EMG 81X 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
- EMG3315
Description
EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG 81X is a high-output active humbucker that captures punchy, articulate tone with tight low-end definition and aggressive midrange presence. Built around EMG's proven X-Series preamp architecture, this bridge-position workhorse excels in tracking heavy rock, metal, and modern styles where clarity and sustain matter in the mix and on the recording.
Tone & Recording Character
The pickup's ceramic and steel magnet construction generates a 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output, providing the aggressive character and note separation essential for recording through high-gain signal chains. A resonant frequency of 1.72 kHz targets the midrange sweet spot, ensuring defined articulation and transient clarity even at extreme gain levels, translating well to tape or digital conversion.
Setup & Studio Workflow
The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header streamlines installation, requiring no soldering and allowing swift pickup swaps between sessions or rigs. Powered by a single 9V battery with an impressive 3000-hour battery life, the 80 microamp current draw ensures consistent performance and minimal concern about power during extended studio time.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with X-Series preamp
- Dual-coil design with close-aperture coils
- Ceramic and steel magnet construction
- 4.00V string output / 8.50V strum output voltage
- Resonant frequency: 1.72 kHz
- DC resistance (impedance): 10 kΩ
- Steel rail pole pieces (no individual adjusters)
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect wiring with 3-pin header
- 9V battery power with 80µA current draw
- 3000-hour battery life
- Standard humbucker mounting ring
- Chrome covered finish
The EMG 81X combines road-tested active pickup technology with straightforward installation and extended battery life, making it a dependable choice for home and professional studio recording environments.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is an active humbucker engineered for studio tracking in heavy genres—its tight low end, aggressive midrange, and 1.72 kHz resonant frequency sit perfectly in high-gain mix contexts where note definition matters. The 8.50V strum output and high-output ceramic-steel design capture articulate, punchy tones that remain clear and separated during overdubs and layering. Its solderless Quick-Connect system and 3000-hour battery life minimize setup friction during long session days, letting you focus on capturing the performance.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ High-Gain Playing
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 81X good for heavy music and high-gain tones?
Yes—the 81X is specifically voiced for metal, hard rock, and djent. Its 1.72 kHz resonant frequency targets the midrange for defined articulation at extreme gain, while the tight low end and 4.00V string output ensure note separation and clarity in dense, saturated rigs.
Do I need to solder the 81X to my guitar?
No. The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header means you can swap it in without any soldering—making installation fast and straightforward.
How long will the battery last?
The single 9V battery provides 3000 hours of playing time with an 80 microamp current draw, so you can go months between battery changes under typical use.
What's the difference between the 81X and the standard 81?
The 81X features EMG's X-Series preamp architecture for refined tone shaping compared to the original 81, though both are high-output active humbuckers built for heavy playing. Specific voicing differences come down to preamp refinements that enhance midrange articulation and note definition.
Can I use this in positions other than the bridge?
The 81X is optimized for bridge-position use. For neck-position applications, EMG offers other models in their X-Series lineup tailored to that role.
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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