EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3487
Description
EMG 808 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in White
The EMG 808 captures articulate, controlled output across all eight strings with the clarity and punch expected from EMG's active design. This soapbar-format pickup maintains tight low-end definition while preserving string-to-string balance, making it essential for extended-range tracking that demands precision and consistency in the studio. The white finish offers a distinctive aesthetic that stands out against darker fretboards and hardware.
Recording Tone & Electronics
Built around an Alnico magnet with a 2.00 kHz resonant frequency, this pickup produces articulate mids and controlled highs that sit well in dense mixes and perform equally in isolation tracks. The active design yields 2.00V output on single strings and 4.50V on full strums, providing responsive dynamics without excessive compression—critical for 8-string instruments where individual note definition separates great recordings from good ones.
Studio Implementation & Specifications
The solderless Quik-connect system streamlines setup and allows for quick swaps during session experimentation without permanent modification. Powered by a single 9V battery with an impressive 3000-hour battery life and drawing only 80 microamps, this pickup operates efficiently through long tracking days and multi-day sessions without power concerns.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Alnico
- Resonant Frequency: 2.00 kHz
- Output Voltage (Single String): 2.00V
- Output Voltage (Strum): 4.50V
- Output Impedance: 10 Kohm
- Output Noise (60 Hz): -104 dB
- Active Design with 9V Battery Power
- Battery Life: 3000 hours at 80 microamps
- Maximum Supply Voltage: 27V DC
- Volume Control: 25K Ohm
- Tone Control: 25K Ohm
- Solderless Quik-connect Installation with 3-Conductor Wiring
The EMG 808 combines active precision engineering with user-friendly installation, delivering the extended-range clarity that modern 8-string studio recordings demand.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 808 is an active 8-string pickup that captures articulate, controlled output with tight low-end definition and responsive dynamics—ideal for recording extended-range instruments in metal, progressive, and djent sessions. Its 2.00 kHz resonant frequency and balanced string-to-string response sit well in dense mixes without losing individual note clarity, and the high output (4.50V on full strums) gives you plenty of headroom and consistency across all eight strings. The solderless Quik-connect installation and efficient battery design make it a practical choice for home and professional studio work.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EMG 808 suitable for genres outside of metal and djent?
The EMG 808 is optimized for metal, progressive, and djent playing. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles, as its articulate mids and tight low end are voiced specifically for modern extended-range and high-gain applications.
How long does the 9V battery last, and is it easy to replace?
The battery lasts approximately 3000 hours under normal use (80 microamps draw), which translates to roughly one year of regular playing. Battery replacement is straightforward and only requires disconnecting the battery when it needs changing.
What is the output level, and will it work with my amp?
The EMG 808 produces 2.00V on single strings and 4.50V on full strums, providing strong, responsive output suitable for most guitar amplifiers and audio interfaces. The high output and low noise floor (-104 dB) make it compatible with standard guitar rigs without additional boost.
Is installation complicated, and will it fit my 8-string guitar?
Installation is simple thanks to the solderless Quik-connect system—no soldering required and quick removal for future swaps. The soapbar format is the standard size for most modern 8-string instruments, but verify your guitar's pickup cavity dimensions before ordering to ensure proper fit.
How does the EMG 808 compare to other active 8-string pickups?
The EMG 808 competes directly with the Seymour Duncan Sentient 8-String, Fishman Fluence Modern 8-String, and DiMarzio Crunchlab 8-String. It excels in string-to-string balance and articulate mids while maintaining tight low-end control, making it a reliable choice for precision-focused players.
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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