software

I installed the ZW set, 85 in bridge, 81 in neck. Well they sound great but for some reason the output difference between the bridge and neck is very noticeable. The actual aoutput and loudness of the pickup is significantly lower and today at practice it was a big problem. Could it be the wiring or what? Ideas?

SeraphimTN, You forgot to mention which of the two pup's is louder than the other.
I see you switched the 85 to the bridge and the 81 to the neck, how do you like that inverted combination? The pick-up height might also be a factor in the mismatch in output.
The 81 is slightly hotter than the 85 so if you adjusted the neck pup really close to the strings, even if the bridge pup is close too, the 81 due to it's higher output and close string adjustment, will overpower the bridge pup ( If in fact your problem is the neck pup being louder). Start first by adjusting the bridge pup as close to the strings as possible, then check the volume of the neck pup, if it's too loud then back it up away from the strings until the levels are as even as you can get it. If this doesn't fix the problem then it might in fact be a wiring problem.
Keep me posted. Good luck!!!

yeah i had that when i got my new pickups in, my DD was raised quite a bit more than the Dime and when i switched to it it was way louder, just lower it a bit

sorry guys, the 81 is the quiet one and it's all the way to the strings. Something else is going on.

check the power connections.. EMGs do work without a battery, but are very very quiet!

tom

Maybe connect the pickup again, but then with the plug reversed?
A friend of mine had that problem. The output was very low. After he reconnected that cable to the pickup, but turned 180 degrees, the problem was solved.