EMG SA Active Single Coil 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
- EMG129
Description
EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The EMG SA delivers the articulate, dynamic response of a single-coil design with the reliability and low noise of active circuitry. This pickup excels at capturing the nuance of both clean and overdriven tones, making it a versatile choice for recording and mixing sessions where clarity and definition across your entire frequency range are essential.
Recording Tone & Electronics
Equipped with an Alnico V magnet and a resonant frequency of 3.70 kHz, the SA generates 1.00 V output per string and 3.00 V on aggressive strums, ensuring responsive dynamics without excessive noise floor interference. The internal low impedance preamp and shielding keep noise floor at -101 dB at 60 Hz, allowing clean, articulate tones to remain defined even in electrically noisy studio environments or when layering multiple takes.
Power & Setup
This active design operates on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—drawing only 80 microamps at 9V yields approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge, eliminating mid-session power concerns. The solderless 2-conductor plus battery connection streamlines installation and reconfiguration, and the pickup tolerates up to 27 Volts DC for studio rigs running higher-voltage signal chains or powered accessories.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet for responsive, defined tone
- Resonant frequency: 3.70 kHz
- 1.00 V output per string; 3.00 V on strum
- Output noise: -101 dB at 60 Hz
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Single 9V battery; 80 microamps current draw
- Battery life: approximately 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27 Volts DC
- Solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity
- Internal shielding and low impedance preamp
- Black finish
- Dimensions: 3.38 × 2.25 × 4.75 inches
The SA combines single-coil articulation with active-circuit reliability, making it a dependable choice for home studios and professional sessions where consistent, noise-free capture and extended battery performance matter.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA active single-coil brings studio-grade clarity and low noise to tracking and overdubbing, with a resonant peak at 3.70 kHz that captures articulate leads and clean tones without the hum that plagues traditional single coils. Its 1.00 V per-string output and responsive dynamics track well into preamps and interfaces, making it easy to layer multiple takes with consistent definition. Use this pickup when you want single-coil character and nuance in a session without wrestling with noise gates or shielding workarounds.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | studio sessions, home recording, clean tones, articulate leads |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, dynamic, low-noise, clear definition, responsive |
| Less specialized for | high-gain metal, thick rhythm work (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of music or tones is the EMG SA best suited for?
The SA excels at clean tones, articulate leads, and studio recording sessions where clarity and definition matter most. It is not designed for high-gain metal or thick rhythm work, where hotter, darker pickups perform better.
How long will the battery last, and is installation complicated?
The 9V battery draws only 80 microamps and delivers approximately 3000 hours of playable life. Installation is straightforward thanks to solderless 2-conductor plus battery connections—no soldering required.
Will this pickup work in noisy environments like venues or live-sound setups?
Yes. The internal low-impedance preamp and shielding keep the output noise floor at -101 dB at 60 Hz, so your clean tones remain articulate even in electrically noisy environments.
What are the key specs I need to know before installing this?
The SA produces 1.00 V output per string and 3.00 V on aggressive strums, has a resonant frequency of 3.70 kHz, operates on a single 9V battery, and tolerates up to 27 Volts DC for higher-voltage rigs. Dimensions are 3.38 × 2.25 × 4.75 inches.
How does this compare to passive single-coil pickups?
The active circuit provides significantly lower noise, more consistent output, and extended battery life compared to passive designs. You trade passive simplicity for active reliability and studio-grade clarity, making the SA ideal for recording and venues where noise rejection is critical.
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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