[Technical info] - Duncan Blackouts specs vs. EMG 81-85 specs

Toner

New member
I found this info out anyways for anyone that is interested.


***Blackouts info obtained from www.musiciansfriend.com, EMG info obtained from www.emginc.com.***


Seymour Duncan Blackout AHB-1 Neck Model

Resonant Frequency: 750 Hz
Average Output Voltage: 0.65 Volts RMS (1)
Maximum Output Voltage: 2.60 Volts RMS (2)
Noise: -97dBV
Output Impedance: 1K Ohm
Current Consumption: 350 micro-amperes
Battery Life: 1420 hours (3)
Preamp Topology: Discrete hybrid differential, FET input
Preamp Gain: 16dB
Preamp THD at 1V: 0.003%
Magnet: Alnico V bar


EMG 85 Neck

Resonant Frequency: 2550 Hz (2.55 kHz)
Average Output Voltage: 1.25
Maximum Output Voltage: 1.75
Noise: -89 dBV
Output Impedance: 10K Ohm
Current Consumption: 80 Microamps
Battery Life: 3000 hours
Preamp Topology: n/a
Preamp Gain: n/a
Preamp THD at 1V: n/a
Magnet: Alnico


Seymour Duncan Blackout AHB-1 Bridge Model


Resonant Frequency: 530 Hz
Average Output Voltage: 2.0 Volts RMS (1)
Maximum Output Voltage: 2.60 Volts RMS (2)
Noise: -96 dbV
Output Impedance: 1K Ohm
Current Consumption: 350 micro-ampres
Battery Life: 1420 hours (3)
Preamp Topology: Discrete hybrid differential, FET input
Preamp Gain: 18 db
Preamp THD at 1V: 0.300%
Magnet: Ceramic


EMG 81 Bridge

Resonant Frequency: 2250 Hz (2.25 kHz)
Average Output Voltage: 1.25
Maximum Output Voltage: 1.75
Noise: -91 dBV
Output Impedance: 10K Ohm
Current Consumption: 80 Microamps
Battery Life: 3000 hours
Preamp Topology: n/a
Preamp Gain: n/a
Preamp THD at 1V: n/a
Magnet: Ceramic


Notes: Duncan Blackouts

(1) Output voltage measured under the following conditions:
a. Pickups installed in a guitar and set up for typical playing conditions.
b. Neck pickup adjusted approx. 3/16"" from strings.
c. Bridge pickup adjusted approx. 1/8"" from strings.
d. String gauge used - .010 to .046
e. Open E-chord strummed at moderate intensity.
f. 5 sample average reading taken using storage oscilloscope.
(2) Maximum output voltage is taken at the onset ofclipping ni the preamp
when powered from a 9 volt source.
Battery life computed for one pickup. Divide by two for life of the set.
 
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Re: [Technical info] - Duncan Blackouts specs vs. EMG 81-85 specs

A note on the "I want more output" - thing:

There is a schematic of the EMG 81 that you can find on the web. Believe it or not, the output of the Opamp is reduced by 1.8 before it gets to the output jack via a voltage divider [ (internal resistor) / (volume + tone pots in parallel) = 10k / 12.5k ].

EMG specifies the output voltage is 1.25V RMS, with a 10k output impedance. They also tell you to wire the 2 pots there. But they don't tell you this actually reduces the output voltage. ;-) Wired properly, the EMG 81's 'average voltage' would be around 0.69V at the guitar jack. Much like the Blackout....

In the end, EMG doesn't want such a high output PU. Actually nobody does ;-) , that would just sound like a big fart. We all just like the IDEA of high output ;-)
 
Re: [Technical info] - Duncan Blackouts specs vs. EMG 81-85 specs

Good info comparison. As you can imagine running that differential preamp takes a little bit of juice but we believe it is worth it. What's your opinions on the Blackouts?
 
Re: [Technical info] - Duncan Blackouts specs vs. EMG 81-85 specs

Where did you get the information from EMG's website? HERE, it lists the resonant peak frequencies at 1.87kHz and 1.63kHz for the 81 & 85 respectively.
 
Re: [Technical info] - Duncan Blackouts specs vs. EMG 81-85 specs

Good info comparison. As you can imagine running that differential preamp takes a little bit of juice but we believe it is worth it. What's your opinions on the Blackouts?

I know nobody pulled my chain but Im gonna chime in anyway. I effing LOVE the Blackouts. You guys should've called 'em OMGs! LOL!!! To me, they sound more "passive/organic" than the EMGs. (sorry, I really hate using the word organic as it seems to be the "cool" term to use for things these days) To me, they "feel" better than EMGs. The crunch (pick attack) is phenomenal. I really dig the Blackouts alot. I have a set of 7-string Blackouts as well and I like those better than the 6-string version. The bass seems to be quite a bit more prominent in the 7's. Not flubby either. Super tight and articulate. I think my 6-string is the first version SD offered. On the other versions of the Blackouts, (Mick Thomson, AHB-2's etc) is there more bass like the 7-stringers? Anyway, sorry to be a thread pirate. Just thought I would throw in my $.02. Thanks
 
Re: [Technical info] - Duncan Blackouts specs vs. EMG 81-85 specs

Nothing much to say, except that i am looking into a cheap RG321, just to put a set of Black Outs in it, so that i have an excuse to buy them !
 
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