EMG SX/SX/85X 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
- EMG6499
Description
EMG SX/SX/85X Active Pickup Set
This three-pickup configuration combines the clarity and articulation of EMG SX single-coil pickups with the punchy midrange of the EMG 85X humbucker, delivering a versatile active system that captures precision across genres in the studio. The low-impedance design ensures tight, noise-free operation with minimal signal degradation, making this set ideal for producers and engineers who demand studio-grade performance for tracking and layering.
Active Electronics & Output Characteristics
All three pickups are powered by a 9V battery circuit, producing clean, consistent output with virtually no noise floor ideal for critical recording sessions. The SX single-coils generate 1.00V string output and 3.00V strum output with a -107 dB noise floor, while maintaining a 4.52 kHz resonant frequency for articulate highs and defined lows that cut through dense mixes. The 85X humbucker delivers the aggressive midrange punch EMG is known for, rounding out the set for thick, present rhythm tones in multi-track recording scenarios.
Design & Specifications
This is a three-pickup drop-in set ready for wiring into any compatible guitar cavity. The active circuitry draws 80 microamps at 9V with an exceptionally long 3000-hour battery life, minimizing downtime between recording sessions. Output impedance is rated at 2.00 kOhm across all elements, ensuring optimal headroom and clean signal transmission to your audio interface and monitoring chain.
Key Features
- Two EMG SX active single-coil pickups plus one EMG 85X active humbucker
- 1.00V string output and 3.00V strum output on SX models
- 4.52 kHz resonant frequency for balanced frequency response
- -107 dB output noise floor for silent operation
- 2.00 kOhm output impedance
- 80 microamps current draw at 9V
- 3000-hour battery life per 9V cell
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Low-impedance active design for studio and stage reliability
- Black finish throughout the set
The EMG SX/SX/85X set combines the noise-free active topology EMG pioneered with a balanced three-pickup configuration capable of delivering everything from transparent clean recordings to aggressive overdriven textures, adapting seamlessly across tracking scenarios and mix-ready tones.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Finish | Black |
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SX/SX/85X offers a versatile three-pickup active system that captures articulate highs and tight lows with studio-grade clarity and virtually no noise. The low-impedance design ensures minimal signal degradation, clean recording headroom, and a balanced frequency response that sits well in dense mixes without requiring aggressive EQ. Perfect for home and professional recording across rock and metal, this set delivers transparent cleans and aggressive tones with the consistency and reliability active electronics bring to session work.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Live Performance, Rock, Metal |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate highs, tight low end, punchy midrange, noise-free operation, high output |
| Less specialized for | Folk, Traditional Jazz (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in this set, and what guitar does it fit?
This is a three-pickup drop-in set: two EMG SX active single-coil pickups and one EMG 85X active humbucker. It's ready for wiring into any compatible guitar cavity — confirm your guitar's pickup routing and cavity type before purchase.
How long does the battery last, and what's the noise floor like?
Each 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of playing time, and the active circuit maintains a -107 dB noise floor, making it ideal for recording and live use without hum or hiss.
What output levels and tone character should I expect?
The SX single-coils produce 1.00V string output and 3.00V strum output with a 4.52 kHz resonant frequency for articulate highs and defined lows, while the 85X humbucker adds aggressive midrange punch. Together they cover transparent cleans to overdriven rock and metal tones.
How does this compare to passive pickup sets?
Active pickups deliver higher output, lower impedance, and virtually noise-free operation — the trade-off is a 9V battery requirement and a slight tonal character. This set excels in live and studio environments where consistency and signal integrity matter most.
Which genres and playing styles fit this set best?
Built for rock and metal, this set performs well in any style demanding clarity, tight low-end definition, and noise-free output. Folk and traditional jazz are outside its sonic sweet spot.
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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $21 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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