Reliable, Sustainable Power for Musicians and Creators

Ernie Ball has partnered with Paleblue, the leader in sustainable rechargeable battery technology, to introduce a new generation of high-performance USB-C rechargeable batteries designed specifically for musicians.

Available in AA and 9V formats, these lithium-ion batteries deliver consistent, full-voltage performance across instruments, wireless packs, pedals, tuners, and more. Built for the stage, studio, and everyday use, they’re the perfect solution for players who want reliable power without the waste of single-use batteries.


Designed for Musicians

Each battery features:Fast USB-C charging — up to 80% capacity in as little as 75 minutes

Operates as long as Alkaline 9V and AA 

LED charge indicators for quick status checks

Rugged, reusable storage case included

Environmentally friendly lithium-ion design rated for over 1,000 recharge cycles

High-capacity performance: AA: 2750 mWh (1933 mAh) | 1.5 V output | 2.0 A continuous 9V: 4500 mWh (500 mAh) | 9.0 V output | 0.5 A continuous

With recharge times as quick as 75 minutes to 80%, these batteries keep you powered through long rehearsals, live sets, or recording sessions, all while reducing waste and long-term cost.

“Rechargeable batteries are the only way forward in this industry. There’s too much waste with conventional batteries. These new Ernie Ball batteries are reliable, quick-charging, and the included multi-cable is super handy on tour.”

Henry Trejo, Guitar Tech for Red Hot Chili Peppers & Jerry Cantrell

Rechargeables, Reconsidered: The Facts Behind the Myth

For years, some musicians avoided rechargeable batteries over concerns about voltage stability and signal noise. But battery technology has evolved dramatically. Modern reliable lithium-ion cells now deliver consistent, near-silent power on par with or better than traditional alkaline options.

Below, we answer a few of the most common questions we hear from players:


FAQ: Rechargeable Batteries and Musical Gear

Are lithium-ion batteries safe to use in my instrument or pedal?

Yes. High-quality lithium-ion batteries are completely safe. In the past, engineers advised against rechargeables because early designs were unstable and inconsistent. Modern lithium-ion tech, like the cells used in our Paleblue partnership, is far more stable and reliable, delivering clean, full-voltage power.

How long do they last?

They provide the same long-lasting performance you expect from premium alkaline batteries, without the voltage drop. Each battery is rated for over 1,000 recharge cycles. That’s roughly equivalent to replacing hundreds of single-use batteries, saving money and reducing waste.

How fast do they charge?

AA batteries reach 80% in about 75 minutes, and 9V batteries in roughly 130 minutes, using any standard USB-C cable. 

Why choose Ernie Ball x Paleblue over other brands?

We collaborated directly with the engineers at Paleblue to design a rechargeable power solution specifically optimized for musical instruments and pedals. Our batteries deliver lower noise than standard rechargeables, tested and approved by techs for artists including Red Hot Chili Peppers, My Chemical Romance, Billie Eilish, and Nine Inch Nails. The result is a convenient, cost-effective, eco-friendly power source proven reliable in both touring and studio environments.

Are lithium-ion batteries safe to use in my instrument?

Yes, high-quality lithium-ion batteries are safe to use. In the past, our engineers advised against rechargeables to help customers avoid the unstable, low-quality batteries that were common at the time. Since then, battery technology has improved significantly, and modern rechargeable designs are much more stable and reliable.

You can use any high-quality 9V or AA Alkaline, Lithium, or Lithium-ion battery in your instrument. However, we do not recommend inexpensive or unverified generic batteries, as they may provide inconsistent or unsafe power.

Our Ernie Ball USB-C Rechargeable Batteries by Paleblue are a reliable option that offer the convenience of easy recharging while being environmentally friendly.

Why do some audio circuits produce broadband noise when using USB-C Rechargeable 9V Batteries?

Some audio circuits, particularly those used with active pickups or onboard preamps, may produce broadband noise when powered by lithium-based USB-C rechargeable 9V batteries. This can occur even if the same circuit remains quiet when using traditional alkaline batteries. USB-C Rechargeable 9V batteries contain internal battery management circuitry that handles protection, charging, and power regulation.

Ernie Ball and Paleblue designed and tested this battery to be among the quietest available in this category. However, when a circuit does not include adequate power filtering, a small amount of switching activity from the internal management system may become audible as broadband noise, especially in high gain circuits. This is a characteristic of the interaction between the battery and the specific circuit design, which is part of the balance that comes with gaining the many advantages of this rechargeable technology. If the circuit does not provide the filtering needed to suppress broadband noise, then this style of rechargeable 9V battery may not be the ideal match for that specific application. The batteries will still function normally in many other devices that use 9V power, including pedals, wireless packs, preamps, handheld tools, and a variety of household electronics.

Why do alkaline 9V batteries measure differently than rechargeable 9V batteries?

This is a technically complex issue to answer comprehensively, but when comparing Ernie Ball USB-C Rechargeable 9V Batteries by Paleblue to basic alkaline batteries, one key difference is voltage consistency. Our rechargeable batteries maintain a strong and steady voltage throughout the entire discharge cycle, staying very close to 9V from start to finish. In contrast, basic alkaline batteries experience a steady drop in voltage over their discharge cycle. As the alkaline’s voltage decreases, the usable power available to the circuit also declines, which can affect performance in some audio applications. In addition, the basic alkaline is a single use cell, while the Ernie Ball USB-C Rechargeable 9V Batteries by Paleblue can be recharged and reused over 1000 cycles with similar performance.


Reliable Power. Less Waste. More Music.

The new Ernie Ball USB-C Rechargeable Batteries by Paleblue are available now through select retailers and at ernieball.com.

Make the switch to cleaner, smarter power and keep your music charged for the long haul.


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