EMG4312 vs EMG4313 — Compare
EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold vs EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The EMG 81 is a more aggressive, high-gain specialist with tighter lows and punchy fundamentals, while the EMG 85 offers a more balanced, articulate midrange that translates better across multiple genres. Choose the 81 for pure metal and djent tones; pick the 85 if you need versatility without sacrificing clarity.
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EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ More aggressive output and tighter low-end response for metal and djent
- ✓ Ceramic magnet design optimized for punch and articulation in high-gain contexts
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency (1.63 kHz) emphasizes lower midrange aggression
- ✓ Ideal for players prioritizing extreme clarity in dense, distorted mixes
Why choose EMG 85 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Higher resonant frequency (1870 Hz) delivers more articulate, balanced midrange presence
- ✓ Alnico 5 magnet provides responsive dynamics and better pick-attack tracking
- ✓ Slightly lower noise floor (-101 dBV vs -100 dBV) for cleaner signal
- ✓ More versatile across multiple genres while retaining metal/hard rock capability
Frequently asked questions
What is the main tonal difference between the 81 and 85?
The 81 emphasizes lower midrange punch with a 1.63 kHz resonant peak, making it ideal for extreme metal tones. The 85 has a higher 1870 Hz peak that delivers more articulate, balanced midrange presence suitable for both aggressive and cleaner contexts. The 81 is more single-genre focused; the 85 is more versatile.
Which pickup is better for studio and live performance versatility?
The EMG 85 is explicitly designed for both studio and live contexts and offers more balanced aggression with responsive dynamics. The 81 excels in specific high-gain scenarios but is less adaptable if you play multiple styles or need to adjust tone on the fly.
Is there a significant output difference?
Both pickups deliver similar peak output (81: 4.5 V chords; 85: 4.50 V peak), but the 85 explicitly rates 3.10 V RMS for cleaner, more usable signal transmission. Real-world difference is minimal for most amplifiers and pedalboards.
Do both pickups require soldering, and how long do batteries last?
Both feature solderless connectivity and are powered by a single 9V battery rated for 3000 hours of typical use. Installation complexity is identical between the two models.