EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3647
Description
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker that captures articulate, punchy tone with an exceptionally low noise floor—essential for studio tracking and mixing sessions where clarity and definition preserve every detail of your performance. This red-finished pickup combines ceramic magnet construction with EMG's proprietary active preamp circuit, delivering consistent gain-staging and extended dynamic range across the full frequency spectrum for reliable multi-take recording sessions.
Tone & Electronics for Recording
The 81 produces a peak output voltage of 1.75V with 1.25V RMS, supplying aggressive front-end signal that integrates cleanly into audio interfaces and mixing consoles without saturation or feedback artifacts. A 2.25 kHz resonant frequency and -91 dBV output noise floor ensure tight, defined articulation that translates well in playback and sits naturally in dense mixes—particularly effective for layered riff tracking and lead overdubs where frequency separation matters.
Installation & Workflow
EMG's solderless install system streamlines instrument preparation, allowing quick integration into existing harnesses and minimizing setup time between recording passes. The split shaft volume/tone control set maintains ergonomic control accessibility for gain-riding during sessions, while the included battery clip set and screws ensure secure, reliable mounting without modification to your instrument.
Key Features
- Active ceramic magnet humbucker with epoxy-housed shielded preamp
- Peak output voltage: 1.75V; RMS output voltage: 1.25V
- Output noise: -91 dBV for low-noise operation
- Output impedance: 10 kOhm
- Resonant frequency: 2.25 kHz
- Powered by 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life
- Current draw @ 9V: 80 microamps
- Dimensions: 4.75" L × 3.4" W × 2.25" H
- Solderless Install System for fast, tool-free integration
- Includes split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, and battery clip set
The EMG 81 in red remains a studio-proven active pickup for high-output tone paired with minimal installation complexity and consistent performance across tracking and mixing workflows.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker engineered to cut through dense mixes with articulate, punchy tone and a defined midrange—ideal for recording metal, hard rock, and heavy productions where clarity and low noise matter. Its 1.75V peak output and -91 dBV noise floor deliver aggressive, feedback-free signal that sits well in high-gain sessions, and the solderless install system integrates quickly into any studio setup. A proven workhorse for capturing tight, aggressive rhythm and lead tones.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ High-Gain Applications
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EMG 81 easy to install?
Yes. EMG's solderless install system eliminates wiring complexity and allows fast integration into existing harnesses without modification. The package includes a split shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and mounting screws.
What genres and styles is the EMG 81 best suited for?
The EMG 81 is designed for metal, hard rock, djent, and high-gain applications where articulate, punchy tone with tight low end and minimal noise are priorities. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playable life with a current draw of 80 microamps at 9V.
How does the EMG 81 compare to the EMG 85?
The EMG 81 delivers higher output aggression with a resonant frequency of 2.25 kHz and is optimized for tight, defined articulation in high-gain settings. The EMG 85 offers a warmer, more rounded tone profile—choose the 81 for maximum clarity in heavy riffs and lead work.
What output level should I expect from this pickup?
The EMG 81 produces a peak output voltage of 1.75V with 1.25V RMS, delivering aggressive signal strength with a -91 dBV output noise floor for clean, feedback-free operation.
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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