EMG 909X 9-String Active Soapbar 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
- EMG4498
Description
EMG 909X 9-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The EMG 909X is a high-output active soapbar engineered for 9-string extended-range instruments, delivering focused midrange punch and articulate string definition across the wider pickup footprint. Designed for studio tracking and live session work, this pickup excels at capturing clarity in dense tunings and handles aggressive playing dynamics without sacrificing definition or note separation. The solderless wiring system and included controls streamline the recording setup, whether upgrading an existing instrument or building a new one for the studio.
Electrical Performance
The 909X pairs an Alnico V magnet with carefully tuned active electronics, generating 2.00V on single-string picks and 4.50V during full strums. With a resonant frequency of 1.90 kHz and output noise rated at -106 dBV, this pickup maintains signal clarity and articulation across extended-range tunings, translating to clean, usable tracks with minimal noise floor. The 2.00 kΩ output impedance ensures reliable interfacing with standard audio interfaces, mixing consoles, and amplifier inputs.
Power & Installation
Operating on a single 9V battery, the 909X draws just 400 microamps and delivers approximately 450 hours of battery life when paired with one tone control—critical reliability for studio sessions. The pickup accommodates string widths up to 3.50", making it suitable for most modern extended-range instruments. All necessary wiring harnesses are included—volume control, tone control, pickup cable, output cable, connection cables, and battery cable—eliminating sourcing additional components and reducing setup time.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Alnico V
- Resonant Frequency: 1.90 kHz
- Output Voltage (Single String): 2.00V
- Output Voltage (Strum): 4.50V
- Output Noise: -106 dBV
- Output Impedance: 2.00 kΩ
- Current @ 9V: 400 Microamps
- Battery Life: 450 Hours (with one pickup and one active tone control)
- Maximum Recommended String Width: 3.50"
- Maximum Supply Voltage: 27V DC
- Solderless Wiring System
- Made in United States
The EMG 909X combines proven active electronics with the compact soapbar form factor, delivering the output definition and clarity extended-range recording sessions demand.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 909X is a high-output active soapbar pickup built for tracking and recording extended-range instruments, with a focused midrange profile and 1.90 kHz resonant frequency that cuts through dense polyphonic arrangements and complex tunings without losing articulate string separation. Designed to capture aggressive playing dynamics while maintaining studio-grade signal clarity (-106 dBV noise floor), it integrates into your recording chain via straightforward solderless wiring and includes all necessary control harnesses for plug-and-play tracking. Studio and project recording: rely on consistent 2.00V single-string response and 4.50V full-strum output to translate your performances with the tightness and definition extended-range music demands.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Progressive, Drop Tunings, Extended Range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, focused midrange punch, articulate string definition, tight clarity, aggressive dynamics capable |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Worship (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EMG 909X suitable for standard 6-string or 7-string guitars?
The 909X is specifically engineered for 9-string instruments and can accommodate string widths up to 3.50 inches. It will not fit standard 6-string or 7-string guitar pickup cavities, as the soapbar dimensions and magnet assembly are scaled for extended-range applications.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup designed for?
The 909X is optimized for metal, djent, progressive, and drop-tuning applications where focused midrange punch and articulate string definition are critical. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or worship styles, which typically demand different tonal characteristics.
How long does the battery last, and what do I need to install it?
The 9V battery delivers approximately 450 hours of playing time when paired with one pickup and one active tone control. The pickup includes all necessary wiring harnesses (volume control, tone control, pickup cable, output cable, connection cables, and battery cable), so no additional components are required for installation.
How does the EMG 909X compare to other active extended-range pickups?
The 909X delivers comparable high-output performance to models like the EMG 81 and Seymour Duncan Blackouts, with the advantage of being purpose-built for 9-string instruments. Its 1.90 kHz resonant frequency and Alnico V magnet pairing are tuned specifically for clarity and articulation in extended-range tunings.
What are the output specs, and will it work reliably with my amp?
The 909X outputs 2.00V on single-string picks and 4.50V during full strums, with a 2.00 kΩ output impedance that ensures reliable interfacing with standard guitar electronics and amplifier inputs. Output noise is rated at -106 dBV for studio-grade signal clarity.
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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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