EMG 85-8X 8-String Active Soapbar 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
- EMG4620
Description
EMG 85-8X 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 85-8X is a high-output active humbucker engineered for extended-range 8-string guitars, delivering the tight articulation and controlled dynamics that modern metal and progressive players demand. Housed in a classic humbucker form factor, this pickup integrates seamlessly into standard routing while maintaining the clarity and punch required for complex tunings and heavy playing styles.
Tone & Electronics
Built around Alnico V magnets and close aperture coils, the 85-8X produces a resonant frequency of 1.87 kHz that balances low-end presence with articulate midrange definition. The integrated X preamp delivers output voltages of 3.10 V per string and 4.50 V when strummed, ensuring aggressive gain staging with minimal noise at -101 dBV output noise.
Power & Integration
Powered by a single 9V battery, the 85-8X draws just 80 microamps and provides approximately 3000 hours of battery life under typical use. The solderless wiring system simplifies installation, while the 10 kΩ output impedance and 27 V DC maximum supply voltage ensure flexibility across various amplifier and effects setups.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Alnico V
- Coil Design: Close aperture coils
- Preamp Type: X preamp
- Resonant Frequency: 1.87 kHz
- Output Voltage (String): 3.10 V
- Output Voltage (Strum): 4.50 V
- Output Noise (60 Hz): -101 dBV
- Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current @ 9V: 80 microamps
- Battery Life: 3000 hours
- Maximum Supply Voltage: 27 V DC
- Wiring System: Solderless
Onstage, the EMG 85-8X cuts through dense, tuned-down mixes with studio-grade output and the reliability touring musicians need. Built for extended-range instruments where precision, headroom, and dependable battery life are essential to your performance night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-8X is a high-output active humbucker built specifically for 8-string guitars, delivering the tight low end and articulate midrange that modern metal and progressive players need for complex tunings and heavy riffing. Its Alnico V magnets and close-aperture coils produce controlled dynamics with minimal noise, giving you aggressive gain staging and studio-grade clarity on stage without feedback or mud. Install is straightforward with solderless wiring, battery life stretches to 3000 hours, and it integrates into standard humbucker routing—a reliable workhorse for gigging and touring musicians pushing extended-range instruments.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Djent, Progressive, Extended Range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, articulate midrange, high output, controlled dynamics, aggressive gain staging |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pickup right for metal and djent, or does it work in other genres?
The 85-8X is engineered for metal, djent, progressive, and other styles that demand tight articulation and controlled dynamics on extended-range guitars. It is not voiced for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The pickup draws only 80 microamps and provides approximately 3000 hours of battery life under typical use, meaning you can go months between changes in normal playing.
What is included in the box, and how hard is installation?
The pickup features a solderless wiring system that simplifies installation into standard humbucker routing. No solderin skills are required, and it integrates with most 8-string guitar electronics without modification.
How does the output and noise floor compare to other 8-string pickups?
The 85-8X delivers 3.10 V per string and 4.50 V when strummed with an output noise floor of -101 dBV, ensuring aggressive gain staging and studio-grade clarity with minimal noise across various amplifier and effects setups.
What skill level is required to use this pickup?
The 85-8X is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players comfortable with 8-string extended-range instruments and modern metal or progressive playing techniques.
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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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