EMG4194 vs EMG4198 — Compare
EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome vs EMG 909 9-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The EMG 85X is a traditional humbucker for standard 6-string guitars seeking aggressive, midrange-focused tone, while the EMG 909 is a soapbar pickup purpose-built for 9-string and extended-range instruments with a tighter low end and exceptionally low noise floor. Choose the 85X for classic metal and hard rock on standard guitars; choose the 909 if you play extended-range instruments or need studio-grade noise rejection.
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EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
EMG 909 9-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome | EMG 909 9-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- ✓ Fits standard humbucker cavities without modification
- ✓ Long-shaft configuration compatible with most guitar bodies
- ✓ Higher picked-note output (3.10V) for added aggression
- ✓ 80 µA draw yields longer battery life (~3000 hours)
Why choose EMG 909 9-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
- ✓ Engineered specifically for 9-string instruments with balanced string-to-string response
- ✓ Exceptionally low noise floor (-104 dBV) ideal for high-gain recording
- ✓ Tighter low-end response suits djent and modern extended-range metal
- ✓ Includes two-pickup bus system for multi-pickup setups
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup works with a standard humbucker guitar?
Only the EMG 85X. It uses the traditional humbucker form factor and long-shaft design. The EMG 909 is a soapbar shape designed for extended-range instruments and requires a soapbar cavity or rerouting.
How do the output levels compare?
The 85X produces 3.10V on picked notes and 4.50V on strums. The 909 produces 2.00V per string and 4.50V on full strums. The 85X has higher single-note output, but the 909 is designed to balance output evenly across nine strings.
Which has better noise performance?
The EMG 909 has a significantly lower noise floor at -104 dBV versus no specified noise rating for the 85X. This makes the 909 superior for high-gain studio recording where background hum is problematic.
How long does the battery last on each?
The 85X draws 80 µA at 9V, yielding approximately 3000 hours per battery. The 909 draws 400 µA at 9V, yielding approximately 1250 hours per battery—meaning the 85X lasts roughly 2.4 times longer between battery changes.