There are two versions of 7-string Blackouts: Phase I and Phase II. Phase I Blackouts are a direct retrofit for most passive 7-string humbuckers, including those by Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio®. Phase II Blackouts are a direct retrofit for the EMG® 707 humbucker.
Before we started designing our new 9-volt Blackouts active humbuckers, we did a little market research. We found that while lots of guitarists love active pickups, many wanted a tone that was less compressed, with a more extended frequency response. In our efforts to solve those issues we discovered that some of the most popular active pickups have what we consider a design flaw in their circuit architecture.
They use unbalanced inputs in a differential preamp. The problem is, an unbalanced differential preamp is not very effective at cancelling hum. Our engineers figured out how to capture the tone that players want in an active design, but using balanced inputs.
The result is that not only do these Seymour Duncan Blackouts active humbuckers have less hum than the competition, but they also have more lows, more highs, and more output. Simply put, the Blackouts have more tone than other active pickups. Players will notice the benefits of the reduced hum when they record, especially if they're around computer monitors or fluorescent lighting. As for the benefits of having more tone, well those will be apparent everywhere.
Blackouts are available in individual neck and bridge models, or as a two-pickup set. All versions come with all necessary mounting hardware, including pots, jack, and a battery clip.
| AHB-1 Specifications: |
Neck model
Resonant Frequency 750 Hz
Average output voltage 0.65 Volts RMS (1)
Max. 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 16 dB
Preamp Thd @ 1Vo .003% |
Bridge model
Resonant Frequency 530 Hz
Average output voltage 2.00 Volts RMS (1)
Max. output voltage 2.60 Volts RMS (2)
Noise -96dBV
Output Impedance 1K Ohm
Current consumption 350 micro-amperes
Battery life 1420 hours (3)
Preamp topology Discrete hybrid differential, FET input
Preamp Gain 18dB
Preamp Thd @ 1Vo .003% |
Notes:
(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 of clipping in the preamp when powered from a 9 Volt source.
Battery life computed for one pickup. Divide by two for life of set. |
