EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3962
Description
EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 81X is a high-output active humbucker engineered for aggressive, articulate bridge-position tracking in the recording studio. Its ceramic/steel magnet design and solderless connection system make it a straightforward retrofit into any six-string guitar, delivering the clarity and punch that cut through dense mixes and maintain definition even at high gain settings during overdub sessions.
Tone & Output Character
This pickup produces a punchy, defined midrange with tight low-end response that translates well through audio interfaces and recording chains, ideal for capturing fast picking and palm-muted techniques with pristine separation. The 8.50V strum output and 4.00V string output provide substantial headroom and dynamic range, allowing for transparent recording without frontend clipping, while the 1.72 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes upper-midrange articulation without adding harshness that muddies layered guitar tracks.
Active Electronics & Power
The EMG 81X runs on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—80 microamps current draw yields approximately 3000 hours of battery life under typical studio use, minimizing downtime between takes and sessions. The -105 dBV output noise floor and 2.00 Kohm output impedance ensure a clean signal path to your interface and monitoring chain with minimal electrical interference or hum.
Key Features
- Active humbucker bridge pickup
- Ceramic/steel magnet construction
- Brushed black chrome finish
- 10K DC resistance
- 2-wire solderless connection plus battery
- 6-string covered design
- 1.72 kHz resonant frequency
- 8.50V strum output / 4.00V string output
- -105 dBV output noise specification
- 2.00 Kohm output impedance
- 80 microamps current draw at 9V
- Approximately 3000 hours battery life per charge
The 81X combines active circuit efficiency with powerful output and clarity, making it a reliable choice for producers and engineers tracking guitar-heavy material and demanding tonal definition in the mix.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is an active bridge humbucker engineered to capture articulate, high-output tones with exceptional headroom and dynamic separation for modern metal and hard rock recording sessions. Its tight low end and punchy midrange sit cleanly in a mix without sacrificing definition, and the ultra-low noise floor (-105 dBV) keeps your tracking clean and interference-free. It's ideal for producers and engineers tracking aggressive guitar parts that need clarity and punch in dense arrangements.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Drop Tunings, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, tight low end, punchy midrange, articulate, minimal noise |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 81X different from the standard EMG 81?
The 81X refines the classic 81 formula with increased output headroom, tighter low-end response, and enhanced upper-midrange articulation. It's engineered specifically for the demands of modern metal and hard rock, delivering more defined picking attack and string separation at high gain.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The 81X draws only 80 microamps, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life on a single 9V charge under typical playing conditions. That's roughly 4 months of regular use before replacement.
Is this pickup easy to install?
Yes. The EMG 81X uses a 2-wire solderless connection system, making it a straightforward retrofit into any six-string guitar without rewiring. No soldering required.
What genres is the 81X suited for?
The 81X excels in metal, hard rock, and drop-tuning applications where tight low end and aggressive articulation are priorities. It's not designed for jazz, blues, or folk styles, which typically benefit from warmer, less aggressive tones.
How does the output noise compare to passive pickups?
The 81X delivers a -105 dBV output noise floor with 2.00 Kohm impedance, keeping your signal path exceptionally clean and free of hum or interference—a significant advantage over passive pickups, especially at high gain settings.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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