The Emg 85-X is a quite warm sounding Pickup that still lets very high frequencies get through. I first used it in the bridge position, now I am using it as a neck pickup, where it sounds warm, yet still retains high overtones if mounted close enough to the strings. It does not compress or clip like previous active pickups, but the output is so high it can cause some clean channels to clip. Also the high output can cause too much compression when you play hig-gain solos with it, so it is best used with a less compressing amplifier. If so, the sound is still very articulate and not muddy.
Compared to the 81-X in the bridge postition it sounds warmer/less aggressive, more boomy and like it had some mid frequencies missing. I rather like the 81X used with a thick pick.