EMG874 vs EMG878 — Compare
EMG Stacked Bass/Treble with Stacked Mid-Range Control (2 potentiometers vs EMG VMC
The EMG BQC offers complete 3-band EQ (bass, treble, and mid) in a compact stacked-knob format, while the EMG VMC provides focused single-knob midrange control only. Choose the BQC for full tone shaping flexibility; choose the VMC if midrange sculpting is your priority and you want the simplest possible interface.
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EMG Stacked Bass/Treble with Stacked Mid-Range Control (2 potentiometers
Specs side by side
| EMG Stacked Bass/Treble with Stacked Mid-Range Control (2 potentiometers | EMG VMC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $119.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG Stacked Bass/Treble with Stacked Mid-Range Control (2 potentiometers
- ✓ Complete 3-band EQ (bass, treble, mid) in two knobs covers all frequency regions
- ✓ Bass shelving at 20Hz provides deep low-end control
- ✓ Works on 9V or 18V, extending battery life on single 9V cell
- ✓ Stacked knob design saves pedalboard and cavity space
Why choose EMG VMC
- ✓ Single intuitive knob eliminates decision fatigue during performance
- ✓ Dedicated midrange sweep (100 Hz–1 kHz) gives surgical presence control
- ✓ Minimal interface reduces setup complexity and learning curve
- ✓ Same professional noise floor (–120 dBV) and output impedance as BQC
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference in EQ capability?
The BQC provides three independent bands (bass ±12 dB at 20 Hz, treble ±12 dB, and mid ±12 dB with 100 Hz–1 kHz sweep), while the VMC offers only the midrange band (100 Hz–1 kHz, ±12 dB). The BQC covers full spectrum shaping; the VMC specializes in midrange only.
Which is better for live performance on a crowded pedalboard?
The BQC's stacked two-knob layout occupies less footprint than having separate modules, making it ideal for tight spaces. The VMC is even more compact as a single-knob unit, but offers less control. Both work for live use; choose based on how many EQ bands you need.
How long does the battery last on each?
Both draw 740 microamps at 18V and yield approximately 750 hours per cell. The BQC also runs on 9V (600 microamps), potentially offering longer life per single 9V battery, while the VMC requires 18V minimum.
Are these noisy or transparent in the signal chain?
Both units share an identical –120 dBV noise floor and 2K Ohm output impedance, ensuring clean, transparent tone shaping with negligible noise introduction. No advantage to either on noise performance.