EMG 81-7X 7-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3254
Description
EMG 81-7X 7-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The EMG 81-7X is a high-output active soapbar engineered for extended-range 7-string guitars, capturing tight, articulate transients with minimal noise floor. This pickup excels in recording sessions where modern metal and progressive tones demand clarity alongside aggression, translating pick attack faithfully to tape or DAW. The compact soapbar form factor integrates seamlessly into contemporary 7-string instruments while maintaining EMG's signature low-impedance signal chain for transparent tracking and mixing.
Electrical Performance & Output Character
Built on humbucker technology with ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, the 81-7X achieves a resonant frequency of 2.25 kHz paired with a 1.25V RMS output voltage and 1.75V peak output. This configuration delivers controlled gain with an extremely low noise floor at -91 dBV, critical for high-gain session work where stacked layers and dense arrangements demand headroom without feedback, hum, or unwanted artifacts corrupting the recording chain.
Installation & Power Requirements
The pickup operates on a 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—drawing only 80 microamps at 9V yields approximately 3000 hours of battery life per session, eliminating mid-project power concerns. Solderless quick-connect wiring streamlines integration into your existing signal path, and the included EMG Quik-Connect cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs provide everything needed for a complete retrofit without downtime.
Key Features
- 7-string soapbar active design with ceramic magnets
- Humbucker technology with close aperture coils
- 2.25 kHz resonant frequency
- 1.25V RMS output voltage / 1.75V peak output voltage
- Output noise: -91 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours (9V battery required)
- Dimensions: 38 × 89 mm
- Black finish
- Solderless quick-connect wiring
- Includes Quik-Connect cable, volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs
The 81-7X combines EMG's proven active circuitry with extended-range specification, delivering professional-grade transient articulation and gain control for producing studio-ready 7-string performances.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-7X is an active soapbar pickup designed for 7-string tracking and overdubs, offering controlled gain and articulate response that sits cleanly in aggressive metal and progressive mixes. Its tight low end and -91 dBV noise floor let you capture high-output performances without unwanted hum, while the included wiring harness and battery system provide a straightforward installation into any compatible 7-string instrument. Choose it for studio sessions demanding clarity and punch from extended-range guitars without noise or feedback coloration.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the package?
The EMG 81-7X comes with a Quik-Connect cable, prewired split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, screws, springs, and all hardware needed for a complete drop-in retrofit. The pickup requires a 9V battery (not included) and solderless quick-connect wiring simplifies installation.
How long does the battery last?
At 80 microamps current draw, a 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of playing time—roughly 6 months of regular use before replacement.
Is this pickup good for jazz or blues?
No. The 81-7X is optimized for metal, progressive, and drop-tuning applications where high output, aggression, and tight articulation define the tone. It will not suit jazz or blues playing styles.
How does it compare to the Seymour Duncan Blackouts 7-String or Fishman Fluence Modern 7-String?
All three are active 7-string pickups for high-gain play. The 81-7X distinguishes itself with EMG's classic low-impedance circuitry, compact soapbar form factor, and a -91 dBV noise floor for feedback-free high-gain. Direct specification comparison with competitors requires reviewing their individual output voltage and resonant frequency.
What 7-string guitars does this fit?
The 81-7X is a soapbar designed for contemporary 7-string instruments with soapbar pickup routing. Dimensions are 38 × 89 mm. Verify your guitar's pickup cavity matches soapbar dimensions before ordering.
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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