EMG 81X 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
- EMG5424
Description
EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
The EMG 81X captures articulate, punchy aggression with tight low-end definition and controlled midrange—a workhorse bridge pickup engineered for high-gain recording contexts where clarity and separation matter. Its close-aperture dual-coil design cuts through dense mix contexts without mushiness, making it the choice for metal, hard rock, and any style demanding fast transient response and note definition in the final mix.
Recording Tone & Output Characteristics
This active pickup produces 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output, delivering substantial signal headroom into your interface or amp during tracking. The 1.72 kHz resonant frequency keeps the midrange focused and aggressive while maintaining clarity across the frequency spectrum, ideal for both lead articulation and rhythm power in recorded sessions.
Studio Installation & Workflow
The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header eliminates traditional wiring; the pickup connects directly to the included electronics harness for fast installation and quick swap-outs between takes or sessions. A split-shaft active tone control, output jack, battery clip set, and mounting hardware are included, making this a complete pickup solution requiring no soldering—perfect for capturing consistent tones across your session work.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with X-Series preamp integration
- Dual-coil design with close-aperture steel coils
- Ceramic and steel magnet construction
- Steel rail pole pieces for consistent string response
- 1.72 kHz resonant frequency for aggressive midrange presence
- 4.00V string output / 8.50V strum output voltage
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect 3-pin header wiring system
- Standard humbucker mounting ring (bridge position primary)
- Split-shaft volume/active tone control included
- Output jack and 9V battery clip set included
- Steel-rail design eliminates pole piece rattle
- Red finish aesthetic
The 81X combines active preamp precision with passive humbucker aggression, delivering the cut and sustain modern high-gain recordings demand.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is an active bridge humbucker that brings focused, articulate aggression to recordings in metal, hard rock, and high-gain genres—capturing tight lows, controlled mids, and fast transients that sit clearly in dense mixes without muddiness. Its 8.50V strum output and 1.72 kHz resonant frequency deliver substantial signal headroom and aggressive midrange presence, ideal for layering rhythm and lead tracks. Use it when you need a pickup that records with impact and clarity, especially in sessions demanding modern high-gain tones.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ High-Gain Lead Work
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this pickup require soldering to install?
No. The EMG 81X uses the Solderless Quick-Connect 3-pin header system—it plugs directly into the included electronics harness. Installation requires no soldering, just basic hardware setup and battery connection.
What genres and styles is this pickup best suited for?
The 81X excels in metal, hard rock, djent, thrash metal, and high-gain lead work. Its tight low end, articulate highs, and fast transient response prioritize clarity and aggression; it is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk.
What comes in the box?
The pickup includes a split-shaft active tone control, output jack, 9V battery clip set, standard humbucker mounting ring, and all necessary hardware for installation.
How does the 81X compare to the standard EMG 81?
The 81X is the modernized X-Series version, integrating active preamp technology with a close-aperture dual-coil design for more articulate highs, tighter lows, and faster transient response than the original 81, while maintaining the classic EMG active character.
What is the output voltage, and does it work with my amp?
The 81X produces 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output, delivering substantial signal headroom compatible with any standard guitar amplifier. The active preamp ensures consistent signal strength across different playing dynamics.
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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