EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4140
Description
EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG 85-8H captures the warm, articulate midrange character that made the original 85 design legendary, now optimized for the extended range and increased string tension of 8-string instruments. This active humbucker is engineered to track modern extended-range tunings without sacrificing clarity or dynamic response, making it the reference choice for studios and producers tracking progressive metal and djent—where extended-range definition and note separation matter most.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
The 85-8H yields a balanced, mid-focused frequency response with reduced output compared to the brutally hot 81, allowing for articulate note definition and string-to-string separation even when playing heavily distorted. The active design eliminates noise and hum while delivering consistent output across all eight strings without unwanted feedback, ensuring clean, usable takes across your session.
Construction & Studio Integration
8-string configuration means this pickup is built specifically for the wider coil spacing and magnetic field demands of extended-range guitars. The black chrome finish matches modern instrument aesthetics while the standardized mounting accepts EMG's pickup rings and hardware, enabling straightforward installation and reliable performance across your tracking sessions.
Key Features
- Active EMG design with onboard preamp circuitry
- 8-string humbucker format with optimized coil geometry
- Warm, midrange-forward tone signature ideal for definition in distortion
- Reduced output level for dynamic control and articulation
- Black chrome cover and hardware finish
- Standard EMG mounting footprint compatible with most 8-string guitars
- Humbucking configuration cancels 60-cycle hum and electromagnetic noise
- Solderless EMG connector system for fast installation and removal
- Balanced frequency response across all eight strings
- Designed for high-gain and distortion-heavy applications
- Requires 9V battery or external power supply
The 85-8H remains the reference standard for tracking 8-string instruments where tone clarity and articulation across the frequency spectrum demand precision, regardless of tuning or playing style.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-8H brings legendary 85 character to 8-string recording sessions, delivering a warm, midrange-forward tone with reduced output that lets you capture articulate note definition and clear string separation even at high gain. Its active design eliminates noise and hum while maintaining consistent output across all eight strings, making it a reliable workhorse for tracking heavy progressive and metal material. Use this pickup when you need tonal clarity and dynamic control that translates well in the mix without losing definition.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What tunings and string gauges work best with the 85-8H?
The 85-8H is engineered specifically for extended-range 8-string guitars and optimized to handle modern extended-range tunings without sacrificing clarity or dynamic response. It accommodates the wider coil spacing and increased string tension demands of 8-string instruments while delivering balanced frequency response across all eight strings.
How does the 85-8H compare to the 81-8H?
The 85-8H produces a warm, midrange-focused tone with reduced output compared to the hotter 81-8H, allowing for more articulate note definition and string-to-string separation. The lower output level of the 85-8H gives you greater dynamic control, while the 81-8H delivers a more aggressive, higher-output character.
Does this pickup require soldering to install?
No. The 85-8H uses EMG's solderless connector system for fast installation and removal, and it accepts standard EMG pickup rings and hardware, making straightforward installation in most 8-string platforms possible.
What power does the 85-8H need?
The active preamp circuitry requires a 9V battery or external power supply to operate. The onboard active design eliminates noise and hum while delivering consistent output across all eight strings.
Is the 85-8H suitable for jazz or blues?
The 85-8H is purpose-built for high-gain and distortion-heavy applications like progressive metal and djent, with tone characteristics optimized for that sonic territory. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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.