EMG 85X 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
- EMG3101
Description
EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 85X delivers articulate, controlled output with the clarity that defines modern active pickup design. Close aperture coils loaded with Alnico V magnets produce a focused response ideal for high-gain tracking, studio recording, and sessions demanding definition without mud. This white-finish unit pairs aggressive midrange presence with tight low-end control, translating to punchy, coherent recordings across dense mixes.
Recording Output & Signal Integrity
String output reaches 4.00 V with strummed output at 8.50 V, providing plenty of headroom into any amplifier or interface. The 1.91 kHz resonant frequency and -108 dBV noise floor ensure clean signal transmission in electrically noisy studio environments, while 2.00 kΩ output impedance maintains compatibility with standard preamps, mixing consoles, and audio interfaces for transparent recording chains.
Installation & Power Supply
The solderless installation system simplifies retrofit into existing instruments without rewiring, minimizing downtime between sessions. A single 9V battery powers the internal preamp, with battery life reaching approximately 3000 hours at typical use levels. The included volume and tone potentiometers, output jack, and cables handle the complete integration setup.
Key Features
- Close aperture coils with Alnico V magnets
- String output: 4.00 V
- Strummed output: 8.50 V
- Resonant frequency: 1.91 kHz
- Output noise: -108 dBV @ 60Hz
- Output impedance: 2.00 kΩ
- Solderless installation design
- Internal preamp with noise reduction
- 9V battery with up to 3000 hours runtime
- Maximum supply rating: 27V DC
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Gold logo, white finish
The EMG 85X combines low noise, articulate midrange, and straightforward installation into a pickup built for aggressive tracking and professional studio sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85X is a studio-grade active humbucker engineered to cut through dense high-gain mixes with articulate midrange presence and controlled low-end that sits tight in a recording. Home producers and engineers working in metal, hard rock, or heavy music will value the 4.00 V string output, -108 dBV noise floor, and internal preamp that delivers clean, focused tone into any interface without coloration. Its solderless design and 9V battery system make it a practical retrofit for tracking sessions where you need instant definition and headroom.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ High-Gain Applications
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and tones does the EMG 85X work best for?
The 85X excels in metal, hard rock, high-gain applications, and studio sessions where articulate midrange and tight low end are priorities. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk styles that rely on smoother, more resonant passive pickup response.
How long does the 9V battery last, and is installation difficult?
Battery life reaches approximately 3000 hours at typical use levels. The pickup features a solderless installation system that simplifies retrofit into existing instruments without rewiring—all potentiometers, cables, and output components are included.
What output levels and noise specs does this pickup provide?
String output reaches 4.00 V with strummed output at 8.50 V, giving plenty of headroom into amplifiers and interfaces. The -108 dBV noise floor and internal preamp ensure clean signal transmission even in electrically noisy environments.
How does the EMG 85X compare to other active humbuckers?
The 85X sits between the tighter EMG 81 and wider-voiced alternatives like the Seymour Duncan JB or DiMarzio D Activator, offering a balance of aggression and definition with close-aperture Alnico V coils and a focused 1.91 kHz resonant peak.
Will this pickup work with my existing guitar and amplifier setup?
Yes—the 2.00 kΩ output impedance maintains compatibility with standard guitar electronics and mixing consoles, and the solderless design integrates with most existing instrument wiring.
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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