EMG ALX HOB Red/Black Screws Passive Humbucker Pickup Set
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5559
Description
EMG ALX HOB Red/Black Screws Passive Humbucker Pickup Set
The EMG ALX HOB delivers articulate, high-output passive tone with integrated EQ control and a compact onboard preamp. This set pairs slightly overwound humbucking pickups with the ABQ 3-band EQ system, offering studios and session players a rare combination of passive warmth and active shaping without sacrificing simplicity or battery longevity—ideal for tracking and mixing flexibility in the same rig.
Pickup Specifications & Recording Tone
Built with ceramic/steel magnets, 8.40 kOhm DC resistance, and 4.53 Henries inductance, these slightly overwound humbuckers deliver clarity and definition across the frequency spectrum, capturing natural harmonic complexity during tracking. The passive design preserves the core character while the preamp's 20dB maximum gain allows controlled boost at the source without coloration, making layer stacking and overdub matching straightforward.
Onboard EQ & Session Workflow
The integrated ABQ EQ/BOOST preamp provides a 3-band EQ adjustable via push/pull control, letting you shape tone between takes or adapt quickly to different session requirements. With 500 Kohm input impedance, 2.00 Kohm output impedance, and a claimed 1500-hour battery life at 195 microamps @ 9V, this system runs efficient and transparent, supporting voltages up to 27 volts DC for extended headroom during long recording days.
Key Features
- Standard Tune-O-Matic string spacing (49mm)
- Ceramic/Steel magnet construction
- DC Resistance: 8.40 kOhm
- Inductance: 4.53 Henries
- 3-band EQ with push/pull activation/deactivation
- Input Impedance: 500 Kohm
- Output Impedance: 2.00 Kohm
- Maximum Gain: 20dB
- Battery Life: 1500 hours @ 9V
- Current draw: 195 microamps @ 9V
- Maximum Supply: 27 Volts DC
- Made in United States
- Includes ABQ preamp, stereo output jack, battery buss, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables
This combination of passive pickup warmth and precise active EQ control makes the ALX HOB a versatile choice for producers and engineers seeking tone shaping without complex switching or compromise on sustain and resonance—capture rich fundamentals, shape in the mic chain, and maintain consistency across multiple takes.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG ALX HOB pairs slightly overwound passive humbuckers with a compact 3-band EQ preamp, giving studio engineers a versatile recording voice that sits well in dense mixes without sacrificing articulation or natural harmonic character. The 20dB maximum gain and push/pull EQ control let you dial in clarity across hard rock and metal sessions, while the 1500-hour battery life and transparent signal path mean no surprises during long recording days. This set excels at capturing tight, defined tones in the studio while keeping the signal chain simple and straightforward.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Hard Rock, Metal, Progressive, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, high-output, clear definition, passive warmth, active shaping |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in the box with this pickup set?
The set includes the ALX HOB passive humbuckers, the integrated ABQ preamp with 3-band EQ, a stereo output jack, battery buss, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables for installation.
How long does the battery last, and what voltage does it use?
The 9V battery provides approximately 1500 hours of runtime at normal operating current (195 microamps). The system also supports higher voltages up to 27V DC for extended headroom if needed.
Can I turn the EQ on and off while playing?
Yes, the 3-band EQ is activated or deactivated via a push/pull control, so you can switch between the raw passive tone and shaped tone without interrupting your performance.
What genres and playing styles are these pickups designed for?
These pickups excel in hard rock, metal, and progressive music where articulation, high output, and clear definition are essential. They are not recommended for jazz or folk styles.
How do these compare to other active pickup systems?
Unlike fully active pickups, the ALX HOB uses passive overwound humbuckers paired with a transparent preamp, preserving natural harmonic complexity while offering active EQ shaping. This gives you the tone warmth of passive pickups with modern shaping control and longer battery life than traditional active systems.
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 $13 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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