EMG4319 vs EMG4320 — Compare
EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome vs EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG 81X prioritizes controlled articulation with an active tone filter to reduce harshness, making it ideal for players who want refined clarity in high-gain settings. The EMG 85X emphasizes piercing treble and fast transients with a higher resonant frequency, better suited for aggressive lead work and cutting through dense mixes without tone-shaping controls.
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EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF) active tone control lets you dial out harshness on the fly
- ✓ Lower 1.72 kHz resonant frequency avoids muddy upper-mid buildup
- ✓ Higher string output (4.00V) provides extra headroom for dynamic play
- ✓ Compact active format keeps installation simple and clean
Why choose EMG 85X Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Piercing treble response cuts through dense mixes and high-gain tones
- ✓ Higher 1870 Hz resonant frequency sits in vocal midrange for lead clarity
- ✓ Fast transient response and minimal feedback even at extreme gain
- ✓ Alnico V magnet delivers classic EMG aggression with modern precision
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for drop tunings and very heavy riffs?
Both handle drop tunings well due to their active design and tight low end. The 81X excels with its higher string output and tone filter for keeping heavy riffs articulate; the 85X favors aggressive transient response and cutting midrange presence for maximum definition.
Can I use either as a neck pickup?
Both are marketed as high-output bridge pickups. The 85X specifically states compatibility with bridge and neck positions, while the 81X does not mention neck placement. For neck duty, the 85X is the safer choice.
What is the main difference in output voltage?
The 81X outputs 4.00V string / 8.50V strum, while the 85X outputs 3.10V RMS (4.50V peak). The 81X has slightly higher strum voltage, but both are high-output active designs; the difference in perceived volume will be minimal in real-world use.
Which pickup requires more amp gain to sound aggressive?
The 85X's piercing treble and fast transients naturally sound more aggressive at moderate gain levels. The 81X's tone filter means you can control brightness, potentially requiring slightly more drive to achieve comparable aggression, though this gives you more tone-shaping flexibility.