EMG6064 vs EMG6283 — Compare
EMG M-80 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
The M-80 is an active pickup with a compressed, noise-free tone and battery power, while the H4 is a passive pickup with dynamic response and no battery requirement. Choose the M-80 for high-gain metal and tight articulation; choose the H4 for players who prefer passive operation and natural sustain.
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EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG M-80 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG M-80 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Active preamp delivers minimal noise floor and quiet operation under extreme gain
- ✓ Compressed, articulate tone optimized for tight, aggressive playing and drop tunings
- ✓ Low-impedance output ensures clean transmission to wireless systems and modern rigs
Why choose EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Passive design eliminates battery dependency and ongoing power management
- ✓ Ceramic bar magnet with bar pole pieces delivers natural sustain and dynamic response
- ✓ Fully shielded construction with 5-wire Quik-Connect cable for easy installation and noise rejection
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 9V battery for either pickup?
Only the M-80 requires a 9V battery (1.3 milliamps for a two-pickup system). The H4 is fully passive and needs no battery.
Which one handles drop tunings better?
The M-80 is specifically engineered for drop tunings with its compressed, tight character that maintains articulation in lower registers. The H4 also handles heavy tunings well but prioritizes natural sustain over compression.
What's the main tone difference between active and passive here?
The M-80 trades vintage bloom for studio-tight precision with noise floor control; the H4 offers more dynamic range and natural string response while still delivering high output without the preamp coloration.
Which pickup is better for studio recording?
Both are studio-capable. The M-80 excels in high-gain contexts where noise rejection matters; the H4's passive design and full shielding work equally well for clean, articulate recording without battery concerns.