EMG 81-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4427
Description
EMG 81-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG 81-8H is a high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for 8-string guitars, capturing aggressive, articulate tone with controlled sustain ideal for tracking heavy guitar parts in the studio. This pickup delivers extended-range clarity without sacrificing definition, making it essential for modern djent, progressive metal, and high-gain production work. The ceramic magnet structure ensures tight low-end definition across all eight strings, translating to clean recording tones that sit well in dense mixes without muddiness or loss of articulation.
Electronics & Power
This active humbucker runs on a single 9V battery with an exceptional 3000-hour battery life and draws only 80 microamps at 9V, ensuring consistent performance through long studio sessions without power management concerns. The 10 kΩ output impedance and ceramic magnet design produce a focused, high-output signal that translates clearly to your recording interface, maintaining clarity and punch even when layering multiple guitar tracks or processing with heavy compression and distortion.
Installation & Compatibility
The package includes everything needed for quick integration into your session guitar: Quik-Connect cable, volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs. The 8 x 4 x 1 inch footprint fits standard 8-string guitar cavities, and the included hardware ensures straightforward wiring and secure mounting without modification to most extended-range instruments, allowing you to get recording-ready without downtime.
Key Features
- Active humbucker configuration optimized for 8-string guitar
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Brushed chrome finish
- 9V battery operation with 3000-hour battery life
- 80 microampere current draw at 9V
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 1 inches
- Includes Quik-Connect cable
- Volume and tone control set included
- Output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs included
The EMG 81-8H combines proven active electronics with extended-range voicing to deliver the high-output, articulate response that defines modern heavy production on 8-string instruments, with the recording clarity and mix-friendly character your studio demands.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-8H is a high-output active humbucker engineered for 8-string guitar recording, offering controlled sustain and articulate definition that translates extended-range aggression into a focused, producible signal. Its ceramic magnet construction and 10 kΩ output impedance deliver tight low-end clarity without muddiness, making it ideal for capturing modern djent, progressive metal, and dense high-gain productions with clarity intact. Complete with active electronics, Quik-Connect integration, and all necessary controls, it streamlines session workflow for 8-string tracking.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive Metal
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ High-Gain Applications
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the box?
The package includes the pickup itself, Quik-Connect cable, volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs — everything needed for complete installation.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The 81-8H draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 3000 hours of battery life on a single battery.
Will this pickup fit my 8-string guitar?
The 8 x 4 x 1 inch footprint is designed for standard 8-string guitar cavities and fits most extended-range instruments without modification; check your guitar's pickup cavity dimensions to confirm compatibility.
What tonal character should I expect?
The 81-8H delivers high-output, aggressive tone with tight low-end definition and controlled sustain, optimized for djent, progressive metal, and modern high-gain applications. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How does this compare to other 8-string pickups?
The 81-8H competes with the Seymour Duncan Blackout 8-String, DiMarzio D Activator 8, and Fishman Fluence Modern 8-String, offering active-electronics clarity with focused ceramic magnet response tuned for extended-range metal and progressive styles.
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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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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