KLVR has unveiled a solution for removing the extensive use of single-use batteries from live music performance. Disposable batteries are a significant environmental and cost issue, with over a million used every year in professional music production and performance in Norway alone (Kulturrum Report). Sonic City, a medium sized Norwegian production company, estimates it uses 20,000 batteries a year.
Disposable AA/AAA batteries are still widely used because of a lack of feasible rechargeable options. The existing rechargeable batteries offered by major audio equipment manufacturers are costly and impractical, often coming in form factors that make them unusable with equipment from different vendors. Meanwhile, consumer rechargeable batteries can’t be trusted in professional environments because of insufficient voltage delivery and reliability.
Founded by professional sound and live production engineers, tour managers and music artists, KLVR builds on decades of first-hand experience to challenge the status quo of battery wastage in live events and media production. While industry initiatives such as the elimination of single-use plastic cups at festivals have delivered positive change in reducing environmental impact, disposable battery usage remains an alarming issue that has not been addressed. By using rechargeable batteries to their full potential, and recycling after end of life, organizations can reduce their environmental impact and achieve considerable cost savings. This issue was addressed directly in the EU’s Battery Regulation 2023/1542, which introduced comprehensive measures to reduce battery wastage and promote recycling, while committing to assess whether to phase out the general use of non-rechargeable batteries by 2030.
The KLVR Charger Pro addresses a gap in the market for cost-effective, flexible battery charging that meets the specific performance needs of the music, TV, film, and live event industries.
The mounted rack charger enables production and sound engineers across music venues, TV studios, universities, conference halls and houses of worship to recharge the standard sized AA or AAA batteries used in any wireless microphones, in-ear receivers or other pro audio devices. Compared with proprietary charging solutions from major audio manufacturers, KLVR Charger Pro is cheaper, more flexible and takes up less rack space – with a capacity of 48 batteries, the solution is able to charge up to 24 AA-powered devices (2x AA per device) in a single rack.
Erik Løvgren, Head of Production Services and Development and Innovation at Norwegian state broadcaster NRK said:
“We’re pushing sustainable production practices across everything we do – from broadcast and live events to film production, radio and podcasting. Eliminating single-use batteries remains a huge issue that we haven’t been able to solve before. The rechargeable battery packs from the big AV manufacturers are far too expensive and general rechargeable AA batteries don’t have the right voltages. How this gap hasn’t been addressed before is mind-blowing. We want to be among the first to use KLVR’s solution as another significant step on the journey towards sustainability – and, hand in hand with that, because it will help us cut costs.”
“Our team has worked on sold-out stadium concerts, festivals, music tours and TV production sets around the world. We’ve seen first-hand millions of batteries being thrown away — it’s a serious problem our sector has failed to address,” said Stian Sagholen, CEO and Founder, KLVR. “The rechargeable options that are out there today aren’t feasible for our industry. You can’t have a lead singer, live TV presenter, or company CEO’s microphone cut out midway through a show or presentation due to basic battery issues. Charger Pro helps any type of production crew, tour manager or AV integrator massively cut down on harmful battery waste while slashing costs and delivering first-class live performances.”
The KLVR Charger Pro supports 1.5V Li-Ion AA batteries and can also charge AAA batteries within the same rack, allowing users to recharge a range of battery types and devices simultaneously. The solution also includes 48 custom KLVR batteries with 1200 charging cycles, a 30% higher capacity than regular commercial rechargeables, and a more accurate discharge curve that ensures professional devices can display the correct capacity percentage throughout all of the battery lifetime to maximize performance and longevity. Through intuitive front displays and a software interface via the KLVR Control monitoring and control system, users can easily check battery levels, recharge times and adjust settings from their networked laptops or computers.
The KLVR Charger Pro is set to ship in Q1 2025 and is available for distribution partners and end users to pre-order now. The solution will be on show for the first time at IBC2024 (RAI Amsterdam, 13-16 September. Stand #8.D31).
More information: KLVR
