What makes the 85-7XH different from passive 7-string pickups?

The 85-7XH is an active humbucker powered by a single 9V battery (rated for 3,000 hours), delivering higher output and lower noise than passive designs. The X-series preamp adds increased headroom and dynamic range, while the active VLPF tone control lets you shape high frequencies in real time without sacrificing output or responsiveness.

How long does the 9V battery last, and is it easy to replace?

The battery is rated for 3,000 hours of continuous operation and runs at only 80 µA current draw, so you'll go months between replacements in typical use. The battery connects via a simple bus cable included in the package, making swaps quick and straightforward.

Will this pickup work with my current amp and pedalboard?

Yes—the 85-7XH outputs at 10 kΩ impedance with low current draw, ensuring stable signal delivery to any amp or interface without tone degradation. It includes output and connection cables, so integration into your existing signal chain is plug-and-play.

What genres and tunings is this pickup designed for?

The 85-7XH excels in metal, progressive, and djent styles, especially in drop tunings where its tight low-end articulation and midrange punch keep every note defined. It's not voiced for jazz, blues, or country applications.

What's included in the package?

The package includes the pickup, a 25k volume pot, active tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup bus connectors, mounting hardware, pickup cable, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable—everything you need to wire it into your 7-string instrument.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 85-7XH 7-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Gold

The EMG 85-7XH delivers the aggressive midrange punch and tight low-end articulation that defines modern 7-string metal and progressive music. This active humbucker pairs aggressive voicing with the responsiveness needed to cut through dense mixes, making it the workhorse choice for players demanding clarity and definition across extended-range instruments.

Tone & Electronics

Built around Alnico V magnets and close aperture coils, the 85-7XH produces a focused, articulate voice with controlled midrange emphasis ideal for 7-string applications. The X series preamp offers increased headroom and dynamic range, while the active VLPF tone control allows real-time high-frequency shaping without sacrificing output or responsiveness.

Live Reliability & Power

This active system runs on a single 9V battery rated for 3,000 hours of continuous operation, keeping you on stage without unexpected downtime. The 10 kΩ output impedance and low current draw of 80 µA @ 9V ensure stable signal delivery to any amp or interface without tone degradation, show after show.

Key Features

Magnet Type: Alnico V
Coil Configuration: Close aperture coils
Preamp: X series with increased headroom
Active Tone Control: VLPF (Variable Low Pass Filter)
Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
Current Draw: 80 µA @ 9V
Battery: 9V with 3,000-hour rated life
Includes: 25k volume pot, active tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup bus connectors, mounting hardware, pickup cable, connection cables, output cable, battery cable
Color: Gold finish
Application: 7-string humbucker configuration

The 85-7XH combines EMG's proven active technology with the extended-range voicing serious 7-string players demand, delivering consistent aggression and clarity in the studio or live setting.

Best suited for	Metal, Progressive, Djent, Drop Tunings
Tonal character	Aggressive midrange punch, tight low-end, articulate, focused voicing, high output
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional