EMG FT-RA2 Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

EMG RA-2 Retro Active Single-Coil Pickup in Black

The RA-2 Retro Active pickup captures the articulate, responsive character of vintage single-coil designs while delivering the clarity and headroom needed for modern recording and mixing environments. Built around Alnico 2 magnets, this pickup produces detailed, transparent tone with minimal noise floor and extended dynamic range—ideal for tracking sessions where every nuance matters. The discrete FET preamp operates on minimal current draw, providing authentic single-coil response without the hum and microphony that complicate both recording and post-production work.

Recording & Mix Performance

The Alnico 2 magnet construction and discrete FET preamp combine to deliver a balanced, articulate voice with low impedance output and exceptional headroom for layering and blending in the mix. The preamp circuit requires only 600 Micro-Amps at 9 Volts, ensuring consistent performance throughout long session days while maintaining the natural resonance and tonal separation needed for multi-track recording across neck, middle, and bridge positions.

Studio Implementation

This single-coil design eliminates the need for string grounding, streamlining your signal chain and reducing potential interference during recording. Each RA-2 pickup is tuned to its own resonant frequency, ensuring predictable, consistent tonal character across all three positions while preserving the definition and definition of traditional Fender-style single-coil architecture—essential for achieving cohesive rhythm and lead textures across a production.

Key Features

• Alnico 2 magnet construction
• Discrete FET preamp design
• Low-impedance output
• High headroom and low noise
• 600 Micro-Amp current draw at 9 Volts
• No string grounding required
• Individual resonant frequency per pickup position
• Single-coil pole piece design
• Active electronics with extended dynamic range

The RA-2 Retro Active delivers the definition and responsiveness of classic single-coil tone with the noise rejection and headroom essential for professional recording, making it a natural choice for producers and engineers who demand both vintage character and contemporary tracking performance.