What makes the EMG 85-8H different from other 8-string pickups?

The 85-8H uses close-aperture coils loaded with Alnico V magnets and a 1.87 kHz resonant frequency to deliver articulate midrange and controlled clarity across all eight strings. Its active circuit produces ultra-low noise at -101 dBV and operates efficiently on a standard 9V battery for up to 3000 hours, ensuring clean signal transmission to your amp without noise floor compromise.

Is this pickup suitable for recording and live use?

Yes. The 85-8H is engineered for both high-gain studio recording and live performance in metal, progressive, and djent contexts. Its active design provides consistent output, low noise, and defined clarity whether you're tracking in the studio or on stage, with solderless installation that makes setup straightforward.

How long does the battery last, and what's included in the package?

A standard 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of operation. The package includes the pickup, 25K volume and tone pots, battery bus, jacks, cables, mounting hardware, and all components needed for solderless installation.

Can this pickup handle elevated voltage for more headroom?

Yes. The 85-8H is rated for supply voltages up to 27 volts DC, so it can run at higher voltages than a standard 9V system if you want increased headroom and output while maintaining the same tonal character.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?

The 85-8H excels in metal, progressive, and djent styles where clarity, articulation, and aggression are priorities. It is not optimized 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.

EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG 85-8H is a purpose-built active humbucker engineered for extended-range 8-string tracking and recording, delivering the articulate midrange and controlled output characteristic of EMG's 85 voicing. The brushed black chrome finish offers a refined aesthetic while maintaining the pickup's proven performance in high-gain and progressive session work. This is a direct replacement for studios and engineers seeking clarity and definition across eight strings without sacrificing the aggression modern production demands.

Active Electronics & Recording Chain Integration

Built on EMG's solderless installation system, the 85-8H operates from a standard 9V battery with exceptional efficiency, delivering up to 3000 hours of battery life. The active circuit produces a 3.10 V output per string and 4.50 V on strum, with ultra-low noise at -101 dBV (60 Hz) and 10 kΩ output impedance—characteristics that ensure clean signal transmission to your preamp, interface, and mixing chain without noise floor compromise during capture and processing.

Tonal Character & Specifications

Close-aperture coils loaded with Alnico V magnets and a 1.87 kHz resonant frequency give the 85-8H its signature midrange presence and controlled high-end clarity across all eight strings, translating to transparent tracking and separation in the mix. The pickup handles supply voltages up to 27 volts DC, making it compatible with standard 9V systems and capable of running at elevated voltages for users seeking increased headroom and output during recording sessions.

Key Features

Close-aperture coils with Alnico V magnets
Resonant frequency: 1.87 kHz for defined midrange
Output voltage: 3.10 V per string / 4.50 V on strum
Output noise: -101 dBV at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Active design: 80 microamps current draw at 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours per 9V battery
Maximum supply: 27 volts DC
EMG solderless installation system
Includes 25K volume and tone pots, battery bus, jacks, cables, and mounting hardware
Brushed black chrome finish
Engineered for 8-string extended-range instruments

The EMG 85-8H combines proven active electronics with eight-string optimization, making it a reliable choice for home studios, project recording, and production work in metal, progressive, and high-gain genres requiring articulate definition and noise-free tracking.