EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4484
Description
EMG 81-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG 81-8X delivers the aggressive, articulate character that defines modern high-gain metal tones. This ceramic-magnet humbucker sits flush in extended-range instruments with a compact, ergonomic footprint that doesn't compromise output or clarity across all eight strings. Chrome finish adds visual punch while the solderless connection system simplifies installation and swaps.
Recording & Mix Integration
This active design generates 2.00V per string and 4.50V on strums, with a focused 1.45 kHz resonant frequency that cuts through dense mixes without muddiness. The tight -107 dBV noise floor ensures clean articulation even at extreme gain levels, capturing precision riffing and rapid picking passages on extended-range tunings with minimal artifacts during tracking.
Battery Life & Studio Reliability
Operating at 80 microamps at 9V, this pickup delivers an impressive 3000-hour battery life per standard 9V cell, keeping sessions rolling without frequent battery changes. The 10 kΩ output impedance and support for supply voltages up to 27V DC provide headroom for custom amp integration and future modifications during your recording setup.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Width: 101.6 mm
- Height: 38.1 mm
- Mounting depth: 22.3 mm
- Mounting screw spacing: 95.2 mm
- Resonant frequency: 1.45 kHz
- Output voltage (string): 2.00V
- Output voltage (strum): 4.50V
- Output noise (60 Hz): -107 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw @9V: 80 microamps
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Maximum supply: 27V DC
- Solderless connections
- Made in USA
The EMG 81-8X combines EMG's proven high-output design with eight-string compatibility, delivering reliable, consistent performance across extended-range instruments for studio tracking and live capture.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81-8XH is a compact active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive, focused metal tones on 8-string instruments with minimal noise and maximum string-to-string clarity in the mix. Studio players and engineers tracking extended-range material will appreciate its 1.45 kHz resonant peak that sits well in dense mixes and its clean noise floor for pristine articulation during precision riff and picking sessions. Install via solderless connections, run up to 3000 hours per battery charge, and integrate seamlessly into custom recording chain setups.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is B-Stock and does it affect performance?
This is not a B-Stock item; it is new and fully functional with standard cosmetic finish.
Is this pickup compatible with my 8-string guitar?
The EMG 81-8XH measures 101.6 mm wide, 38.1 mm tall, with 22.3 mm mounting depth and 95.2 mm screw spacing. Confirm your guitar's bridge pickup cavity matches these dimensions before purchase.
How long does the battery last and how do I replace it?
At 80 microamps draw at 9V, a standard 9V cell delivers approximately 3000 hours of playing time. Replacement is straightforward; solderless connections mean no soldering required.
Will this pickup work in jazz or blues styles?
The EMG 81-8XH is optimized for metal, djent, and high-gain applications with aggressive, articulate voicing; it is not designed for jazz or blues tones.
What output should I expect at high gain levels?
This active design generates 2.00V per string and 4.50V on strums with a -107 dBV noise floor, ensuring clean articulation and tight response even at extreme gain settings.
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 $11 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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