EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3648
Description
EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
The EMG 85 captures punchy, articulate tones with tight low-end response and controlled midrange presence, tracking through high-gain sessions with exceptional clarity. This active humbucker cuts through dense mixes without losing definition, making it ideal for tracking guitars that sit cleanly in a mix without sacrificing impact. The red finish adds visual distinction to any guitar's electronics cavity.
Tone & Output Characteristics
Built around Alnico V magnets and a bar-shaped Alnico 5 design, the 85 produces a 3.10 V RMS output (4.50 V peak) with a resonant frequency of 1870 Hz that emphasizes articulation over warmth. The two separate coils are summed electronically in the preamp, yielding controlled sustain and reduced noise floor at -101 dBV—essential for clean signal transmission to your audio interface or mixing chain, even on extended cable runs.
Electronics & Power Management
This active design runs on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency: 80 microamps current draw yields approximately 3000 hours of battery life. The 10 kΩ output impedance ensures reliable interfacing with any preamp or audio interface without signal degradation, maintaining recording integrity across your studio setup.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnets with bar-shaped Alnico 5 magnet construction
- Two separate coils with electronically summed preamp output
- Output voltage: 3.10 V RMS / 4.50 V peak
- Output noise: -101 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- 9V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Resonant frequency: 1870 Hz
- Includes 25K volume and 25K tone potentiometers
- Includes stereo output jack, battery bus, pickup in/out bus, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables
- Red finish
The EMG 85 pairs precision electronics with straightforward integration, delivering articulate, noise-free active pickup performance essential for professional tracking and studio recording.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85 is an active humbucker that delivers punchy, articulate recording tone ideal for metal, hard rock, and high-gain production work. Its tight bottom end and controlled mids sit well in dense mixes, and the noise-free 3.10 V RMS output ensures clean tracking through preamps and interfaces without signal compromise. It's a studio-ready choice for engineers capturing aggressive, articulate guitar tones that need to cut through heavy arrangements.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ High-gain contexts
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to install this pickup?
The EMG 85 is designed for intermediate to advanced players; installation involves soldering and wiring an active circuit with a 9V battery system. If you're comfortable with pickup swaps and basic electronics, you can manage it, but many players have a tech handle the job to ensure proper preamp wiring and battery integration.
How long will the 9V battery last?
The EMG 85 draws only 80 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life—roughly four months of regular playing before you need a swap. The low current draw makes it one of the most efficient active pickups available.
Will this pickup work in my blues or jazz setup?
No—the EMG 85 is voiced specifically for metal, hard rock, and progressive contexts where punchy articulation and tight low-end control matter most. Its high output and aggressive character don't suit traditional blues or jazz tones; consider passive alternatives for those genres.
What's included with the pickup?
The package includes the EMG 85 pickup itself, 25K volume and tone potentiometers, a stereo output jack, battery bus, pickup in/out bus, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables for installation.
How does the EMG 85 compare to the EMG 81?
The 85 delivers more midrange warmth and articulation than the brighter, more scooped 81, making it better suited to balanced high-gain tones and recording clarity. The 81 is often preferred for pure metal aggression; choose the 85 if you want definition and cut without losing body.
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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