EMG 85 Long Shaft Burshed Active Humbucker Pickup in 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
- EMG4605
Description
EMG 85 Long Shaft Brushed Black Chrome Active Humbucker Pickup
The EMG 85 is a potent covered humbucker engineered to capture aggressive midrange punch and articulate high-end response in the studio. Its long shaft design accommodates deeper body cavities, and the brushed black chrome finish integrates seamlessly into modern and classic instrument aesthetics alike. This is a workhorse pickup built for precision, output consistency, and reliable tracking across a wide dynamic range—essential for layered overdubs and detailed mic-blending sessions.
Recording Tone & Output Characteristics
Built around an Alnico V magnet with covered construction, the EMG 85 produces a resonant frequency of 1.87 KHz that balances presence with clarity for focused vocal-like midrange in dense mixes. Output levels reach 3.1 V on string attack and 4.5 V on full strum, providing substantial gain without excessive compression—ideal for maintaining definition in rhythm takes while delivering natural sustain on lead layers. The 10 KOhm output impedance ensures clean signal transfer to your interface or amp with minimal noise floor at -101 dB (60 Hz)—critical for sensitive tracking and post-production flexibility.
Power & Studio Integration
This active pickup runs on standard 9 V battery power with exceptional efficiency—drawing only 80 mA at 9 V for an extended 3000-hour battery lifespan, meaning stable performance throughout extended session days. The solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity streamlines installation and modification between projects, while the pickup tolerates supply voltages up to 27 V DC for flexibility in dual-battery systems or higher-voltage rigs that support your monitoring chain.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet with covered design
- Long shaft format for deep cavity routing
- Brushed Black Chrome finish
- Resonant frequency: 1.87 KHz
- Output voltage: 3.1 V (string) / 4.5 V (strum)
- Output impedance: 10 KOhm
- Output noise: -101 dB at 60 Hz
- Current draw: 80 mA at 9 V
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27 V DC
- Solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity
- Active humbucker configuration
The EMG 85 remains a dependable choice for home producers and engineers seeking transparent articulation, high output, and legendary reliability for consistent, punchy recording performances across genre and session style.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85 is a high-output active humbucker built for recording aggressive, articulate tones in metal, hard rock, and progressive sessions. Its 1.87 kHz resonant peak balances presence and clarity, the wide dynamic range (3.1 V to 4.5 V output) captures both rhythm definition and lead sustain without distortion, and the -101 dB noise floor stays clean in dense arrangements. Home studios and professional engineers appreciate its transparent character, solderless installation, and battery efficiency—especially when layering or A/B testing against passive alternatives.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the long shaft design, and do I need it?
The long shaft accommodates deeper body cavities found in modern guitar designs. Check your guitar's pickup cavity depth—if it's routed deeper than standard, the long shaft will fit properly and seat flush; standard shafts may not reach the pickup ring in deep cavities.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The battery lasts approximately 3000 hours at standard 9 V and 80 mA draw, which is roughly 125 days of continuous use. In typical gigging and studio schedules (4–8 hours per week), a single battery easily runs 6–12 months.
Is this pickup suitable for blues or jazz?
The EMG 85 is optimized for metal, hard rock, and progressive genres—its aggressive midrange and high output are not designed for the smooth, warm tones blues and jazz players typically seek. Consider passive alternatives or lower-output active pickups for those styles.
How does the EMG 85 compare to the EMG 81?
The 85 has a lower midrange frequency (1.87 kHz vs. the 81's higher peak), delivering more body and presence; it also produces higher output (4.5 V vs. the 81's ~3.8 V) and suits lead and rhythm work equally well, while the 81 leans brighter and snappier for precision lead playing.
What is included, and how hard is installation?
The pickup comes ready to install with solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity—no soldering required. You will need a 9 V battery and a compartment or external pack to house it; wiring diagrams are standard, making installation accessible for intermediate players with basic tools.
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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