EMG 81 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3307
Description
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker that captures aggressive, articulate tone with tight low-end response and punchy midrange clarity. Engineered for heavy rock, metal, and hard-hitting styles, this ceramic-magnet design cuts through dense mixes with authority while preserving note definition and tracking precision across the fretboard. The white finish offers a clean, modern aesthetic that complements contemporary instrument designs for recording and stage work.
Recording & Mix Performance
The 81 delivers a peak output of 4.50V with an RMS output of 3.00V, providing significant headroom and punch into any interface preamp or amplifier chain. The 1.63 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes upper-midrange bite and clarity, making it ideal for articulate lead tracking and aggressive rhythm parts that sit forward in dense mixes without losing definition or presence.
Electronics & Studio Integration
This active design runs on a single 9V battery with a rated lifespan of 3000 hours, eliminating the need for external power supplies during recording sessions. The solderless installation system simplifies setup and swaps between instruments, and the -100 dBV output noise floor ensures a clean signal path with minimal hum or interference—critical for capturing noise-free tracks in the studio.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with ceramic magnet
- Peak output voltage: 4.50V
- RMS output voltage: 3.00V
- Output noise: -100 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw @ 9V: 80 µA
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Resonant frequency: 1.63 kHz
- Solderless installation system
- Width: 70mm, Height: 38mm, Depth: 23mm
- Mounting screw spacing: 78mm
- White finish
The EMG 81 is a professional-grade pickup for producers and engineers tracking aggressive output, tight response, and reliable performance across high-gain recording applications.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81 is a high-output active humbucker that captures aggressive, articulate tone with tight low-end response and upper-midrange bite, ideal for metal and hard-rock tracking and mixing. Its 4.50V peak output and -100 dBV noise floor deliver headroom and clarity in dense studio mixes, while the 1.63 kHz resonant frequency ensures note definition across lead and rhythm takes. The solderless system and single 9V battery (3000-hour lifespan) make it a straightforward, dependable choice for home studios and professional recording.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Thrash Metal
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the output level and noise performance of the EMG 81?
The EMG 81 delivers a peak output of 4.50V with an RMS output of 3.00V, providing significant headroom into any amp or interface. The -100 dBV output noise floor ensures a clean signal path with minimal hum or interference, ideal for high-gain and dense mix situations.
Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues styles?
No, the EMG 81 is designed specifically for metal, hard rock, djent, and thrash metal players. Its aggressive tone profile, tight low end, and punchy midrange are optimized for high-gain styles and may not suit jazz or blues voicings.
How long does the battery last and is installation difficult?
The 9V battery provides 3000 hours of use before replacement, and the pickup uses EMG's solderless installation system for simple, quick mounting without requiring wiring expertise.
How does the EMG 81 compare to passive alternatives?
The EMG 81 is an active design with higher output (4.50V peak), lower noise floor, and tighter low-end response than passive humbuckers, making it especially effective for modern metal and high-gain applications where clarity and articulation matter.
What does the white finish look like on a guitar?
The white finish offers a clean, modern aesthetic that complements contemporary instrument designs and provides visual contrast in solid-color or multi-color guitar finishes.
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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