EMG 85 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
- EMG4089
Description
EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 85 is a high-output active humbucker engineered to capture aggressive midrange presence and articulate treble response in the recording chain. Built with Alnico V magnets and housed in a covered design, this pickup excels in bridge and neck positions, delivering clarity and punch with a virtually inaudible noise floor—critical for clean tracking and layering in dense mixes. The brushed black chrome finish maintains professional aesthetics while withstanding studio wear.
Electrical Performance
This active design operates on a single 9V battery with an impressive 3000-hour battery life, eliminating mid-session power concerns during overdubs or long tracking days. The 3.1V string output and 4.5V strum output provide a controlled signal that translates predictably through audio interfaces and preamps, while the -101 dB output noise floor ensures virtually silent operation even when stacking gains across multiple processing stages. A 1.87 kHz resonant frequency delivers its signature mid-forward character, cutting through mix density without muddiness—a defining asset for rock and metal production.
Integration & Session Workflow
The solderless 1/4" stereo jack connector and straightforward 2-wire plus battery configuration accelerate setup in both bridge and neck positions, minimizing downtime between takes. Maximum supply voltage of 27V DC and 80mA current draw at 9V permit flexible integration into multi-pickup systems and active electronics configurations, accommodating evolving studio rigs without constraints.
Key Features
- Active humbucker design with covered magnet structure
- Alnico V magnet material for articulate, midrange-focused tone
- Output: 3.1V (string), 4.5V (strum)
- Resonant frequency: 1.87 kHz
- Output noise: -101 dB at 60 Hz
- Operates on single 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life
- Output impedance: 10 KOhm
- Solderless 1/4" stereo jack connector
- 2-wire plus battery configuration
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Bridge and neck position compatible
- Current draw: 80 mA at 9V
The EMG 85 remains a reliable choice for producers and engineers prioritizing midrange articulation, low-noise operation, and straightforward active electronics integration across tracking guitars in professional and project studio contexts alike.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85 active humbucker brings aggressive midrange focus and articulate treble to tracking and mixing, with a 1.87 kHz resonant peak that sits forward in a dense rock or metal mix without muddying. Its 3.1V and 4.5V dual output structure and exceptionally low noise floor (-101 dB) keep high-gain tones clean and defined during overdubs or live punch-in sessions. Single 9V battery with 3000-hour life and solderless jack installation make it practical for quick A/B testing or permanent integration into your studio rig.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Progressive
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 best suited for?
The EMG 85 excels in metal, hard rock, progressive rock, and high-gain applications where midrange punch and articulate treble are priorities. It is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk playing styles, which typically benefit from different tonal characteristics.
How long does the 9V battery last, and is it easy to replace?
The battery lasts approximately 3000 hours of normal use, significantly reducing downtime during touring or extended studio sessions. The solderless 1/4 inch stereo jack connector and simple 2-wire plus battery configuration make battery changes and installation quick and tool-free.
Can the EMG 85 be installed in both bridge and neck positions?
Yes, the EMG 85 is fully compatible with both bridge and neck positions, making it a versatile workhorse for single-pickup or multi-pickup active setups.
What is the output noise level, and will it work with high-gain amplifiers?
The EMG 85 delivers a -101 dB output noise floor at 60 Hz, ensuring virtually silent operation even in high-gain applications and modern mix contexts. The 3.1V string output and 4.5V strum output provide controlled gain structure without excessive noise.
What magnet type does the EMG 85 use, and how does it affect tone?
The pickup uses Alnico V magnets housed in a covered design, delivering the signature aggressive midrange presence and articulate treble that defines the EMG 85 character. The 1.87 kHz resonant frequency gives the pickup its mid-forward tone ideal for rock and metal genres.
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.
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