EMG 85-7XH 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3168
Description
EMG 85-7XH 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 85-7XH is a high-output active humbucker engineered for 7-string instruments, delivering the aggressive, articulate tracking that extended-range recordings demand. The traditional humbucker metal housing fits standard pickup cavities while the active circuitry ensures consistent output and clarity across all seven strings, maintaining definition even at high gain and heavy compression in the mix.
Tone & Recording Character
Built around an Alnico V magnet, this pickup produces punchy mids and defined highs characteristic of EMG's 85-series—ideal for capturing modern metal and progressive tones with precision in the mix. The active 9V battery operation eliminates noise floor issues and maintains output consistency regardless of cable runs or impedance variations in your studio signal chain, critical for clean tracking and overdub sessions.
Studio Integration & Setup
The solderless quick-connect wiring system streamlines installation and swaps, allowing you to experiment with pickup configurations without downtime or soldering hassle. The humbucker housing maintains visual consistency with standard guitar aesthetics while delivering the stability and reliability EMG is known for—essential for tracking sessions where equipment consistency matters.
Key Features
- Format: 7-string humbucker with traditional metal housing
- Magnet Material: Alnico V
- Active Electronics: 9V battery powered
- DC Resistance: 2K ohms
- Conductor Configuration: 2-conductor wiring
- Installation Method: Solderless quick-connect system
- Power Requirements: Single 9V battery operation
- Finish: Black
- Made in the USA
- High-output voicing for extended-range applications
The EMG 85-7XH combines plug-and-play installation with proven active performance, making it a stable choice for 7-string recording where articulate note separation and sustained output shape the final mix.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-7XH is a high-output 7-string humbucker that captures aggressive, articulate tone with punchy mids and defined highs—ideal for recording modern metal, progressive, and extended-range music. Its active 9V system delivers noise-free, consistent output across all strings, maintaining clarity in dense mixes and heavy gain environments. The solderless installation speeds up guitar setup, and the proven EMG platform means reliable performance across multiple takes and sessions.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Progressive, Drop Tunings, Extended Range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High-output, punchy mids, defined highs, articulate, aggressive |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Clean Vintage Tones (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pickup right for metal and progressive music?
Yes. The EMG 85-7XH is voiced specifically for metal and progressive applications, with punchy mids and defined highs that cut through high-gain setups. It delivers the aggressive, articulate response extended-range players need.
What makes the active electronics important for a 7-string?
The 9V active circuit ensures noise-free, consistent output across all seven strings regardless of cable length or impedance in your signal chain. This is especially critical for extended-range instruments where maintaining clarity at high gain can be challenging.
How difficult is installation?
Installation is straightforward thanks to the solderless quick-connect wiring system, which eliminates complex soldering work. Even players with limited electronics experience can install or modify it easily.
What do I need to power this pickup?
The EMG 85-7XH requires a single 9V battery, which powers the active electronics and ensures the noise-free, consistent performance characteristic of EMG's active system.
How does this compare to other 7-string active pickups?
The EMG 85-7XH shares the market with comparable models like the Seymour Duncan Blackout 7-String, Fishman Fluence Modern 7-String, and DiMarzio D-Activator 7. It offers EMG's established 85-series voicing, solderless installation, and USA manufacturing in the same category.
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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