EMG 85X Long Shaft 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
- EMG4589
Description
EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in White
The EMG 85X captures the aggressive, articulate character that defines modern metal and hard rock recordings. This white finish with gold logo active humbucker pairs vintage Alnico V magnetics with contemporary noise-reduction electronics, delivering clarity and sustain without hum or feedback—essential for tracking and mixing high-gain material with definition.
Recording Character & Electronics
Built around an Alnico V magnet and internal preamp, the 85X achieves a resonant frequency of 1.91 kHz that cuts through dense mixes with punchy rhythm tone and articulate lead presence. Output measures 4.00V on single strings and 8.50V when strumming, with -108 dB noise floor at 60Hz, ensuring tight, hum-free tracking even at high-gain recording levels or in tight sessions with multiple takes.
Power & Installation
This active design runs off a standard 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life and draws only 80 microamps at 9V, meaning months between changes during typical studio work. The pickup ships with a solderless Quik-Connect system, split shaft volume/active tone control set, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs—enabling fast, solder-free installation so you can focus on capturing tones rather than technical setup.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet construction
- Internal preamp for noise reduction
- Output impedance: 2.00 kΩ
- Maximum supply: 27 volts DC
- 9V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Resonant frequency: 1.91 kHz
- Output noise: -108 dB at 60Hz
- String output voltage: 4.00V
- Strum output voltage: 8.50V
- Solderless Quik-Connect system included
- White finish with gold logo
The 85X combines proven active circuitry with straightforward installation and professional output specs—a direct, no-compromise choice for producers and engineers serious about capturing aggressive, controlled tones.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85X captures aggressive, controlled tones ideal for recording metal, hard rock, and progressive material where articulate definition and noise-free operation matter. Its 1.91 kHz resonant peak sits perfectly in the mix, delivering punchy rhythm tones and clear lead articulation without hum or feedback masking your tracking or overdubs. The active design and Quik-Connect system integrate easily into a studio setup, and months of battery life between changes means uninterrupted session time.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Aggressive, articulate, punchy midrange, high output, tight definition |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does active pickup mean, and how is the 85X powered?
Active pickups have an internal preamp that boosts signal and reduces noise, requiring power. The 85X runs on a single 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life—roughly three to six months of typical playing—and draws only 80 microamps, so battery changes are infrequent.
Is soldering required to install this pickup?
No. The 85X ships with a solderless Quik-Connect system, output jack, battery clip, control set, and all hardware needed for drop-in installation without any soldering.
What genres and tuning styles is the 85X designed for?
The 85X excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and drop-tuning applications where aggressive tone, articulation, and noise-free operation are essential. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk.
How does the 85X compare to the EMG 81X or other high-output active pickups?
The 85X uses an Alnico V magnet for more resonant midrange punch and clarity compared to the 81X's ceramic magnet. It delivers the same professional noise floor and solderless convenience, making it a choice between Alnico V warmth and definition versus ceramic brightness.
Will this pickup work in my guitar, or do I need specific routing?
The 85X is a humbucker-sized pickup with a long shaft designed to fit standard humbucker cavities. Confirm your guitar has a humbucker route and that the long shaft matches your guitar's pickguard or top-mounted configuration.
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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