EMG EXG - User Manual

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0.025 LOG FREQ (kHz) 10

Dimensions:

.800

1.050

EXG

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Impedance (Ohms) 250K

Input Referred Noise -130dbV

Output Impedance (Ohms) 2K

Current @ 9V (Microamps) 750

Battery Life (Hours) 200

Maximum Supply (Volts DC) 18

INSTALLATION INFORMATION

EMG MODEL: EXG

(ACTIVE/PASSIVE PICKUP INPUTS)

Warranty

All EMG Pickups and accessories are warranted for a period of two years. This warranty does not cover failure due to improper installation, abuse or damage. If

upon examination the pickup is determined to be defective, a replacement will be made. Warranty replacement products are covered by this same warranty. This

PO BOX 4394

SANTA ROSA, CA

95402 USA

P (707) 525-9941

F (707) 575-7046

EMGPICKUPS.COM

0230-0164rB

Frequency Response:

EMG-EXG

1.325

.400

.309 (8mm P .75)

GENERAL OPERATION:

The EXG is an active EQ circuit for guitar that simultaneously increases both low and high frequencies while decreasing mid-range.

The graph below illustrates the effect of the EXG. The thick black line displays the effect with the control all the way up (clockwise).

The flat black line illustrates the effect with the control all the way down (counter-clockwise) in the bypass mode. The EXG is continuously

variable from flat to maximum effect. The EXG is wired in series with the signal path, so there is an input and output.

The EXG has buffered inputs and can be used with passive pickups.

Connector for EMG Active Tone controls

and accessories.

Pin 1 Input

Pin 2 Ground for Input

Pin 3 Ground for Output

Pin 4 Output

Pin 5 V+ Supply

1 2 3 4 5

INCLUDED:

1 EXG Control

1 Battery Clip with Buss Connector

1 Stereo Output Jack (Battery Switching)

2 Interconnect cables

10 dB/div

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Summary

EMG EXG Product Overview

Specifications

Key technical details including impedance, noise, current, battery life, and voltage.

General Operation

Explains how the EXG affects frequencies and its bypass mode.

Connector Pinout

Details the pin configuration for EMG active tone controls and accessories.

EXG Installation Examples

Plug-in Connector Installation

Shows how plug-in connectors are installed, emphasizing reversed input.

Single Pickup Wiring

Illustrates wiring for single pickup setups without a selector switch.

Dual Pickup Wiring (Single Pickup Type)

Shows wiring for guitars with two pickups, including volume and EXG controls.

2 Pickup Guitar Wiring with Selector Switch

Toggle Style Switch Wiring

Details wiring for 2-pickup guitars with a toggle switch and EXG.

Passive Tone Wiring

Shows 2-pickup setup with independent volumes, passive tone, and EXG.

3 Pickup Guitar Wiring with Selector Switch

Strat Installation Example

Typical 3-pickup Strat wiring with Volume, Tone, and EXG in series.

Active Tone (VLPF) Integration

Shows integration with active tone controls like VLPF and EXG.

The EMG Model EXG is an active EQ circuit designed for guitars, capable of being used with both active and passive pickup inputs. Its primary function is to shape the guitar's tone by simultaneously boosting low and high frequencies while scooping out the mid-range. This effect is continuously variable, allowing users to dial in a wide range of tonal characteristics, from a flat bypass mode to a pronounced EQ curve. The EXG is wired in series with the signal path, featuring buffered inputs that make it compatible with passive pickups.

Function Description:

The EXG operates as a dedicated tone-shaping control. When the control is turned all the way up (clockwise), it applies its full EQ curve, characterized by a significant boost in both bass and treble frequencies and a cut in the mid-range. As the control is rotated counter-clockwise, the EQ effect gradually diminishes until it reaches a flat bypass mode. This continuous variability provides a versatile tool for guitarists to sculpt their sound, whether they desire a punchier, more articulate clean tone or a more aggressive, scooped sound for distorted applications. The buffered inputs ensure signal integrity and allow the EXG to integrate seamlessly into various guitar setups, including those with passive pickups, without impedance matching issues.

Important Technical Specifications:

Input Impedance: 250K Ohms. This high input impedance helps prevent loading of the guitar's pickups, preserving their natural tone.
Input Referred Noise: -130dBV. This extremely low noise specification ensures a clean signal, even with high gain settings, which is crucial for active circuitry.
Output Impedance: 2K Ohms. A low output impedance allows the EXG to drive long cable runs without significant signal degradation or high-frequency loss.
Current @ 9V (Microamps): 750 µA. This low current draw contributes to extended battery life.
Battery Life (Hours): 200 hours. This provides a substantial amount of playing time before a battery change is required.
Maximum Supply (Volts DC): 18V. While typically powered by a 9V battery, the EXG can handle up to 18V, potentially offering increased headroom and dynamic range if a higher voltage power supply is used.

Usage Features:

The EXG is designed for integration into various guitar wiring schemes. It utilizes a standard 5-pin header for connections, making it compatible with other EMG Accessory products. The installation instructions provide several common wiring diagrams:

Single Pickup Setups:
- One Pickup, One Volume, One EXG: This basic setup places the EXG after the volume control, allowing for overall tone shaping.
- One Pickup, One Volume, One Master Tone (Passive), One EXG: This configuration adds a passive master tone control before the EXG, offering both traditional tone shaping and the active EQ.
Two Pickup Guitars with a Selection Switch:
- Two Pickups, Toggle Style Switch, Independent Volume for each Pickup, EXG Control: This setup routes the output of the pickup buss through the EXG for overall tone shaping.
- Two Pickups, Toggle Style Switch, Independent Volume for each Pickup, Passive Tone, EXG Control: Similar to the above, but with an added passive tone control before the EXG.
Three Pickup Guitars with a Selection Switch (using the B161 5-Position Switch Buss):
- Volume Control, EXG Control, Tone (Passive): This daisy-chain wiring places the EXG in the middle of the control chain.
- Tone Control (Passive), EXG Control, Volume Control: An alternative daisy-chain order, demonstrating the flexibility of the system.
- Volume Control, EXG Control, Tone (Active VLPF): This advanced setup incorporates an active Variable Low-Pass Filter (VLPF) for more precise tone shaping, alongside the EXG.

A key feature is the "Reversed Connector" requirement for the input of the EXG, where pins 1 and 2 are reversed. This is a critical detail for proper installation and is highlighted in the diagrams. The EXG's compact dimensions (approximately 1.050" x 1.325" x 0.400") and standard potentiometer shaft size (Ø.309" or 8mm P.75) ensure it can fit into most guitar control cavities. The included components, such as the battery clip with buss connector, stereo output jack (for battery switching), and interconnect cables, simplify the installation process. The stereo output jack is particularly important as it switches the battery on when a mono guitar cable is inserted, and off when removed, conserving battery life.

Maintenance Features:

The EMG EXG is designed for reliability and minimal maintenance. Its active circuitry is sealed, protecting it from environmental factors. The primary maintenance consideration is battery replacement, indicated by the 200-hour battery life specification. The stereo output jack acts as a battery switch, automatically disconnecting the battery when the guitar cable is unplugged, which helps prolong battery life.

Warranty:

All EMG Pickups and accessories, including the EXG, are covered by a two-year warranty. This warranty specifically covers manufacturing defects and does not extend to failures resulting from improper installation, abuse, or damage. If a defect is confirmed upon examination, EMG will provide a replacement product, which will then be covered by the same warranty terms. This policy underscores EMG's commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction. The modular design, utilizing 5-pin connectors, also simplifies troubleshooting and potential replacement of individual components, including the EXG itself, if needed.