EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2966
Description
EMG 81X Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 81X delivers aggressive, articulate high-output tone with tight low-end definition and controlled sustain. Built around EMG's proven X-Series preamp architecture, this active humbucker cuts through dense mixes and holds clarity at high gain—a workhorse for modern rock, metal, and progressive styles where precision and headroom matter. The solderless quick-connect system makes installation and swaps straightforward without soldering.
Tone & Output Character
Output reaches 8.50V on strum, establishing significant presence in any mix while maintaining tight definition via a 1.72 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes midrange clarity. The ceramic and steel magnet configuration with close-aperture dual coils produces the focused, percussive attack the 81X is known for, resisting mud even at extreme gain settings.
Power & Longevity
A single 9V battery powers the active electronics, rated for approximately 3000 hours of battery life—roughly one year of typical use. Low current draw at 80 microamps @ 9V combined with minimal noise floor of −105 dB (60Hz) keeps the signal chain clean and responsive across dynamic playing.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with X-Series preamp
- Dual-coil configuration with close-aperture coils
- Ceramic and steel magnet construction
- Steel rail pole pieces
- Standard humbucker mounting ring
- 8.50V strum output voltage / 4.00V string output
- 2.00 kΩ output impedance
- 1.72 kHz resonant frequency
- 80 microamps current draw @ 9V
- −105 dB output noise floor (60Hz)
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system with 3-pin header
- Includes split-shaft volume/active tone control, output jack, battery clip, and mounting hardware
The 81X combines high output, low noise, and quick installation into a pickup engineered for demanding modern applications where articulation and headroom are non-negotiable.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81X is a high-output active humbucker built for metal, hard rock, and progressive styles, delivering tight low-end definition and articulate midrange clarity that cuts through dense mixes even at extreme gain. Intermediate to professional players get 8.50V of output, a 3000-hour battery life, and solderless quick-connect installation that makes swaps painless—perfect for gigging musicians who need reliable, percussive tone night after night. Choose it when you need precision headroom and focused attack that resists mud in high-gain settings.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Modern Rock
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the EMG 81X best suited for?
The 81X excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, djent, and modern rock styles where high output, tight low-end, and articulate midrange clarity are priorities. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
How long does the 9V battery last, and what is the current draw?
The battery is rated for approximately 3000 hours of use—roughly one year of typical playing. The pickup draws only 80 microamps at 9V, keeping power consumption minimal and the signal clean.
Do I need to solder the EMG 81X to install it?
No. The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system uses a 3-pin header, making installation and pickup swaps straightforward without any soldering required.
What output level does the 81X deliver, and how does it perform at high gain?
The 81X outputs 8.50V on strum with a 1.72 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes midrange clarity and a focused, percussive attack. The ceramic and steel magnet configuration with close-aperture dual coils resists mud even at extreme gain settings.
What is included with the EMG 81X?
The package includes the pickup, a split-shaft volume/active tone control, output jack, battery clip, and mounting hardware for standard humbucker cavities.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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