EMG 85-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4148
Description
EMG 85-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The EMG 85-8XH captures balanced, articulate tone across all eight strings with a tight, controlled midrange character that translates clearly through the mix. This brushed gold finish variant maintains signature EMG active circuitry reliability while offering a distinctive visual presence in the studio. Built to preserve clarity and note definition in high-output recording scenarios without sacrificing string-to-string separation on extended-range instruments.
Tone & Recording Response
The Alnico V magnet and 1.87 kHz resonant frequency yield a warm yet defined tone ideal for modern 8-string tracking. Output measures 3.10 V per string and 4.50 V when strummed, delivering substantial signal to your preamp with a noise floor of -101 dBV (60 Hz), ensuring clean recording chain performance even at high gain settings and during dense layering.
Electronics & Studio Integration
Active circuit operation runs efficiently on 80 microamps at 9V, yielding 3,000 hours of battery life per standard 9V cell, with maximum supply voltage of 27V DC for flexible interface compatibility across studio gear. Solderless installation system and close aperture coils streamline setup and maintain precise string coupling across the wider 8-string format for consistent session performance.
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 (60 Hz): -101 dBV
- Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current @ 9V: 80 microamps
- Battery Life: 3,000 hours
- Maximum Supply: 27 V DC
- Solderless installation system with close aperture coils
- Manufactured in United States
- Finish: Brushed Gold
The 85-8XH combines proven EMG active electronics with 8-string voicing to deliver consistent, high-output performance ideal for studio recording and multi-track production work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-8XH captures balanced, articulate tone across eight strings with warm yet defined character and minimal noise floor, making it ideal for recording heavy music where each string needs to cut through and sit distinctly in the mix. Active circuitry delivers stable, high output (3.10 V per string) with -101 dBV noise performance, ensuring clean amplification even when stacking gain in the DAW. Solderless installation and efficient 9V operation streamline studio setup and keep session workflow uninterrupted.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Traditional Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EMG 85-8XH suitable for genres outside heavy music?
This pickup is optimized for metal, djent, progressive, and drop-tuned applications where high output and controlled articulation matter most. It's not designed for jazz, blues, or traditional country—those genres typically benefit from different voicing and output characteristics.
How long does the battery last, and what are the installation requirements?
Battery life is approximately 3,000 hours per standard 9V cell under normal playing. The pickup features EMG's solderless installation system, which significantly streamlines setup and requires no soldering.
What makes this pickup different from other 8-string humbuckers?
The 85-8XH combines an Alnico V magnet, 1.87 kHz resonant frequency, and tight controlled midrange to deliver excellent note separation across all eight strings without noise buildup. Output is 3.10 V per string with a -101 dBV noise floor, keeping the signal clean even at high gain settings.
Will this pickup fit my 8-string guitar?
The 85-8XH is engineered for 8-string extended-range instruments with close aperture coils designed to maintain precise string coupling across the wider format. Verify your guitar's humbucker cavity dimensions before purchase to ensure proper fitment.
What does the brushed gold finish look like, and does it affect tone?
The brushed gold finish is a distinctive cosmetic variant that provides visual presence on stage or in the studio. Finish does not affect the electronic performance or tone of the pickup.
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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