EMG 85-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4146
Description
EMG 85-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 85-8XH captures aggressive midrange character and controlled low-end definition essential for recording extended-range material. Built for 8-string instruments, this active humbucker sustains notes with clarity across all eight strings while maintaining tight articulation—critical for sessions demanding clean separation and minimal mud in the mix.
Recording & Mix Characteristics
This pickup combines EMG's signature active circuitry with a design optimized for extended-range instruments. The result is aggressive midrange presence, controlled treble response, and punchy bass that translates clearly to tape or DAW across 8-string configurations without losing definition or tightness. Works equally well for direct amp recording or reamping workflows.
Construction & Studio Durability
The brushed black chrome finish resists fingerprints and wear while maintaining a professional appearance through extended session work and travel between studios. As an active design, the 85-8XH operates on battery power, delivering consistent output and frequency response independent of cable quality or amp impedance—essential for reliable tracking and reliable re-amping chains.
Key Features
- Active humbucker design optimized for 8-string instruments
- High-output configuration for metal, progressive, and modern genres
- Aggressive midrange with controlled treble response
- Tight, defined bass suitable for extended tunings
- Brushed black chrome finish
- Battery-powered active electronics for consistent output
- EMG proprietary active circuitry
- Humbucker coil configuration for noise rejection
The EMG 85-8XH is engineered for producers and engineers tracking extended-range instruments, delivering aggressive character, articulate response, and reliable performance that cuts through dense mixes across all eight strings.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-8XH brings studio-grade high-output aggression to 8-string recording, with active circuitry that delivers consistent frequency response across extended tunings and tight low-end definition that sits clean in heavy mixes. Its controlled treble and punchy midrange presence make it ideal for tracking modern metal, progressive, and djent productions where articulation matters as much as power. Use this when you need a pickup that records with clarity and punch, translates reliably to playback, and holds its own in dense, layered arrangements.
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 tunings and 8-string guitars is this pickup designed for?
The EMG 85-8XH is optimized for extended-range 8-string instruments and maintains articulate response and tight low-end definition across extended tunings commonly used in metal and progressive music. It's designed to eliminate the mud and loss of clarity that can occur with standard pickups in low tunings.
How does active circuitry benefit my playing and recording?
Active electronics operate on battery power, delivering consistent output and frequency response independent of cable quality or amp impedance. This means your tone remains stable whether you're gigging with different rigs or recording in the studio, without the variability that comes with passive pickups.
Is this pickup suitable for jazz, blues, or other genres?
The EMG 85-8XH is engineered specifically for metal, progressive, djent, and modern extended-range genres. Its aggressive midrange character and high-output design are not voiced for jazz, blues, or folk playing styles.
What does the brushed black chrome finish do?
The brushed black chrome finish resists fingerprints and visible wear, maintaining a professional appearance through heavy touring and studio use while being easier to keep clean than traditional finishes.
How does this compare to other 8-string pickups like Seymour Duncan Blackouts or DiMarzio Fusion Edge?
The EMG 85-8XH delivers aggressive midrange punch with controlled treble and tight bass response. Seymour Duncan Blackouts, DiMarzio Fusion Edge, and Fishman Fluence Modern are alternative high-output extended-range options; choice depends on your preference for midrange character and active versus passive operation.
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 $11 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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