EMG SA/SA/85 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
- EMG155
Description
EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The EMG SA delivers articulate, controlled single-coil response with the reliability of active electronics. This pickup excels in tracking tight, defined voicings across rock, metal, and fusion sessions where clarity and consistency matter more than vintage warmth. The low-impedance preamp design ensures minimal noise even in high-gain recording environments, making it ideal for layered guitar production and multi-tracked sessions.
Tone & Output Characteristics
Built around an Alnico V magnet with a 3.70 kHz resonant frequency, the SA produces 1.00V output on single strings and 3.00V on full strums, yielding focused midrange articulation without muddiness. The -101 dBV noise floor at 60 Hz ensures whisper-quiet operation during tracking and playback, even with extended sustain or high-distortion settings—critical for clean parallel compression chains and transparent effects processing.
Power & Installation
This active design operates on a single 9V battery and draws only 80 microamps at operating voltage, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per cell. The preamp accepts input up to 27 Volts DC maximum, offering headroom for custom power solutions if needed. Long battery life means consistent tone throughout full recording sessions without unexpected signal degradation.
Key Features
- Alnico V bar magnet construction
- 3.70 kHz resonant frequency for focused articulation
- 1.00V output on single strings; 3.00V output on full strums
- -101 dBV noise floor at 60 Hz
- 10 kOhms output impedance
- Low-impedance active preamp topology
- 80 microamps current draw at 9V
- Maximum supply rating 27 Volts DC
- Approximately 3000 hours battery life on standard 9V
- Requires 9V battery power
- Internal shielding for EMI rejection
- Black finish
The SA stands as a workhorse single-coil option for home studios and tracking environments prioritizing noise rejection and output consistency. Its predictable preamp response captures the percussive attack modern production demands, maintaining clarity across multiple takes and complementing dense mix arrangements.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA is a noise-free, articulate active single-coil for studio tracking in rock, metal, and fusion sessions where clarity and consistency shape the final mix. Its focused midrange and controlled output integrate cleanly into high-gain and layered arrangements without muddiness, while the -101 dBV noise floor keeps hum out of overdubs and long sustain notes. Low battery draw and straightforward 9V powering make it a practical, reliable choice for home-studio and professional recording setups.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Fusion
- ✓ Hard Rock
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres is the SA best suited for?
The EMG SA excels in rock, metal, fusion, and hard rock applications where tight articulation and noise rejection matter. It is not voiced for jazz, blues, or country—those styles benefit from warmer, more vintage-focused single-coil designs.
How long does a 9V battery last in this pickup?
A standard 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of operating life, as the preamp draws only 80 microamps. This translates to several months of regular playing before replacement is needed.
Does the SA reduce hum in high-gain settings?
Yes. The low-impedance active preamp topology and internal shielding deliver a -101 dBV noise floor at 60 Hz, ensuring whisper-quiet operation even under extended sustain and distortion.
What are the output levels?
Single-string output is 1.00V; full-strum output is 3.00V. The 3.70 kHz resonant frequency produces focused midrange articulation and percussive attack suitable for modern high-output rigs.
How does the SA compare to passive single coils?
The SA uses active electronics to deliver consistent output, noise rejection, and midrange control that passive designs cannot match. You sacrifice vintage warmth for reliability, clarity, and modern tonal character across rock, metal, and fusion.
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. On this item that is roughly $20 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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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