Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Pickup talk: DiMarzio D'Activator X

At the first instance, you'd be thinking this is DiMarzio's X2N but it's not. It's DiMarzio's other high output menace, the D'Activator X. Yes, they look identical, both devoid of any polepieces.

This isn't my first encounter with the D'Activator, I have another in my SA1620. Unlike the SA, my DTT700 came equipped with them. What's so special about these pickups? Nothing special, really but the manufacturer claims they have that extra ferocity which brings it up to standard against an active pickup. After hearing it in action I'd say it's just liberal marketing- yes, the D'Activator X is one heck of a high output pickup but it's not a pseudo-active model, not quite. 

In the bridge, the D'Activator X has all the distortion compliance you need, no compromise here. It's very protrusive to such an extent that there's indeed an active-like voicing to be heard but this pickup does not possess the cold, in-your-face manifestation of an average active pickup. To me, this is a good thing because you could still dial in some warmth in there should the need arises but the reality is, nobody would play any tame music with these in their guitars. In the neck, expect the same aggression to unfold but it's a little creamier & more polished. If you have clarity issues during a solo, the D'Activator X is useful. 

Do we need extra high output pickups to supplement our distortion? No, we don't. In fact, distortion sounds more appealing with medium output units. However, if you wish to address a voicing concern- you'd like to sound more upfront while plying your heavy metal- the D'Activator X is it.

2 comments:

Ijau D. Koceng said...

do u have other guitar(s) equipped with d-activator (non X version)?

subversion.sg said...

non-X... not in the mean time. i kinda dislike them, he he. for high output DiMarzios i like X2N & D'Activator X.