EMG PAX 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
- EMG3386
Description
EMG PAX Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG PAX is a compact, high-output active pickup engineered for recording and studio applications where clarity and punch matter in confined spaces. Its single-coil design delivers articulate mids and defined lows without the bulk of traditional humbucker configurations, making it ideal for retrofitting into tight pickup cavities during session builds or reconfigurations.
Design & Construction
This active design incorporates EMG's proprietary circuitry and requires a 9V battery for operation, ensuring consistent output and reduced noise floor across all playing dynamics. The black cover and compact footprint allow seamless integration into most modern bass bodies without routing modifications, simplifying session prep and instrument swaps.
Tone & Output Character
The PAX produces a punchy, articulate voice with strong midrange presence and controlled low-end response—capturing definition across slap, fingerstyle, and pick-driven techniques with precision. Active electronics provide high signal-to-noise ratio and aggressive transient capture, translating to clarity and separation through dense mix environments and layered arrangements.
Key Features
- Active electronics with onboard preamp
- Single-coil configuration for compact installation
- High output level suitable for modern amplifiers
- 9V battery operation
- Black powder-coated cover finish
- Reduced noise floor characteristic of active design
- Articulate midrange and controlled bass response
- Responsive dynamic range across playing techniques
- Retrofitting capability into existing pickup cavities
- Professional-grade EMG construction and reliability
The PAX delivers EMG's proven active technology in a form factor built for producers and engineers who demand clean, focused bass tones without space compromises.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG PAX is a single-coil active bass pickup engineered for studio recording, offering articulate mids, controlled low-end response, and high signal-to-noise performance ideal for capturing punchy, defined bass tracks through dense arrangements. Its compact footprint fits most modern bass cavities without modification, making retrofitting quick and non-invasive during session prep. Choose it for professional-grade active electronics that translate to clarity and presence in the mix across slap, fingerstyle, and pick techniques.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Slap Bass
- ✓ Modern Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Upright Bass Styles
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the EMG PAX require any modifications to install in my bass?
No routing modifications are needed for most modern bass bodies. The compact single-coil footprint allows seamless integration into existing pickup cavities, making it ideal for retrofitting without extensive work.
What kind of battery does it need, and how often will I change it?
The PAX operates on a standard 9V battery, which powers the active preamp and contributes to the reduced noise floor and consistent output across all playing dynamics.
Is the PAX good for jazz and traditional bass styles?
The PAX is optimized for funk, slap bass, and modern rock with punchy, articulate mids and aggressive transient capture. Traditional jazz and upright bass styles are better served by passive pickup designs.
How does the PAX compare to other active bass pickups?
The PAX delivers EMG's professional-grade active technology in a compact form factor with strong midrange presence and controlled lows. It compares to models like the Seymour Duncan Active P and Bartolini CBJD, distinguished by its space-saving single-coil design and high signal-to-noise ratio.
What playing techniques does the PAX handle well?
The PAX excels with slap, fingerstyle, and pick-driven techniques, offering responsive dynamic range and aggressive transient capture that translates definition through dense mix environments.
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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