EMG169 vs EMG87 — Compare
EMG Strat Presence Control- mid-range boost for sin vs EMG 20dB Mini Toggle Boost- adjustable on trim pot- can be used with active or passive pickups
The EMG SPC is a fixed mid-range presence boost (6dB at 1300Hz) designed as a pedalboard effect for shaping Strat tone, while the EMG PA2 is an adjustable preamp (up to 20dB gain) mounted directly to a guitar's mini toggle for instant solo boosts. Choose the SPC if you want transparent mid-range definition in your effects chain; choose the PA2 if you need flexible, on-the-fly gain staging built into your instrument.
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EMG Strat Presence Control- mid-range boost for sin
EMG 20dB Mini Toggle Boost- adjustable on trim pot- can be used with active or passive pickups
Specs side by side
| EMG Strat Presence Control- mid-range boost for sin | EMG 20dB Mini Toggle Boost- adjustable on trim pot- can be used with active or passive pickups | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.00 | $89.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG Strat Presence Control- mid-range boost for sin
- ✓ Compact pedalboard-friendly design integrates seamlessly into any effects setup
- ✓ Targeted 6dB presence boost at 1300Hz adds punch and definition without coloration
- ✓ Transparent, low-noise signal path preserves natural Strat character
Why choose EMG 20dB Mini Toggle Boost- adjustable on trim pot- can be used with active or passive pickups
- ✓ Up to 20dB adjustable gain via internal trim pot matches any pickup type and amp
- ✓ Mounts directly to guitar mini toggle—no pedalboard needed, always within reach
- ✓ Works with both passive and active pickups for maximum versatility
- ✓ Exceptional 1725-hour battery life from minimal current draw reduces maintenance
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both together in a rig?
Yes. The PA2 mounts inside your guitar and provides overall gain conditioning, while the SPC sits on a pedalboard as a tone-shaping effect. They serve different purposes and work without conflict.
Which is better for passive pickup guitars?
The PA2 explicitly supports both passive and active pickups and offers higher input impedance (500k vs 250k), making it slightly better suited to passive guitars. The SPC works fine with passives but doesn't offer gain adjustment.
What's the main difference in tone?
The SPC adds a fixed 6dB mid-range presence peak at 1300Hz for articulate punch. The PA2 is a clean, transparent boost with no EQ coloration—you control only volume via the trim pot.
Which draws less power?
The PA2 draws only 290 microamps for approximately 1725 hours of battery life, while the SPC draws 980 microamps for about 250 hours. The PA2 requires far fewer battery changes.