EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4303
Description
EMG 57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 57-B is a bridge-position active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive, articulate tones with tight low-end response and controlled midrange presence. Its compact footprint and brushed black chrome finish integrate seamlessly into modern and vintage guitar aesthetics alike. This pickup excels in high-gain tracking and recording sessions where clarity and definition translate directly to polished, punchy final mixes.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
Built on Alnico V magnets paired with steel pole pieces, the 57-B delivers a resonant frequency of 2.11 kHz that emphasizes vocal midrange and individual string articulation—critical for achieving separation in dense arrangements. Bridge output reaches 4.50V on strum and 3.00V per string, providing substantial signal drive to interface preamps and mixing chains without the brittleness common to oversaturated pickups. This balanced output sits naturally in the mix without requiring aggressive EQ correction.
Signal Integrity & Studio Performance
This active design operates on 9V DC supply with a maximum rating of 27V, drawing only 160 microamps for exceptional battery longevity—expect roughly 1500 hours of playing time per battery, eliminating mid-session power worries. Ultra-low noise floor at -100 dB output noise and 10 kohm output impedance ensure pristine signal transmission through audio interfaces and recording chains, preserving tracking clarity and reducing post-production noise management.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Alnico V with steel pole pieces
- Resonant Frequency: 2.11 kHz
- Output Voltage (Strum): 4.50V
- Output Voltage (String): 3.00V
- Output Noise: -100 dB
- Output Impedance: 10 Kohm
- Current Draw @ 9V: 160 Microamps
- Battery Life: Approximately 1500 hours
- Maximum Supply Voltage: 27V DC
- Connector: 1/4" (6.35mm) mono phone plug
- Finish: Brushed Black Chrome
- Position: Bridge
The EMG 57-B delivers consistent, articulate bridge tones with minimal noise and maximum efficiency—an ideal foundation for capturing and mixing demanding high-gain recordings in professional and home-studio environments.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 57-B is an active bridge humbucker engineered to capture aggressive, articulate tones with a tight low end and vocal midrange presence—ideal for tracking metal, progressive, and high-gain recordings where string separation and note definition are critical. Its -100 dB noise floor and controlled output character (4.50V strum, 3.00V per string) sit cleanly in dense mixes without saturation artifacts, while the compact footprint and active electronics offer session versatility and long battery life for extended tracking days. Choose this if your mix needs clarity and punch in brutal tunings without sacrificing dynamic responsiveness.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, High-gain recording, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, articulate mids, high output, controlled compression, minimal noise |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the EMG 57-B designed for?
The 57-B excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and high-gain recording applications, especially with drop tunings. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The active electronics draw only 160 microamps, delivering approximately 1500 hours of playing time per 9V battery—roughly 3–4 months of regular use.
How does the output and noise floor compare to passive pickups?
The 57-B delivers 4.50V on strum and 3.00V per string with a -100 dB noise floor, providing high output and signal drive without brittleness or hum common to oversaturated designs.
Is the EMG 57-B a drop-in replacement for standard humbucker cavities?
The 57-B features a compact footprint and 1/4 inch mono phone plug connector; compatibility depends on your guitar's wiring and cavity dimensions—confirm your guitar supports active pickups and standard humbucker spacing before purchase.
What makes the tone profile different from the comparable EMG 81?
The 57-B emphasizes a tight low end and vocal midrange presence with a 2.11 kHz resonant frequency, delivering articulation and clarity suited for bridge positions in high-gain contexts where definition is as important as output.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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