EMG 85-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4755
Description
EMG 85-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 85-8XH is a high-output active humbucker engineered specifically for 8-string instruments, delivering the clarity and punch needed to track extended-range material with definition. This pickup combines Alnico V magnets with close aperture coils to capture tight, articulate fundamentals across all eight strings without muddiness or compression—critical for layering aggressive riffs and maintaining separation in the mix. The solderless installation system and comprehensive wiring harness make integration straightforward, even on complex custom builds.
Electrical Performance
This active design operates at 80 microamps from a 9V supply, yielding exceptional battery life of 3000 hours—keeping downtime minimal during extended sessions. Output measures 3.10 V per string and 4.50 V on strummed chords, with a low noise floor of -101 dBV at 60 Hz, ensuring clean signal transmission to any interface or mixing console. The 10 kΩ output impedance and support for up to 27V DC maximum supply provide flexibility for gain staging and long cable runs in the studio.
Installation & Components
The package includes everything needed for a complete installation: 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, two pickup in/out buses, mounting screws, pickup cable, two connect cables, output cable, and battery cable. The solderless installation system eliminates the need for iron work and reduces troubleshooting time on the bench.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Alnico V
- Resonant Frequency: 1.87 kHz
- Output Voltage (String): 3.10 V
- Output Voltage (Strum): 4.50 V
- Output Noise: -101 dBV at 60 Hz
- Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current Draw @ 9V: 80 microamps
- Battery Life: 3000 hours
- Maximum Supply: 27 V DC
- Close aperture coils
- Solderless installation system
- Made in United States
A professional-grade 8-string pickup designed for recording sessions where tonal definition and output consistency across all strings preserve mix clarity and impact.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-8XH is a high-output active humbucker tailored for 8-string recording sessions, capturing tight, articulate fundamentals with minimal noise (-101 dBV) and clean signal transmission to your interface or preamp. Its Alnico V magnets and close aperture coils eliminate muddiness across all eight strings, making it ideal for metal, djent, and extended-range production work where tonal definition matters in the mix. The solderless system and comprehensive wiring harness streamline installation, and exceptional battery life (3000 hours) means reliable performance throughout long tracking days.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in the box with the EMG 85-8XH?
The package includes the pickup, 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, two pickup in/out buses, mounting screws, pickup cable, two connect cables, output cable, and battery cable—everything you need for a complete solderless installation.
How long does the battery last?
The 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of operation, and the pickup draws only 80 microamps, making it extremely efficient for gigging and touring musicians.
Is the solderless installation system truly solderless?
Yes, the solderless installation system eliminates the need for an iron and reduces troubleshooting time; all connections use the included buses and cables.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup designed for?
The 85-8XH is engineered for metal, djent, extended-range playing, and drop tunings where tight lows and articulate fundamentals are essential; it is not voiced for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How does the output voltage perform across all eight strings?
The pickup delivers 3.10 V per string and 4.50 V on strummed chords, with a low noise floor of -101 dBV at 60 Hz, ensuring clean, consistent signal across the entire extended range without compression.
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. 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.