not leave my bass plugged in. What's the recommended voltage I should see when I check? 8.7v+?

 

[Camaro69]

Do you have a fresh set to use?

 

[Mtoklitz22]

Do you have a fresh set to use?

I gotta go a bit far n get 'em and provided the circumstances now, I want to be entirely sure I must go n get. That's why I want to confirm.

 

[Lowendtech]

I do not leave my bass plugged in. What's the recommended voltage I should see when I check? 8.7v+?

I would think that the batteries are probably fine then. Yes, over 8.7 would be totally useable.

If it's that hiss you're talking about, it doesn't sound like a dying battery to me. Has it been the same since you swapped them?

 

[Mtoklitz22]

I would think that the batteries are probably fine then. Yes, over 8.7 would be totally useable.

If it's that hiss you're talking about, it doesn't sound like a dying battery to me. Has it been the same since you swapped them?

No not the hiss. Oh that's kinda a mandatory in a split coil jazz pickup. Don't you hear any squeals? Or anything that indicates I change the batteries?

 

[MultiScaleMale]

The batteries sound like they're ok. Usually you'll hear some clipping or distortion when the batteries are almost dead. You're picking up some noise somewhere, don't know if it's your recording chain or the bass could use some shielding.

 

[Gearhead17]

The distorted tone - are the strings too close to the pickups? Gain not setup properly on the amp head or whatever you used to record it?

 

[sonojono]

Batteries are fine. It's all in your head

 

[Killing Floor]

Test those batteries the right way...

 

[Mtoklitz22]

Batteries are fine. It's all in your head

Don't you hear any squeal in the clip I posted? Like, isn't that a sign of batteries going weak? The tone is also not sharp like it wo be with brand new batteries.

 

[Mtoklitz22]

The distorted tone - are the strings too close to the pickups? Gain not setup properly on the amp head or whatever you used to record it?

Yes. I've kept the strings close in order to get that raspy jazz sound which I
Adore. Don't you hear any squeals in the clip that I posted?

 

[sonojono]

No squeals. Could be your setup or again, in your head

 

[Gearhead17]

Yes. I've kept the strings close in order to get that raspy jazz sound which I
Adore. Don't you hear any squeals in the clip that I posted?

I don't hear the "squeals". Not even sure what you are referring to. Are they newer strings? Round wound? Are you not adjusted to hearing the extra fret noise?

 

[Mtoklitz22]

No squeals. Could be your setup or again, in your head

You're prob right. I guess I'll check 'em with a multimeter just to be sure. Thanks a lot!

 

[Mtoklitz22]

I don't hear the squeals"

Right. When I checked by connecting it to my daw, the volume levels weren't down either. I don't know. I guess I'll verify them with a multimeter, just to be pretty sure.

 

[nnnnnn]

I've an active jazz bass that runs on two 9v batteries. I recently changed my batteries, that is on august 1st week 2020. I practice approx. 45 mins everyday. In that ime, I'll have the preamp on for 10-15 mins.

I would not expect batteries to die anywhere near that soon with that level of use.

I last changed the (single) 9V in my main bass back at the start of March and it's still fine after playing for approximately an hour per day five or six days per week. (Some days longer and including a couple of times when I accidentally left it plugged in overnight.) I've never changed the battery more than twice in the same year.

My other active bass is still fine using the battery that was already in it when it was on the shop floor at time of purchase well over a year ago, though I only play that instrument once or twice per week (an hour at a time).