What's the noise floor like compared to a passive single coil?

The SLV has a -90 dBV noise floor thanks to its active SA preamp, eliminating the typical hum and buzz that passive single coils pick up in noisy environments. This makes it ideal for both live venues and studio recordings where clean, quiet signal matters.

How long does the 9V battery last, and how often do I need to replace it?

The battery lasts approximately 1000 hours of playing time with a current draw of only 240 microamps. For an average gigging or recording musician, that typically means one battery change every few months to a year.

Is this pickup suitable for heavy metal or drop tunings?

No—the SLV is optimized for leads and clean tones with its balanced midrange response. It's not designed for the thick, aggressive output needed in heavy metal or drop-tuning applications; a higher-output active pickup would be better suited for that style.

What's included, and what preamp does it use?

The SLV comes with the integrated SA preamp onboard and requires a 9V battery for operation. You will need to handle the battery installation yourself during setup.

How does the SLV compare to other active single coils like the EMG SA?

The SLV features increased coil windings and a solid cap over flat Alnico 5 pole pieces, offering more midrange definition and articulation than the standard SA. Both use the same SA preamp, but the SLV's enhanced design delivers greater clarity and responsiveness across varied playing dynamics.

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.

EMG SLV Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory

The EMG SLV delivers the clarity and articulation of a single-coil design with the noise floor control of active electronics. Its increased coil windings and flat Alnico 5 pole pieces hidden beneath a solid cap produce a balanced, defined tone that cuts through without the hum typical of passive single coils. On stage, this pickup suits players seeking transparency and performance stability across varied playing dynamics—no noise floor surprises when you push hard.

Tone & Electronics

Built around the SA preamp, the SLV maintains a 3.75 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes midrange articulation ideal for leads and clean tones. Output specs—0.7 V RMS and 1.0 V peak voltage with -90 dBV noise floor—ensure a responsive signal with minimal background noise, giving you clean headroom and definition at any volume, whether plugged into a small combo or a large PA.

Power & Installation

The 9V battery design provides 1000 hours of battery life with minimal current draw at 240 microamps, reducing the need for frequent replacement during a tour or long residency. Low output impedance of 10 kΩ ensures stable signal transmission with minimal frequency loss over cable runs, keeping your signal intact from instrument to amp or interface.

Key Features

Increased coil windings with flat Alnico 5 pole pieces
SA preamp onboard active electronics
Resonant Frequency: 3.75 kHz
RMS Output Voltage: 0.7 V
Peak Output Voltage: 1.0 V
Output Noise: -90 dBV
Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
Current @ 9V: 240 microamps
Battery Life: 1000 hours
Power source: 9V battery
Color: Ivory with gold logo
Dimensions: 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches

The EMG SLV combines single-coil definition with active-circuit reliability, delivering consistent performance and tonal character night after night.