EMG PCSX 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
- EMG3381
Description
EMG PCSX Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG PCSX is a modern active pickup engineered to capture articulate, controlled low-end response with a noise floor low enough for pristine studio tracking. This ceramic/steel design delivers punchy midrange clarity and tight bottom end, translating accurately through mixing and monitoring chains. The integrated active preamp with X-series tone control gives you real-time shaping for adapting tone across multiple sessions and arrangements without complex external processing.
Tone & Electronics Performance
The 2.61 kHz resonant frequency positions the pickup's natural peak in the upper-midrange zone, emphasizing note definition and articulation across recording and playback. Output voltage reaches 2.00V per string for clean, dynamic signal transmission into your interface or console, while the thump output delivers 6.50V for enhanced low-frequency presence when shaping tone during mixing. Noise performance is exceptional at -101 dB at 60 Hz, ensuring silent operation during overdubs and eliminating interference even with gain-staged recording chains.
Power & Specifications
This active system draws only 80 µA at 9V, yielding approximately 3,000 hours of battery life per cell—measured, real-world runtime spanning extended session schedules. The pickup tolerates supply voltages up to 27V DC, offering flexibility for stacked or multi-battery configurations in long tracking days. Output impedance is 2.00 kΩ, optimized for minimal cable interaction and maximum signal clarity over standard bass runs to your recording setup.
Key Features
- Ceramic/Steel magnet construction
- Resonant frequency: 2.61 kHz
- Output voltage (string): 2.00V
- Output voltage (thump): 6.50V
- Output noise: -101 dB (60 Hz)
- Output impedance: 2.00 kΩ
- Current draw: 80 µA @ 9V
- Battery life: 3,000 hours
- Maximum supply: 27V DC
- Short, squat coil design
- Solderless wiring system included
- X-series preamp with Active Tone Control (VLPF)
The PCSX combines EMG's active reliability with modern tone-shaping tools and genuine low-noise performance—a pickup that captures consistent, articulate recordings session after session.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG PCSX is a modern active bass pickup that captures articulate note definition and controlled low-end presence with minimal noise—essential for tracking and mixing in the studio where clarity and consistency matter. The 2.61 kHz resonant peak emphasizes midrange definition to cut through dense arrangements, while the exceptional -101 dB noise floor and high output voltage (2.00V per string) ensure clean, dynamic recording without external gear or hum interference. Its integrated active tone control lets you shape your tone in real time during sessions, and the 3,000-hour battery life means reliable performance across multiple tracking days without power anxiety.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Metal
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the PCSX best suited for?
The PCSX excels in studio sessions and live performance across funk, progressive, and metal—styles that demand articulate note definition, tight low-end control, and high output clarity. Its punchy midrange and noise-free operation make it less ideal for folk or traditional jazz, where warmer, rounder passive tones are often preferred.
How long does the battery last, and what happens when it dies?
The PCSX draws only 80 µA at 9V, delivering approximately 3,000 hours of real-world battery life per cell—roughly four months of daily use. When the battery is depleted, the active preamp and tone control cease functioning, so planning regular battery changes or using a spare cell on gig day is smart practice.
Does the PCSX work with long cable runs on stage without signal loss?
Yes. The 2.00 kΩ output impedance is optimized for minimal cable interaction, and the high output voltage (2.00V per string) ensures maximum signal clarity over standard bass cable lengths without degradation.
What's included, and is soldering required for installation?
The PCSX includes a solderless wiring system, so you can install it without a soldering iron. You'll still need to route the pickup cavity and connect the output jack and battery clip to your bass's electronics.
How does the PCSX compare to passive pickups in terms of noise and output?
The active design delivers high output voltage (2.00V per string) and an exceptionally quiet noise floor (-101 dB at 60 Hz), making it far superior to passive pickups for high-gain amplification and recording without hum or noise floor artifacts. This makes it ideal for funk and metal styles where tight dynamics and clean signal transmission are non-negotiable.
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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