EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in White
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3098
Description
EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 81X captures aggressive, articulate string information with the tight low end and snap essential for modern high-gain recording. This active humbucker sits flush in standard mounting rings and responds instantly to pick dynamics, making it the workhorse choice for metal and hard rock sessions where clarity and separation matter as much as power in the final mix.
Tone & Output
Ceramic and steel magnets paired with close aperture dual coils produce a 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output, yielding punchy articulation without loss of definition even at extreme gain settings. The 1.72 kHz resonant frequency ensures tight bass response and controlled midrange presence ideal for tracking chugging riffs and lead work that cuts through dense arrangements.
Installation & Power
The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header eliminates traditional soldering—drop it in and wire the battery connector to get tracking immediately. A single 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of runtime, ensuring consistent gain structure and headroom stability across full session days.
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
- 1.72 kHz resonant frequency
- Steel rail pole pieces
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect wiring system
- 3-pin Quick-Connect header
- Standard humbucker mounting ring compatible
- 9V battery powered
- Approximately 3000-hour battery life
- White finish
The 81X combines proven active electronics with straightforward installation and reliable power delivery, making it a direct drop-in upgrade for producers and engineers tracking modern aggression without tonal compromise.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is an active humbucker engineered to sit cleanly in high-gain mixes without losing articulation or bass definition. Its 4.00V string output and 1.72 kHz resonant frequency deliver punchy, controlled tone ideal for recording metal, djent, and hard rock where riff clarity and lead presence matter equally. Quick-Connect wiring and long battery life (3000 hours) make tracking sessions hassle-free.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to solder this pickup, or is installation simple?
The EMG 81X uses the Solderless Quick-Connect system—you drop it into standard humbucker mounting rings and connect a 3-pin header to your battery connector. No soldering required, and you're ready to play immediately.
What genres and playing styles is the 81X built for?
The 81X excels in metal, hard rock, djent, and drop-tuning contexts where aggressive, articulate tone and tight low end are priorities. Its tight bass response and controlled midrange are not well-suited to jazz, blues, or folk applications.
How long does the battery last?
A single 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of runtime, making it a low-maintenance active pickup that will power through extended recording sessions and gigging without frequent replacement.
How does the 81X compare to the original EMG 81?
The 81X is the modern evolution of the 81, offering the same classic active aggression with refined preamp circuitry and improved articulation. Both are industry standards in high-gain applications; the 81X is the current recommendation for new builds and upgrades.
What output level should I expect?
The 81X delivers 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output, providing high-output signal with punchy articulation that maintains definition even at extreme gain settings.
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.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.