EMG 81TW-R Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2896
Description
EMG 81TW-R Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The 81TW-R is a thick-profile active humbucker engineered to capture articulate high-output performance without sacrificing tonal versatility across session work. Its dual-mode preamp design switches between tight humbucker mode and responsive single-coil character, all housed in a compact 1.1" thick package that integrates cleanly into most modern guitar cavities. This is a workhorse pickup for metal, hard rock, and high-gain tracking where note definition and sustain matter as much as raw power, translating to tight, punchy recordings that cut through dense mixes.
Active Design & Studio Power Efficiency
The 81TW-R runs on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—delivering 3000 hours of continuous operation on one charge and drawing only 80 µA of current. This low power draw eliminates mid-session battery concerns during extended recording sessions or rehearsals, while the -100 dBV noise floor ensures clean signal transmission at your interface even at extreme gain settings and peak levels.
Dual-Mode Preamp & Recording Tonal Range
Dual internal preamps—one optimized for single-coil mode and one for humbucker mode—deliver genuine tonal flexibility within a single pickup, streamlining your tracking workflow. The 3.6 kHz resonant frequency in single-coil mode produces chimey clarity for cleaner rhythms and textural layers, while the 2.225 kHz dual-coil resonance yields the thick, compressed character that locks into modern metal production. The 10 kΩ output impedance ensures transparent interaction with your preamp, converter, and in-the-box effects processing.
Key Features
- Active humbucker with ceramic magnet construction
- Dual internal preamps—single-coil and humbucker modes in one housing
- 1.1" thick profile for compact modern guitar cavities
- Powered by single 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life
- Ultra-low current draw of 80 µA for extended operation
- Noise floor: -100 dBV for ultra-clean high-gain signal
- Single-coil mode resonant frequency: 3.6 kHz
- Humbucker mode resonant frequency: 2.225 kHz
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Black finish
The 81TW-R captures the aggressive articulation and extended battery runtime serious recording artists expect from EMG's active platform, with the added session flexibility of switchable preamp modes in a form factor that fits contemporary instrument designs.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TW-R is an active humbucker with switchable preamp modes that deliver thick, compressed tones for heavy tracking or articulate single-coil character for layering and mix clarity. Its ultra-low noise floor (-100 dBV) and extended battery life make it practical for long studio sessions, while the dual-coil resonance at 2.225 kHz cuts through dense mixes and the single-coil mode adds dimension without rewiring. Choose it for tracking aggressive material where you need both punch and note separation in the same take.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ High-Gain Applications
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Touring
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between humbucker mode and single-coil mode?
Humbucker mode produces a thick, compressed character with a 2.225 kHz resonant frequency ideal for metal and hard rock. Single-coil mode delivers chimey clarity at 3.6 kHz for more articulate, responsive tones. Both modes run through the same pickup with internal preamp switching.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The 81TW-R draws only 80 µA of current and delivers approximately 3000 hours of continuous operation per 9V battery, making it practical for touring and extended studio work without frequent replacement.
Will this pickup fit my guitar without routing?
The 1.1-inch thick profile is designed for compact modern guitar cavities and fits cleanly in most contemporary instruments without additional routing required.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The 81TW-R excels in metal, hard rock, and high-gain applications where articulate note definition and aggressive output are priorities. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk styles.
How clean is the signal at high gain settings?
The pickup features a -100 dBV noise floor and 10 kΩ output impedance, ensuring ultra-clean signal transmission and transparent interaction with your amp and effects chain even at extreme gain levels.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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