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EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome vs EMG H1A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 60A is an active pickup requiring battery power that prioritizes ultra-low noise and consistent output, while the EMG H1A-N is a passive pickup with no battery dependency that offers tonal flexibility through wiring options. The 60A suits players who want plug-and-play consistency and studio clarity; the H1A-N suits gigging musicians who prefer traditional passive response and no maintenance.
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EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | EMG H1A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Active electronics deliver exceptionally clean signal with -89dBV noise floor
- ✓ Solderless Quik-connect installation and pre-wired hardware minimize setup time
- ✓ 3,000-hour battery life with minimal 80 microamp current draw
- ✓ Consistent output at 3.5V on strum ideal for recording and live amplification
Why choose EMG H1A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery or ongoing maintenance
- ✓ Alnico V magnet construction and dual resonant frequencies (1.65 kHz and 3.00 kHz) provide musical tonal complexity
- ✓ 5-wire Quik-Connect allows series, parallel, and split wiring configurations for tonal versatility
- ✓ Over-wound coils deliver smooth saturation and balanced response across clean and driven tones
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to worry about battery maintenance with either pickup?
Only the EMG 60A requires a 9V battery, which lasts 3,000 hours under typical use. The EMG H1A-N is fully passive and never needs a battery.
Which pickup is better for recording?
The EMG 60A's active circuitry and -89dBV noise floor make it ideal for studio recording, delivering the cleanest, most consistent signal. The H1A-N works well in studios too but requires careful gain staging due to its higher impedance.
Can I modify the tone of each pickup after installation?
The EMG 60A uses a single 9V circuit and comes pre-wired with a volume/tone control set, offering standard shaping. The EMG H1A-N's 5-wire output permits series, parallel, and split configurations, allowing more tonal exploration without re-soldering.
Which pickup has higher output?
The EMG 60A outputs 3.5V on strum, while the H1A-N's passive design produces lower output typical of passive humbuckers. The 60A is better for driving amplifier input stages consistently.