EMG 85-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4146
Description
EMG 85-8XH 8-String Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG 85-8XH delivers the high-output aggression and midrange punch that defines modern extended-range metal and progressive playing. Built for 8-string instruments, this active humbucker sustains notes with clarity across all eight strings while maintaining tight low-end definition—critical for tunings that demand articulate response and minimal mud.
Tone & Output Character
This pickup combines EMG's signature active circuitry with a design optimized for extended-range instruments. The result is aggressive midrange presence, controlled treble response, and punchy bass that translates across 8-string configurations without losing definition or tightness. On stage, it cuts through dense mix with authority and stays articulate even in drop tunings and extended registers.
Live Reliability & Design
The brushed black chrome finish resists fingerprints and wear while maintaining a professional appearance through heavy touring and studio use. As an active design, the 85-8XH operates on battery power, delivering consistent output and frequency response independent of cable quality or amp impedance—essential for touring musicians who need predictable performance night after night.
Key Features
- Active humbucker design optimized for 8-string instruments
- High-output configuration for metal, progressive, and modern genres
- Aggressive midrange with controlled treble response
- Tight, defined bass suitable for extended tunings
- Brushed black chrome finish
- Battery-powered active electronics for consistent output
- EMG proprietary active circuitry
- Humbucker coil configuration for noise rejection
The EMG 85-8XH is engineered specifically for extended-range players who demand articulate response, aggressive character, and reliable performance across all eight strings in live and studio settings.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 85-8XH is a high-output active humbucker built specifically for 8-string guitars, delivering aggressive midrange punch and tight low-end definition essential for metal and progressive tunings. Its active circuitry ensures consistent output and articulate response across all eight strings without the mud that plagues extended-range playing. Choose this if you need road-tested reliability, punchy aggression, and clarity that cuts through dense tunings—it's built for gigging and touring musicians who refuse tonal compromise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What tunings and 8-string guitars is this pickup designed for?
The EMG 85-8XH is optimized for extended-range 8-string instruments and maintains articulate response and tight low-end definition across extended tunings commonly used in metal and progressive music. It's designed to eliminate the mud and loss of clarity that can occur with standard pickups in low tunings.
How does active circuitry benefit my playing and recording?
Active electronics operate on battery power, delivering consistent output and frequency response independent of cable quality or amp impedance. This means your tone remains stable whether you're gigging with different rigs or recording in the studio, without the variability that comes with passive pickups.
Is this pickup suitable for jazz, blues, or other genres?
The EMG 85-8XH is engineered specifically for metal, progressive, djent, and modern extended-range genres. Its aggressive midrange character and high-output design are not voiced for jazz, blues, or folk playing styles.
What does the brushed black chrome finish do?
The brushed black chrome finish resists fingerprints and visible wear, maintaining a professional appearance through heavy touring and studio use while being easier to keep clean than traditional finishes.
How does this compare to other 8-string pickups like Seymour Duncan Blackouts or DiMarzio Fusion Edge?
The EMG 85-8XH delivers aggressive midrange punch with controlled treble and tight bass response. Seymour Duncan Blackouts, DiMarzio Fusion Edge, and Fishman Fluence Modern are alternative high-output extended-range options; choice depends on your preference for midrange character and active versus passive operation.
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. On this item that is roughly $11 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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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