RECOMMENDED: LHZ VOLUME AND BLEND
We recommend using the VOL-01 Volume Control and LBCA-02 Active Blend available in the LHZ store for most installations. Our controls are designed to be compatible with both EMG pickups and other manufacturers, and use the same pin connections as their EMG counterparts to reduce confusion.
Why use LHZ Volume and Blend pots?
- We have 2 versions of the blend control: Active and Passive.
- We have 1 control that works with our blend control or active pickups.
- We use the same dimensions and knurled shaft as our preamp pots. So a single set of knobs works on all pots.
DEMYSTIFYING EMG BLEND CONTROL OPTIONS
Choosing the correct EMG blend control can get confusing. Their website text and model naming imply the ABCX is only for the X series… This is incorrect!
Here are the EMG controls we recommend.
IF YOU HAVE ACTIVE PICKUPS
- 25k Volume Pot: https://www.emgpickups.com/parts/pots/25k-volume.html
- ABCX Blend: https://www.emgpickups.com/parts/bass-accessories/abcx-1.html
IF YOU HAVE PASSIVE PICKUPS
- 250k Volume Pot: https://www.emgpickups.com/parts/pots/250k-volume.html
- ABC Blend: https://www.emgpickups.com/parts/bass-accessories/abc-2.html
IMPORTANT: When ordering the EMG pots for Spector basses, be sure to order the 10mm pots (sometimes also called “Strat length” pots). Also note that the EMG blend controls are only available in solid shaft versions. LHZ preamps ship with knurled pots, so you’ll need two different knob sets.
QUESTION: Isn’t the ABCX only for the X-Series?
No! The EMG website description is different than the information in the PDF documents regarding the Active Blend Controls. The website implies the ABCX is only for the X-Series because the ABC is for “non-X series pickups that use a standard passive tone pot.” The part in italics is critical, but often overlooked! This leads users with standard Active pickups to incorrectly choose the ABC for their installation.
To understand how these two units work with the LHZ preamp, we have analyzed the circuity to see what the differences are.
| Part | Website Text | PDF Text | Circuit Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | “designed to work with all our non-X series pickups that use a standard passive tone pot” | “used to pan between two EMG-HZ pickups, two Passive Pickups, two Active EMG Pickups, or are mixing an active with a passive pickup… output impedance of the ABC is low, so high resistance volume and tone controls will not work when placed after the ABC” | Each input goes through a buffer amp, then into a 200K blend pot. Low impedance output works with active EQ, preamps, or the passive EMG VLPF tone pot. Will NOT work with passive tone pots using high resistance pots. |
| ABCX | “designed to work with all our X series pickups that have an active tone pot” | “used to pan between two Active EMG pickups… input impedance of the B118 is designed for EMG Active Pickups only, yielding a lower noise factor and lower current drain” | Each input is connected directly to a 25K pan pot, then goes into an output buffer. Low impedance output works with active EQ, preamps, or the passive EMG VLPF tone pot. Will NOT work with passive tone pots using high resistance pots. |
To make it a easier to decide which EMG blend to use with your EMG pickups, here’s a handy-dandy selection matrix!
