EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4143
Description
EMG 85-8H 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 85-8H captures the aggressive, articulate character essential for modern 8-string metal and progressive productions. This active humbucker pairs tight low-end punch with crisp high-end definition, engineered specifically for extended-range instruments where clarity across all eight strings translates directly to mix separation. The gold finish adds visual distinction while the solderless installation system enables seamless integration into any 8-string setup during tracking or retrofitting sessions.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
Built on Alnico V magnets with close aperture coils, this pickup generates focused, dynamic response with an output of 3.10V per string and 4.50V when strummed. The 1.87 kHz resonant frequency positions the pickup's character in the presence peak, cutting through dense arrangements without sacrificing articulation on the lower strings—critical for layering heavy riffs alongside other instruments. Output impedance sits at 10 kΩ with exceptionally low noise at -101 dBV, ensuring clean signal capture even at high-gain recording levels.
Power & Installation
The active circuit draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 3,000 hours of battery life from a standard 9V cell—reliable for extended tracking sessions without worrying about mid-session power loss. The design supports a maximum supply of 27V DC for users running higher voltages in their signal chain. Installation is straightforward via the solderless install system, with all necessary hardware included: 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup/in-out bus, mounting screws, cables, and battery cable.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnets with close aperture coils for focused articulation
- Output voltage: 3.10V per string, 4.50V strummed
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Output noise: -101 dBV (60 Hz)
- Resonant frequency: 1.87 kHz
- Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V
- Battery life: 3,000 hours on standard 9V
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Solderless install system for quick retrofitting
- Includes 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware
- Gold finish
- 8-string configuration with extended range optimization
The EMG 85-8H balances extended-range versatility with the proven reliability of EMG's active design, making it dependable for tracking and mixing sessions where consistency across the full frequency spectrum keeps your productions tight and defined.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-8H is an active 8-string humbucker that delivers controlled, articulate aggression in the studio, with tight lows and crisp highs engineered to sit clearly in dense, layered mixes. Its 1.87 kHz presence peak and low output noise (-101 dBV) make it reliable for capturing clean, punchy takes even at high gain, while the solderless install system and included electronics simplify integration into any 8-string build or retrofit. Use it when you need extended-range clarity and dynamic control across recording sessions without noise floor compromises.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the EMG 85-8H best suited for?
The 85-8H is engineered for metal, progressive, djent, and extended-range styles where tight low-end punch and articulate high-end clarity are essential. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
What is included in the box, and how difficult is installation?
The pickup ships with a solderless install system and all necessary hardware: 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup/in-out bus, mounting screws, cables, and battery cable. Solderless installation is straightforward and requires no soldering experience.
How long will the battery last, and what voltage options does it support?
A standard 9V battery provides approximately 3,000 hours of playable life. The active circuit also supports higher voltages up to a maximum of 27V DC for users who prefer increased headroom.
How does the EMG 85-8H compare to other 8-string active pickups?
The EMG 85-8H competes with models like the Seymour Duncan Pegasus 8-String, Fishman Fluence Modern 8-String, and DiMarzio Crunchlab 8-String. Its specific strength is the 1.87 kHz resonant frequency and Alnico V design, which prioritize presence-peak clarity and low-noise amplification in high-gain applications.
What output level and noise characteristics should I expect?
The pickup delivers 3.10V per string and 4.50V when strummed, with exceptionally low noise at -101 dBV (60 Hz). Output impedance is 10 kΩ, ensuring clean amplification even at high 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. 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.
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