EMG3703 vs EMG3706 — Compare
EMG H4A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold vs EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The H4A is a passive vintage-voiced humbucker ideal for blues, rock, and classic rock players seeking organic tone without batteries, while the 60A is an active humbucker designed for rock, metal, and progressive styles that demand articulate mids, controlled dynamics, and a low noise floor. Choose the H4A for traditional warmth and simplicity; choose the 60A for modern versatility and noise rejection.
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Specs side by side
| EMG H4A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold | EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H4A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ No battery required—fully passive design with permanent reliability
- ✓ Warm, vintage-voiced character with smooth highs and defined lows
- ✓ Budget-friendly entry to quality humbucker tone for blues and classic rock
Why choose EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Active circuitry delivers articulate, controlled dynamics across rock and metal
- ✓ Exceptionally low noise floor (-89 dBV) ideal for high-gain and studio work
- ✓ 3,000-hour battery life and stable 1.0V RMS output for demanding applications
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for metal and high-gain tones?
The 60A is explicitly designed for metal and progressive styles. Its active circuitry, low noise floor, and controlled dynamics make it suitable for high-gain applications, whereas the H4A is not ideal for metal.
Do I need to worry about battery maintenance?
The 60A requires a 9V battery with a 3,000-hour lifespan (roughly 4–5 months of heavy use). The H4A is fully passive and never needs a battery, making it maintenance-free.
What is the key tonal difference between these two pickups?
The H4A emphasizes warm, vintage character with a balanced frequency response centered at 1600 Hz and 2875 Hz. The 60A prioritizes articulate midrange and smooth highs with a 2.95 kHz resonant frequency, delivering more modern, controlled tone suited to rock and metal.
Which is better for studio recording?
Both suit studio work, but for different reasons. The H4A excels in vintage, blues, and classic rock sessions. The 60A's low noise floor (-89 dBV) and stable active output make it ideal for high-gain recording and precise tone shaping.