EMG 40DC 5-String Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5429
Description
EMG 40DC 5-String Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Red
The EMG 40DC captures punchy, articulate bass tones built for five-string tracking and mix-ready clarity. Its compact soapbar format integrates seamlessly into most modern bass bodies, and the active circuit delivers immediate headroom and controlled dynamics—essential for capturing clean definition across extended-range instruments in the studio and maintaining consistency across overdubs.
Recording & Mix Characteristics
The ceramic bar magnet configuration and 1.4V RMS output produce a defined, articulate tone with excellent note separation—capturing detail from fingerstyle, slap, and pick techniques with minimal phase coloration. A 4.55 kHz resonant frequency keeps the midrange present and punchy in a mix, while the -115 dBV output noise floor ensures transparent amplification even when tracking with high preamp gain or parallel compression chains.
Studio Setup & Workflow
The solderless install system paired with included 25k volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, and stereo output jack streamlines integration into your rig without studio downtime. The pickup draws only 220 microamps at 9V, delivering roughly 1200 hours of battery life per charge—reliable power for extended tracking sessions and eliminating mid-session tone drift from dying batteries.
Key Features
- Dual coil, soapbar format with ceramic bar magnets
- Housing dimensions: 101.6mm × 38.1mm (4.00" × 1.50")
- Supports maximum string width of 76.2mm (3.00")
- DC resistance: 10K ohms
- RMS output voltage: 1.4V; peak output: 2.0V
- Resonant frequency: 4.55 kHz
- Output impedance: 2 kΩ
- Active power: 18V recommended (maximum 27V)
- Current draw: 220 microamps at 9V; 1200-hour battery life
- Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo jack, and solderless install hardware
The 40DC combines straightforward active electronics, low noise performance, and genuine five-string sizing into a pickup engineered for recording transparency and session versatility.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 40DC is a five-string active humbucker pickup engineered to sit cleanly in dense mixes with articulate midrange punch and defined low-end separation. Home producers and recording engineers value it for studio sessions where note clarity and controlled dynamics matter—whether tracking funk, progressive, or any genre demanding tight, noise-free bass capture. Its solderless wiring and included electronics speed up installation, freeing you to focus on tracking and tone shaping.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pickup suitable for a beginner bass player?
This pickup is rated for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its articulate, punchy character and active electronics are best suited to players with solid technique and familiarity with active bass systems.
What genres is the 40DC best suited for?
The 40DC excels in funk, progressive, studio sessions, and gigging. It is not recommended for folk or country styles, where warmer, mellower tones are typically preferred.
How long does the battery last, and what's the install process like?
At 9V operation, the pickup draws 220 microamps and delivers approximately 1200 hours of battery life per charge. Installation uses EMG's solderless system and includes a battery bus, 25k volume and tone potentiometers, and stereo output jack to minimize setup time.
Will this pickup fit my five-string bass?
The 40DC is designed for five-string basses with a compact soapbar housing measuring 101.6mm × 38.1mm and supports a maximum string width of 76.2mm (3.00 inches). Verify your bass body cavity dimensions match before purchase.
How does the 40DC compare to other five-string pickups?
The 40DC competes with models like the Seymour Duncan SPB-3, DiMarzio Model J, and Bartolini BC5. It distinguishes itself through active electronics, a 1.4V RMS output with low noise performance, and a 4.55 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes punchy midrange articulation.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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