The book is still being written about what an 8-string pickup should sound like. In DiMarzio think it should have a wide frequency response, be very articulate and dynamic, and not be muddy. This is the basic D Activator™ bridge sound. The low notes are big and percussive, and the highs have a lot of cut without being piercing. The D Activator™ 8 bridge model is most definitely a high-output pickup. The two coils are tuned to different frequencies for powerful, focused bass response combined with warm highs and extended harmonic overtones.