EMG 85X Long Shaft 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
- EMG3414
Description
EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 85X is a versatile active humbucker that captures tight, articulate response with minimal noise—essential for recording modern rock, metal, and high-gain material. Its compact footprint and low-impedance output integrate seamlessly into most guitar configurations, while the solderless connectivity accelerates installation and future modifications in the studio environment.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
This active design produces 3.1 V string output and 4.5 V strum output with exceptional clarity and definition across the frequency spectrum. The 2K DC resistance and 10 KOhm output impedance yield a focused, punchy character that cuts through heavily distorted tones while maintaining articulation in clean settings—critical for tracking sessions where both extreme and subtle performances need definition.
Power & Session Reliability
Running on a single 9 V battery at 80 mA current draw, the 85X delivers approximately 3000 hours of battery life, eliminating mid-session battery changes during recording blocks. The extremely low -101 dB output noise floor ensures clean tracking even in high-gain chains and mic'd amp setups, while the 27 V DC maximum supply rating provides headroom for expanded voltage configurations and auxiliary studio electronics.
Key Features
- Active humbucking pickup with solderless connectivity
- Alnico V magnet material for responsive dynamics
- Close aperture coils for focused, defined response
- Covered design in black
- Output Voltage (String): 3.1 V
- Output Voltage (Strum): 4.5 V
- DC Resistance: 2K
- Output Impedance: 10 KOhm
- Current at 9 V: 80 mA
- Battery Life: 3000 hours
- Output Noise: -101 dB
- Maximum Supply: 27 V DC
The 85X combines legendary EMG reliability with straightforward solderless installation, delivering professional-grade active tracking tone without complexity or session interruptions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85X is an active humbucker that captures tight, articulate response with exceptional noise rejection—essential for recording heavy music and processing through demanding effects chains. Its 4.5 V strum output and focused frequency response sit well in dense, distorted mixes while maintaining clarity in cleaner passes, and the solderless connector makes swapping pickups for different sessions or tonal experiments frictionless.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Modern Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – 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, modern rock, and drop-tuning applications where articulate, high-output tone is essential. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk playing.
How long does the 9 V battery last?
At 80 mA current draw, the battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of playable time, roughly 3–4 months of regular use before replacement is needed.
Does the EMG 85X require soldering to install?
No. The pickup features solderless connectivity, which speeds up installation and makes future modifications or swaps quick and easy without technical soldering skills.
How does the EMG 85X compare to the EMG 81?
The 85X is more versatile than the 81, offering slightly warmer response and better articulation across both high-gain and cleaner tones, while the 81 is a classic workhorse for pure metal aggression. Both deliver the signature EMG active clarity and reliability.
What is the output noise floor, and why does it matter?
The 85X produces a -101 dB output noise floor, which is extremely low and ensures silent operation even when stacked with multiple high-gain pedals or through long cable runs, critical for studio recording and live mixing.
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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