EMG P Active Bass Pickup in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5306
Description
EMG P Active Bass Pickup in Red
The EMG P Active delivers the focused midrange punch and articulate attack that cuts through dense mixes, with the added clarity and low noise floor that active electronics provide. This ceramic-magnet single-coil design captures finger technique with precision and reproduces pick dynamics faithfully, making it a dependable choice for producers tracking bass parts that need definition and presence in the mix. The red finish offers a striking visual alternative to the standard black cosmetic.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
A 3.20 kHz resonant frequency centers the pickup's response in the critical midrange, emphasizing punch and cut without muddiness. Output reaches 2.00V in finger/thumb mode and 8.0V in thump mode, providing flexible gain staging for both passive and hot bass sources, while the -106 dB output noise floor ensures clean tracking without hum or hiss during overdubs. Active operation draws 380 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 1000 hours of battery life per nine-volt cell—reliable for extended session work.
Installation & System Integration
The solderless installation system includes matched potentiometers, battery connections, and all necessary cables—eliminating the need for soldering and reducing setup time in the studio. 3 Kohm output impedance ensures transparent signal transmission to preamps, interfaces, and mixing chains, and the design supports supply voltages up to 27V DC for extended headroom when tracking hot signals or running through high-impedance input stages.
Key Features
- Active, single-coil configuration with ceramic magnet
- Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
- Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
- Output voltage (thump): 8.0V
- Output noise: -106 dB @ 60 Hz
- Output impedance: 3 Kohm
- Current draw @ 9V: 380 microamps
- Battery life: 1000 hours
- Maximum supply: 27V DC
- Solderless installation system with volume pot, tone pot, battery bus, connectors, and cables
- Stainless steel construction
- Dimensions: 2.63"L × 2.38"W × 6"H
The EMG P Active combines reliable active circuitry, straightforward installation, and articulate tone in a compact, professional-grade package.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG P Active captures articulate bass tone with tight definition and high clarity, making it a solid choice for recording sessions where your playing needs to cut through busy mixes without hum or noise. The active design delivers -106 dB output noise floor, dual output modes for flexible recording levels, and a 3.20 kHz resonant peak that sits naturally in the midrange—perfect for funk, rock, and modern production work. Solderless installation and included wiring reduce studio setup time, and the 27V DC maximum supply headroom gives you dynamic flexibility in tracking and mixing.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | funk, rock, studio sessions, gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Focused midrange punch, articulate attack, tight definition, high clarity, low noise floor |
| Less specialized for | traditional jazz, folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What output levels should I expect, and can I switch between them?
The pickup delivers 2.00V in finger/thumb mode for standard playing and 8.0V in thump mode for higher-gain applications, giving you flexible gain staging for different amps, preamps, and recording interfaces. You control which mode is active through the integrated electronics.
How long does a 9V battery last, and what else is included in the installation?
A single 9V battery provides approximately 1000 hours of playback time at 380 microamps draw. The kit includes matched volume and tone potentiometers, battery connectors, all necessary cables, and a solderless wiring system so you don't need a soldering iron to install it.
Will this pickup work in my current bass, or do I need special wiring?
The solderless system works with standard bass cavities and includes pre-made connectors designed for quick, reliable installation; the 3 Kohm output impedance ensures transparent signal transmission to any standard amp or interface. If your bass currently has passive electronics, you'll need to rout for the battery compartment and wire the active circuit, but EMG's system minimizes soldering.
Is the red finish durable, or just cosmetic?
The red cosmetic finish is a striking visual alternative to standard black; the pickup body itself is built from stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance in live and studio environments.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup designed for?
The EMG P Active is optimized for funk, rock, and studio sessions where articulate attack and midrange presence matter; its focused tone and high clarity are less suited to traditional jazz or folk styles that prioritize warm, dark voicing.
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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