EMG3647 vs EMG3648 — Compare
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Red vs EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
The EMG 81 uses ceramic magnets with a higher resonant frequency (2.25 kHz) for tighter, more articulate tone ideal for palm-muted riffs and djent, while the EMG 85 uses Alnico V magnets with lower resonance (1.87 kHz) and significantly higher output (3.10V RMS vs. 1.25V RMS) for punchy sustain and cutting through dense mixes. Choose the 81 for maximum articulation and clarity; choose the 85 for maximum output and punch.
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Specs side by side
| EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Red | EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
- ✓ Higher resonant frequency (2.25 kHz) delivers tighter, more defined articulation
- ✓ Lower output impedance yields faster transient response for precise riff definition
- ✓ Ceramic magnet construction emphasizes mid-range snap and clarity
- ✓ Solderless install system included for quick, tool-free setup
Why choose EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Red
- ✓ 2.4x higher peak output voltage (4.50V vs. 1.75V) cuts through dense high-gain mixes
- ✓ Lower noise floor (-101 dBV vs. -91 dBV) ensures cleaner signal at extreme volumes
- ✓ Alnico V magnets provide warmer, more musical sustain and compression
- ✓ 1.87 kHz resonance emphasizes punchy presence in lead work
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two pickups?
The 81 emphasizes articulation and clarity with its ceramic magnet and higher resonant frequency, making it ideal for riff definition. The 85 emphasizes punch and sustain with Alnico V magnets and lower resonance, delivering a fuller, more compressed tone. Both are high-output active designs; the 85 simply has 2.4x more raw voltage output.
Which pickup is better for metal and high-gain?
Both excel in metal, but they serve different approaches. The 81 is preferred for precision genres like djent and progressive metal where riff clarity is paramount. The 85 suits traditional metal and hard rock where maximum output and sustain matter more than articulation.
Do they require different installation or wiring?
The 81 includes EMG's solderless install system for fastest setup. The 85 does not advertise a solderless system in its description, though both are 9V active designs. Verify installation requirements with your guitar's existing harness before purchase.
What's the noise floor difference and does it matter?
The 85 has a lower noise floor at -101 dBV versus the 81's -91 dBV, meaning 10 dB less electronic noise. In practice, this is most noticeable on very long cable runs or in recording studios; live performance differences are minimal for most players.