EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3418
Description
EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 85 is a studio-grade active humbucker engineered to sit cleanly in dense mixes without losing articulation or definition. This gold-finished pickup combines tight, controlled low-end with refined high-frequency response, translating to recordings that punch through layered arrangements in rock, metal, and modern production contexts. The solderless connector and integrated 9V system mean minimal setup time between tracking sessions—no wiring modifications required.
Tone & Output Characteristics
At 3.10 V RMS output with a 4.50 V peak, this pickup delivers balanced dynamics suitable for session work across gain stages without excessive noise or compression artifacts. The Alnico 5 magnet structure and 1870 Hz resonant frequency yield a natural, focused midrange that maintains note clarity and separation even at elevated drive levels, while the 10 kΩ output impedance ensures transparent signal transmission through studio interfaces and processing chains.
Power & Installation
Powered by a single 9 V battery with a 3000-hour battery life, the EMG 85 operates with minimal current draw at 80 µA @ 9V, reducing studio workflow interruptions. The solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity and gold metal body enable fast swaps between instruments or sessions with no circuit modification needed, while maintaining a clean -101 dBV noise floor ideal for recording.
Key Features
- Alnico 5 magnet type
- 3.10 V RMS output voltage
- 4.50 V peak output voltage
- -101 dBV output noise floor
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- 80 µA @ 9V current draw
- 1870 Hz resonant frequency
- 9 V battery power source with 3000-hour battery life
- Active humbucker design
- Solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity
- Gold finish
- Metal body construction
The EMG 85 in gold combines studio-proven active electronics, controlled output, and zero-friction installation into a dependable tracking pickup suited to producers upgrading session instruments or engineers seeking a versatile humbucker voice that records clean and translates across production styles.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85 is an active humbucker engineered for modern recording contexts, offering 3.10 V RMS of controlled, articulate output with a natural midrange focus and refined highs that cut through dense mixes without harshness. The tight low end and -101 dBV noise floor keep your tracks clean and defined, whether tracking metal, hard rock, or contemporary genres that demand clarity at high gain. Drop it in for plug-and-play recording versatility—no soldering required.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Modern Rock, Studio Sessions, Home Recording |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, articulate midrange, refined high-frequency response, balanced output, high clarity |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to install the EMG 85?
The EMG 85 uses solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity, so installation requires no soldering or wiring modification. Beginners and intermediate players can install it quickly; no advanced electronics knowledge is needed.
How long does the battery last?
The 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of runtime with minimal current draw at 80 µA @ 9V. That translates to roughly 125 days of continuous use, or many months of typical playing.
What styles and genres is the EMG 85 best suited for?
The EMG 85 excels in metal, hard rock, modern rock, and studio sessions. Its articulate midrange and tight low end preserve note definition at high gain, but it is not designed for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How does the EMG 85 compare to the EMG 81?
The EMG 85 delivers a more balanced, articulate voice with refined high-frequency response, while the 81 is known for a tighter, more aggressive character. The 85 suits a wider range of modern rock and recording contexts.
Will the EMG 85 work with my standard guitar electronics and effects?
Yes. The 10 kΩ output impedance and 3.10 V RMS output ensure smooth interaction with standard guitar electronics and effects chains, and the -101 dBV noise floor keeps your signal clean.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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