EMG 85-8H 8-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
- EMG4751
Description
EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 85-8H brings the focused, articulate response that defines EMG's 85 lineage to extended-range recording applications. This active humbucker maintains clarity across 8-string frequencies while delivering the tight low-end definition essential for capturing modern heavy music in the studio. The compact footprint and consistent output make it reliable for tracking sessions and overdubs where signal integrity and predictable gain structure matter most.
Tone & Output Characteristics
With Alnico V magnets and close aperture coils, this pickup produces a punchy, defined character that sits cleanly in dense mixes. The 3.10 V RMS output on single strings and 4.50 V peak on strums delivers muscular gain structure without excessive noise; the -101 dBV noise floor at 60 Hz ensures transparent amplification even when tracking through high-gain preamps or pushing interface inputs.
Power & Electronics
The active design runs efficiently on 9V power with only 80 microamps current draw, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life across extended recording sessions. The pickup handles up to 27 V DC maximum supply, and its 1.87 kHz resonant frequency provides focused midrange that translates well to recorded tracks without losing definition in the mix.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnets with close aperture coils for articulate response
- 3.10 V RMS output on individual strings
- 4.50 V peak output on strummed chords
- -101 dBV noise floor (60 Hz measurement)
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- 80 microamperes current draw at 9V operation
- 3000-hour battery life on standard 9V cell
- 27 V DC maximum supply rating
- 1.87 kHz resonant frequency
- Includes 25K volume and tone potentiometers
- Complete wiring kit with battery bus, jacks, cables, and mounting hardware
- Designed for 8-string guitar installations
This pickup delivers the defined attack and controlled sustain that 8-string recordings require from a professional-grade active system.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-8H is a focused, articulate active pickup engineered for recording 8-string instruments in heavy and progressive genres, offering tight low-end control and punchy midrange definition that sits clearly in dense mixes. Its -101 dBV noise floor ensures clean amplification even when tracking at high gain, and the 4.50 V peak output delivers muscular signal without excessive noise or headroom compromise. Complete with wiring kit and potentiometers, it streamlines the installation process and gives studio-based players a professional-grade pickup solution optimized for extended-range capture.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Progressive, Drop Tunings, Extended Range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, articulate attack, punchy midrange, focused response, high output |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is this pickup suited for?
The EMG 85-8H is optimized for metal, djent, progressive, and drop-tuning applications where tight low-end definition and articulate attack are priorities. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How long does the 9V battery last, and what comes in the box?
The active design draws only 80 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per standard 9V cell. The package includes a complete wiring kit with battery bus, jacks, cables, mounting hardware, and 25K volume and tone potentiometers.
Will this pickup stay clean at high gain settings?
Yes. The -101 dBV noise floor at 60 Hz ensures clean amplification even at high gain, and the 3.10 V RMS output on single strings plus 4.50 V peak on strums deliver muscular gain structure without excessive noise.
How does the EMG 85-8H compare to other 8-string active pickups?
The EMG 85-8H sits in the same category as the Seymour Duncan Nazgul-8, DiMarzio D Activator-8, and Fishman Fluence Modern 8. Its defining characteristics are a focused 1.87 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes midrange cut, Alnico V magnets for articulate response, and efficient battery life.
What is the skill level required to install this pickup?
This pickup is suitable for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The complete wiring kit and included potentiometers simplify installation, though comfort with soldering and routing may be necessary depending on your 8-string guitar's existing configuration.
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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