EMG 81-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4456
Description
EMG 81-7 Active Soapbar Pickup in Ivory
The EMG 81-7 is a high-output active pickup engineered for seven-string instruments, capturing aggressive, articulate transients with a near-silent noise floor. Its smooth-top soapbar housing fits flush in standard seven-string routing, delivering clean aesthetic integration while maintaining precise tonal control across extended-range tracking and overdubs. Built to cut through dense arrangements and compressed sessions without losing definition.
Tone & Output Performance
This active design produces a peak output of 1.75V and RMS output of 1.25V, providing commanding headroom in your tracking chain with minimal signal degradation through your preamp or interface. The resonant frequency of 2.25 kHz and –91 dBV output noise floor ensure clarity and separation even in dense multi-track sessions or highly processed mixing chains.
Power & Installation
The pickup operates on a single 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life, paired with EMG's solderless quick-connect wiring system for efficient instrument prep and minimal studio downtime. Drawing only 80 microamps at 9V, this circuit maintains extended session reliability and efficient power consumption across long recording days.
Key Features
- Soapbar smooth-top form factor designed for seven-string instruments
- Ceramic magnets with close aperture coils
- Peak output voltage: 1.75V
- RMS output voltage: 1.25V
- Resonant frequency: 2.25 kHz
- Output noise: –91 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours on single 9V battery
- EMG solderless quick-connect wiring included
- Ivory finish cosmetics
- Active circuitry for consistent gain and response
The 81-7 delivers the defined, punchy character EMG is known for, with specifications optimized specifically for capturing and mixing the extended range and tonal demands of seven-string platforms in the studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-7 is an active pickup designed for seven-string recording sessions, offering high output (1.75V peak), a controlled low-end response, and a noise floor of –91 dBV for clean, articulate tracking without hum or interference. Its tight, punchy character sits well in dense, processed mixes and works across metal, djent, and extended-range production. Record with confidence knowing the pickup delivers consistent gain and separation whether you're layering riffs or capturing single takes.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Extended Range, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, tight low end, articulate, aggressive, minimal noise floor |
| 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 makes the EMG 81-7 different from passive pickups?
The 81-7 is active, meaning it runs on a 9V battery and delivers a consistent, high-output signal (1.75V peak) with minimal noise (–91 dBV). This gives you more authority in the mix and cleaner tone at extreme volumes or through heavy processing, compared to passive designs that degrade signal over cable runs or through multiple effects.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The battery lasts approximately 3000 hours of playing time with a single 9V battery. The circuit draws only 80 microamps, making it very efficient for extended touring or recording sessions.
Is this pickup easy to install?
Yes. The EMG 81-7 includes EMG's solderless quick-connect wiring system, eliminating the need to solder and allowing straightforward installation with minimal downtime. The soapbar form factor fits standard seven-string routing without modification.
What genres and tunings is this pickup designed for?
The 81-7 is engineered for metal, djent, extended-range, and drop-tuning applications. Its tight low end and articulate response make it less suitable for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How does the 81-7 compare to other active seven-string pickups?
The EMG 81-7 competes with models like the Seymour Duncan Blackouts 7-String, Fishman Fluence Modern 7-String, and DiMarzio D-Activator 7. The 81-7 is known for its punchy, aggressive character and industry-standard reliability in extended-range platforms.
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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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