EMG P5X 5-String Active Bass 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
- EMG3383
Description
EMG P5X 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG P5X captures articulate, focused transients with responsive string-to-string clarity across all five strings. This active humbucker pickup pairs ceramic magnets with the refined X Series preamp to deliver definition and punch while maintaining tight low-end control—essential for sitting cleanly in dense mixes. Built for studio sessions and productions demanding precision in modern bass tracking.
Tone & Electronics
The P5X combines ceramic magnets with short, squat coils engineered specifically for five-string configurations. Output measures 1.0V RMS with 1.40V peak voltage, delivering articulate midrange and controlled highs at 4.5 kHz resonant frequency. The included 25k active tone pot with low-pass filtering enables precise on-the-fly EQ shaping during recording or layering, maintaining fundamental tone integrity across takes.
System Integration & Performance
This active system runs on 9V battery power with an exceptionally efficient draw of 80 microamps, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge. Output impedance of 10 Kohm and -90 dBV noise floor ensure clean signal transmission to audio interfaces and mixing consoles with minimal noise, critical for tracking and post-production workflows.
Key Features
- X Series active preamp with increased touch sensitivity
- Ceramic magnet construction with short, squat coils
- Designed for 5-string basses with standard string spacing (3.125" max)
- Active humbucker configuration
- 25k volume potentiometer and 25k active tone pot (VLPF)
- 1.0V RMS output voltage / 1.40V peak output voltage
- 4.5 kHz resonant frequency
- 80 microamp current draw at 9V for extended battery life (~3000 hours)
- 10 Kohm output impedance
- -90 dBV output noise specification
- Manufactured in the United States
- Includes mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable
The P5X is purpose-built for five-string bass players tracking in the studio who prioritize articulation, active tone shaping, and reliable performance across multiple session takes.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG P5X brings studio-grade articulation and active tone shaping to 5-string bass recording, with a ceramic magnet design and X Series preamp that cut through dense mixes without sacrificing low-end definition. Its responsive touch sensitivity and 25k active low-pass filter give you surgical control over brightness and frequency balance during tracking and mixing. Ideal for producers and engineers recording modern bass styles that demand clarity, punch, and minimal noise in the signal chain.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Modern Bass Rigs
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Upright Bass Contexts
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box?
The EMG P5X comes with mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and a 25k active tone potentiometer with low-pass filtering for tone shaping.
How long does the battery last?
The 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of runtime thanks to an exceptionally efficient 80 microamp current draw, meaning you can go months between replacements in typical use.
Will this pickup fit my 5-string bass?
The P5X is designed for 5-string basses with standard string spacing up to 3.125 inches maximum; confirm your bass's pickup cavity dimensions and string spacing match before ordering.
What tone should I expect?
Expect articulate, punchy output with controlled highs and low-end definition at a 4.5 kHz resonant frequency; the included active tone pot lets you dial brightness without muddying your fundamental tone, making it ideal for funk and modern bass work.
How does it compare to passive pickups?
The active design delivers cleaner signal transmission (10 Kohm output impedance, -90 dBV noise floor) and responsive touch sensitivity that passive pickups cannot match, plus onboard tone shaping gives you studio-grade control without external pedals.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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