EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2967
Description
EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 85X is a high-output active humbucker engineered for recording and production environments where articulate, punchy tone, extended frequency response, and a noise floor low enough for tracking at high gain are non-negotiable. Its covered design and compact form factor integrate seamlessly into most double-cutaway and single-cutaway instruments, delivering the clarity and sustain that define EMG's active pickup philosophy—critical assets when committing takes to tape or DAW.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
This pickup generates 4.5 V output on strum and 3.1 V output on string, providing substantial signal headroom into any interface or console input without clipping or distortion. The Alnico V magnet paired with 1.87 KHz resonant frequency yields a balanced, articulate response with defined midrange and controlled treble—essential for capturing clean articulation on overdubs and maintaining definition when layering guitars in a mix.
Active Electronics & Studio Operation
The integrated active circuit draws 80 mA at 9 V and delivers approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge, eliminating mid-session battery swaps during long tracking days. Output impedance sits at 10 KOhm with -101 dB noise floor at 60 Hz, ensuring clean signal capture even during high-gain rhythm or lead takes without introducing hum or noise artifacts into your recordings.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet with covered humbucker design
- 2K DC resistance
- 4.5 V output voltage (strum)
- 3.1 V output voltage (string)
- 10 KOhm output impedance
- -101 dB output noise at 60 Hz
- 1.87 KHz resonant frequency
- 80 mA current draw at 9 V
- Approximately 3000 hours battery life
- Solderless connectivity with 2-wire plus battery configuration
- Includes split shaft volume/active tone control set, output jack, battery clip, and pickup cable
- 1/4" mono phone plug connector
The EMG 85X combines proven active pickup engineering with straightforward installation and reliable long-term performance, making it the foundation for consistent, studio-ready recordings across sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85X is a high-output active humbucker engineered for recording articulate, punchy tone that sits well in dense mixes without disappearing into gain. Its 4.5V output and extended frequency response feed any preamp or interface with clean headroom, while the -101 dB noise floor keeps session tracks quiet at high gain settings. The balanced midrange and controlled treble make it versatile across metal, hard rock, and progressive sessions where you need defined attack and sustain without harshness.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, articulate midrange, controlled treble, tight low end, low noise floor |
| Less specialized for | Folk, Traditional Jazz (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the EMG 85X built for?
The 85X excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music where clarity and articulation matter at high gain. It is not designed for folk or traditional jazz, where warmer, less aggressive tones are preferred.
How long does the battery last, and what maintenance is involved?
The 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of playing time before replacement. The solderless wiring and included battery clip make battery swaps straightforward, minimizing downtime between gigs or sessions.
What comes in the box, and how difficult is installation?
The package includes the pickup, a split shaft volume and active tone control set, output jack, battery clip, pickup cable, and 1/4 inch mono phone plug connector. Solderless connectivity simplifies wiring compared to traditional pickups.
How does the EMG 85X compare to other high-output pickups like the EMG 81 or Seymour Duncan Blackout?
The 85X produces 4.5V output (strum) with a 1.87 KHz resonant frequency that yields a more balanced, articulate midrange than the brighter 81. Compared to the Blackout, the 85X's Alnico V magnet delivers extended frequency response with similarly low noise and active circuit reliability.
Is the EMG 85X suitable for both studio recording and live performance?
Yes. The -101 dB noise floor ensures quiet recording sessions at high gain, while the 4.5V output provides robust signal headroom into any amp or interface on stage or in the studio. The covered design and compact form factor fit most double-cutaway and single-cutaway guitars.
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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