EMG PA Active Bass Pickup in Black
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2840
Description
EMG P Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG P Active Bass Pickup captures the punchy, articulate midrange character of the classic P-Bass sound with active electronics for consistent output and low impedance performance throughout tracking and mixing sessions. This single pickup uses ceramic magnets paired with short, squat coils to produce tight, defined lows and present mids—ideal for recording clarity across a broad range of playing techniques from fingerstyle to aggressive thumb attack. The onboard preamp requires only a 9V battery and draws minimal current, providing reliable operation for extended studio sessions and post-production work.
Recording Tone & Output Characteristics
A 3.20 kHz resonant frequency centers the pickup's response in the upper-midrange, ensuring the bass cuts through a mix with articulation and sits well alongside drums and keys. Output voltage reaches 2.00V for finger or thumb technique and 4.50V for thumping attack, providing ample headroom and dynamic range to capture the full expression of your playing without saturation. The -106 dBV output noise floor ensures clean, quiet operation even at high gain settings in your preamp stage or interface, critical for transparent tracking and layering.
Electronics & Studio Integration
The 10 Kohm output impedance works seamlessly with modern bass amplifiers, audio interfaces, and onboard recording electronics. Active operation at 80 microamps current draw yields exceptional battery life of 3000 hours on a single 9V cell—roughly four months of daily playing and recording. Maximum supply rating of 27 volts DC accommodates stacked batteries or external power supplies for extended tracking sessions without interruption.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnets with short, squat coil design
- Resonant frequency of 3.20 kHz
- Output voltage: 2.00V (finger/thumb), 4.50V (thump)
- Output noise: -106 dBV at 60 Hz
- Output impedance: 10 Kohm
- Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours per 9V cell
- Maximum supply rating: 27 volts DC
- Includes quick-connect cable and prewired control set
- Includes output jack, battery clip set, and adjustment screws
This pickup combines the focused midrange punch of a classic P design with modern active preamp reliability, making it a straightforward swap for engineers and producers who need consistent, noise-free performance in the studio and during overdubs.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG P Active Bass Pickup captures the focused midrange character of a classic P design with a modern active preamp for studio consistency and low-impedance performance. Its tight low end, articulate mids at 3.20 kHz, and extremely low noise floor (-106 dBV) make it ideal for recording funk, slap, and finger-style bass where definition and cut matter. A straightforward swap with minimal battery draw (3000 hours per 9V cell), it sits cleanly in a mix without coloration and handles dynamic playing from whisper-quiet fingerstyle to aggressive thumping.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | funk, studio sessions, gigging, live performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, present mids, articulate, punchy, high output |
| Less specialized for | folk, country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What output voltage and impedance does this pickup deliver?
The EMG P Active delivers 2.00V for finger or thumb technique and 4.50V for thumping attack, with a 10 Kohm output impedance that works seamlessly with modern bass amplifiers and onboard electronics.
How long does the battery last?
A single 9V battery powers the onboard preamp for approximately 3000 hours of playing time—roughly four months of daily use—at only 80 microamps current draw, making it exceptionally efficient for both studio and live work.
What kind of tone character should I expect?
The pickup features ceramic magnets and short, squat coils tuned to a 3.20 kHz resonant frequency, delivering tight defined lows, present mids, and articulate highs that cut through a mix with punch and clarity ideal for funk, studio sessions, and gigging.
What's included in the box?
The pickup ships with a quick-connect cable, prewired control set, output jack, battery clip set, and adjustment screws for straightforward installation into any P-Bass cavity.
Can I use external power or stacked batteries?
Yes, the maximum supply rating is 27 volts DC, so you can use stacked 9V batteries or external power supplies for extended sessions if needed.
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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