EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3309
Description
EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 85 is a balanced, articulate active humbucker that captures clarity and definition with controlled output and minimal noise—essential for tracking and mixing sessions where string articulation and midrange presence cut through dense arrangements. This white-finished unit pairs dual Alnico 5 magnets with EMG's proven solderless installation system, making it a straightforward retrofit for guitars requiring a tonal refresh or upgrade in the studio or live tracking setup.
Tone & Electronics
Built around two Alnico magnet loaded coils with wide aperture design, the EMG 85 achieves a 1870 Hz resonant frequency that emphasizes midrange presence and string articulation—critical for maintaining definition when layering guitars or processing through effects chains. The active circuit delivers 3.10 V RMS output with an exceptionally low noise floor of −101 dBV, yielding punchy, defined tones across gain structures without the hum and interference typical of passive pickups, ensuring clean, usable tracks with minimal post-processing cleanup.
Power & Installation
The pickup runs on a single 9 V battery with a rated lifespan of 3000 hours, eliminating the need for external power supplies during normal use. EMG's Solderless Install System is included, enabling fast, reliable wiring without soldering—a practical advantage for quick instrument swaps between tracking sessions or modular setups.
Key Features
- Alnico 5 magnet type with dual coils and wide aperture design
- 3.10 V RMS output voltage for defined, controlled signal
- 4.50 V peak voltage capability
- −101 dBV noise specification for clean, interference-free operation
- 10 kΩ impedance
- 1870 Hz resonant frequency emphasizing midrange articulation
- 80 µA current draw
- 9 V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- Solderless Install System included for fast installation
- White finish
- Dimensions: 2.63 × 2.38 × 6 inches
The EMG 85 in white combines proven active electronics, low-noise design, and hassle-free installation into a single package suited for recording-focused setups where signal integrity and session efficiency matter.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85 is an active humbucker engineered for articulate, noise-free recording with a 1870 Hz resonant peak that adds midrange presence and string separation in dense mixes. The 3.10 V RMS output and −101 dBV noise floor deliver punchy, defined tracking suitable for metal, hard rock, and progressive sessions, while the solderless wiring speeds up mic-to-tape workflow. Choose it for studio work where clarity, low hum, and controlled character matter as much as gain.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate midrange, controlled output, low noise floor, punchy definition, balanced character |
| Less specialized for | Blues, Jazz (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the EMG 85 different from the EMG 81?
The EMG 85 emphasizes midrange articulation with a 1870 Hz resonant frequency and balanced output, making it suited for clarity and definition across genres including metal and hard rock. The EMG 81 delivers a tighter, more aggressive voice; compare tone profiles and genre fit to your rig before choosing.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The battery has a rated lifespan of 3000 hours under normal use, equating to several months depending on how often you play. Monitor output levels and replace the battery when tone starts to thin to maintain peak performance.
Is soldering required to install this pickup?
No—the EMG 85 includes EMG's Solderless Install System, so you can wire it into your guitar using quick connectors without a soldering iron. This makes retrofitting or swapping pickups fast and reliable, especially useful for quick rig changes.
What output level should I expect?
The EMG 85 delivers 3.10 V RMS output with a 4.50 V peak capability, providing controlled, defined signal suitable for high-gain rigs without excessive output pushing into amp clipping or overdrive.
Is this pickup suitable for blues or jazz?
The EMG 85 is voiced for metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate midrange and low noise shine. It is not ideal for blues or jazz, where warmer, more organic passive humbucker tones are typically preferred.
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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