EMG H1A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3724
Description
EMG H1A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG H1A-N is a passive alnico humbucker engineered to capture articulate, controlled recordings without the noise floor that active electronics introduce to your signal chain. This design prioritizes clarity and dynamic responsiveness in the studio, tracking pick attack and finger pressure with natural breakup that translates cleanly through your interface and into the mix. Chrome finish resists corrosion across long recording sessions and doubles as a clean aesthetic complement to professional studio gear.
Tone & Output Characteristics
Alnico magnets deliver an organic, touch-responsive character that sits well in layered productions. The 13.65 kOhm DC resistance and dual resonant peaks at 1.65 kHz and 3.00 kHz generate punchy midrange articulation and controlled high-end presence—critical for maintaining clarity when tracking guitars alongside drums, bass, and synths without introducing harshness or frequency masking.
Installation & Compatibility
5-wire quick-connect output with integrated shielding streamlines studio wiring, reduces noise from cable routing, and speeds setup between sessions. Standard 0.388" pole spread accommodates tune-o-matic bridge spacing; adjustable pole pieces allow you to dial in magnetic balance across the string set for even response when recording, ensuring consistent tone capture across string sets during multi-take sessions.
Key Features
- Alnico magnet construction for organic, responsive tone
- 13.65 kOhm DC resistance
- 7.80 Henries inductance
- Dual resonant frequency peaks at 1.65 kHz and 3.00 kHz
- 0.388" (9.85mm) pole spread for tune-o-matic bridges
- 5-wire quick-connect output with shielding
- Over-wound coils for enhanced output and presence
- Adjustable pole pieces for magnetic balance tuning
- Chrome finish
- Passive design—no batteries or preamp required
This pickup combines passive simplicity with refined tonal character, delivering reliable studio performance for producers and engineers who demand straightforward signal paths, low-noise recording, and dynamic responsiveness across tracking and overdub sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H1A-N brings organic alnico tone and touch sensitivity to recording sessions without the noise floor or power demands of active pickups, making it a versatile choice for producers tracking rock and metal that needs clarity and presence in the mix. Its articulate midrange and controlled output sit well in dense arrangements, while adjustable pole pieces allow fine-tuning for balanced string response across recordings.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Blues |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate midrange, controlled output, organic warmth, touch-responsive, punchy presence |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pickup passive or active, and do I need a battery?
The H1A-N is fully passive—no battery or preamp required. It uses alnico magnets and over-wound coils to achieve its output and tone, making it simpler to install and maintain than active electronics.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The H1A-N excels in rock, hard rock, metal, and blues. Its articulate midrange and punchy presence cut through dense mixes, though it is not optimized for jazz or folk playing styles.
Will this fit my guitar, and how do I install it?
The 0.388-inch pole spread is designed for tune-o-matic bridge spacing (standard on many Gibson-style guitars). It includes a 5-wire quick-connect output with integrated shielding that simplifies wiring; adjustable pole pieces allow you to balance magnetic response across all strings after installation.
How does the H1A-N compare to active EMG pickups like the 81/85?
The H1A-N is passive and uses alnico magnets for a more organic, touch-responsive character, whereas the 81/85 are active with ceramic magnets and a higher noise floor. The H1A-N prioritizes dynamic responsiveness and simplicity over the aggressive output of active designs.
What is the tonal character of this pickup?
The H1A-N delivers articulate midrange articulation with controlled high-end presence, organic warmth, and punchy character that responds directly to pick attack and finger pressure. Its dual resonant peaks at 1.65 kHz and 3.00 kHz provide clarity without harshness in dense mixes.
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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