EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3308
Description
EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Ivory
The EMG 85 is a modern workhorse active humbucker that captures articulate, controlled transients with exceptional clarity across the frequency spectrum. Its compact form factor and solderless installation make it a straightforward retrofit into most guitar configurations. The cream-colored housing with gold EMG logo offers a vintage aesthetic that complements both traditional and contemporary instrument finishes.
Recording Tone & Signal Chain
Built on an Alnico 5 magnet, the EMG 85 produces a 3.10 V RMS output with a resonant frequency of 1870 Hz, yielding a balanced character that sits naturally in a mix without excessive treble harshness or muddiness. The -101 dBV output noise floor ensures clean signal transmission with minimal hum during overdubs and layering, while the 10 kΩ output impedance provides reliable interfacing with recording preamps, interfaces, and amp simulators.
Power & Installation
This active design runs on a single 9 V battery with a conservative 80 µA current draw, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life between session replacements. The pickup supports supply voltages up to 27 V DC for extended headroom in high-gain tracking scenarios, and installation requires no soldering—the preassembled connector integrates directly into standard EMG wiring harnesses for rapid setup.
Key Features
- Alnico 5 magnet design
- 3.10 V RMS output voltage
- 4.50 V peak output voltage
- -101 dBV output noise
- 10 kΩ output impedance
- 1870 Hz resonant frequency
- 9 V battery powered with 3000 hour battery life
- 27 V DC maximum supply voltage
- 80 µA current draw at 9V
- Solderless installation connector
- Cream housing with gold EMG logo
- 2.63 x 2.38 x 6 inch dimensions
The EMG 85 combines vintage-voiced articulation with modern active circuitry, making it a reliable choice for engineers seeking consistent output and noise-free operation across production sessions and recording applications.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85 is an active humbucker that captures articulate, controlled output with a balanced midrange and exceptional clarity across the frequency spectrum, making it an excellent choice for recording hard rock, metal, and other high-output sessions. Its -101 dBV noise floor ensures clean signal transmission into your interface or console with minimal hum, while the 3.10 V RMS output integrates reliably with standard preamps and mixing chains. The solderless design lets you install it quickly and get straight to tracking.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Hard Rock, Metal, Studio Sessions, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, controlled output, balanced midrange, clean signal, minimal hum |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the EMG 85 and EMG 81?
The EMG 85 uses an Alnico 5 magnet and delivers a warmer, more articulate tone with a lower resonant frequency (1870 Hz) compared to the brighter EMG 81. The 85 sits better in dense mixes and produces a balanced midrange, making it popular for hard rock; the 81 is known for a tighter, more aggressive high-end.
How long does the battery last?
A single 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time, which translates to roughly four to five months of regular use before replacement is needed.
Do I need to solder this pickup to install it?
No. The EMG 85 features a solderless installation connector that plugs directly into standard EMG wiring harnesses, making retrofit quick and straightforward on most guitars.
What genres is the EMG 85 best suited for?
The EMG 85 excels in hard rock, metal, and studio sessions where controlled output and clarity across the frequency spectrum are essential. Its balanced tone and minimal hum make it less ideal for traditional jazz or folk applications.
What output voltage does it deliver?
The EMG 85 produces 3.10 V RMS with a peak output of 4.50 V, providing consistent, noise-free signal with a -101 dBV output noise floor for clean transmission to your amp or interface.
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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