EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4322
Description
EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG 85X delivers a focused, articulate voice with extended headroom—essential for tracking high-gain sources where clarity and definition preserve mix separation. This active humbucker maintains tight low-end response while preserving note separation in dense chord work, making it ideal for recording modern rock, metal, and progressive material where consistency across dynamic range ensures polished, usable takes from session start to finish.
Tone & Signal Chain
Built on Alnico V magnets with close aperture coils, the 85X achieves a resonant frequency of 1.87 kHz that emphasizes midrange articulation for punch and definition in the mix. Output measurements of 3.1 V string and 4.5 V strum with 10 KOhm output impedance ensure clean, uncolored signal transmission to your audio interface or preamp without degradation, while the active circuit's superior headroom handles aggressive playing and high-gain tracking without breakup or compression artifacts that compromise mix flexibility.
Setup & Reliability
The covered humbucker format reduces electromagnetic interference for quieter recording sessions, while solderless connectivity streamlines installation and allows swift pickup swaps between guitars during sessions. Operating on standard 9V battery power with 80 mA current draw and a rated 3000-hour battery life, this pickup integrates seamlessly into most guitar wiring schemes via its 2-wire plus battery connection, ensuring predictable performance across multiple tracking days without mid-session battery concerns.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with Alnico V magnets
- Close aperture coil design
- Resonant frequency: 1.87 kHz
- Output voltage (string): 3.1 V
- Output voltage (strum): 4.5 V
- Output impedance: 10 KOhm
- DC resistance: 2K
- Current draw at 9V: 80 mA
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Covered humbucker format
- Solderless connectivity with 2-wire plus battery connection
The EMG 85X combines the extended headroom of an active design with the proven tonal character of Alnico magnets, delivering dependable studio performance in high-output and high-gain tracking applications.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85X is an active humbucker that captures focused, articulate tones ideal for recording modern rock, metal, and progressive material where high-output clarity matters in the mix. Its tight low end and midrange emphasis sit well in dense arrangements, while the active circuit's extended headroom ensures clean signal transmission without breakup even at high-gain settings. The solderless design and long battery life make setup and maintenance straightforward in a recording environment.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Modern Rock
- ✓ High-Gain Applications
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Acoustic Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the EMG 85X best suited for?
The 85X excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and modern rock applications where clarity and high-gain performance are essential. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or acoustic folk styles that typically favor warmer, more resonant tones.
How long does the 9V battery last, and is installation difficult?
The battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time on a standard 9V cell. Installation is simplified through solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity, making future modifications and swaps straightforward without soldering.
What makes the 85X different from the EMG 81?
The 85X features Alnico V magnets and a resonant frequency of 1.87 kHz that emphasizes midrange articulation and note separation, whereas the 81 (typically ceramic-based) is voiced differently. Both are active designs, but the 85X delivers more focused articulation suitable for modern rock and progressive contexts.
Will the 85X handle high-gain settings without losing clarity?
Yes. The active circuit provides extended headroom and output impedance of 10 KOhm that ensures clean signal transmission to your amplifier without degradation, breakup, or compression artifacts even in aggressive playing and high-gain applications.
What is included with the pickup?
The EMG 85X covered humbucker is supplied with solderless connectivity hardware and requires a standard 9V battery (not always included—check your order). The pickup integrates into most standard guitar wiring schemes.
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.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.