EMG 81TWX 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
- EMG3319
Description
EMG 81TWX Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG 81TWX is a versatile active humbucker engineered for recording flexibility without sacrificing tone. Its dual-mode design—switchable between single-coil and dual-coil configurations via an onboard push/pull potentiometer—lets you capture anything from articulate, focused highs to full, aggressive low-end punch within a single take. The solderless connector system makes installation and experimentation straightforward, with no soldering required.
Tone & Output Characteristics
Output voltage ranges from 2.00V (single-coil string pluck) to 8.50V (dual-coil strum), giving you a wide dynamic range from clean definition to saturated aggression for tracking. Single-coil mode peaks at 3.15 kHz for bright, cutting articulation that sits through dense mixes, while dual-coil mode sits at 1.75 kHz for deeper, more compressed response that anchors the low-mid foundation. Noise floor sits at -107 dB (single-coil) and -109 dB (dual-coil)—quiet enough for studio recording and high-gain tracking applications.
Power & Installation
The active circuit runs on a standard 9V battery with remarkable efficiency—160 microamps at 9V delivers approximately 1500 hours of playing time per battery. Maximum supply rating of 27V DC provides headroom for custom wiring configurations. Built-in dual preamps, onboard switching jack, and solderless connectors eliminate the need for professional installation and let you swap configurations without a soldering iron, making mid-session adjustments seamless.
Key Features
- Dual-mode active humbucker (single-coil and dual-coil switchable via push/pull potentiometer)
- Single-coil output: 2.00V (string) / 3.00V (strum) at 3.15 kHz resonant frequency
- Dual-coil output: 3.00V (string) / 8.50V (strum) at 1.75 kHz resonant frequency
- Output noise: -107 dB (single-coil) / -109 dB (dual-coil)
- 2 built-in active preamps for independent tone shaping
- Ceramic and steel magnet construction
- Solderless connector system for hassle-free installation
- Output impedance: 2.00 kΩ
- Current draw: 160 microamps at 9V; battery life approximately 1500 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Dimensions: 2.75" width × 1.50" height × 1.087" thickness; 3/48" (78.5mm) mounting hole spacing
- Black housing with copper EMG logo; includes battery clip and switch jack
The 81TWX combines the aggressive punch of EMG's 81 lineage with switching versatility that lets you explore both focused single-coil clarity and full dual-coil saturation from a single pickup—essential flexibility for modern production workflows.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 81TWX delivers studio-grade versatility with switchable single-coil (bright, articulate peaks at 3.15 kHz) and dual-coil (deep, compressed response at 1.75 kHz) modes, letting you capture focused high-end clarity or aggressive low-end saturation in the same session. Its low noise floor and wide dynamic range (2.00V to 8.50V output) make it a dependable tool for recording metal, progressive, and heavy genres where both definition and tone-shaping matter; the active circuit draws minimal power (1500 hours per battery) and integrates cleanly into any signal chain.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between single-coil and dual-coil mode on the 81TWX?
Single-coil mode peaks at 3.15 kHz for bright, articulate highs with lower output (2.00V on string pluck, 3.00V on strum), while dual-coil mode sits at 1.75 kHz for deeper, more compressed response with higher output up to 8.50V on strum. You switch between them via the onboard push/pull potentiometer without any rewiring.
Do I need to solder this pickup, or can I install it myself?
No soldering required—the 81TWX uses EMG's solderless connector system with a battery clip and switch jack that plug straight in. Installation is straightforward enough for DIY setup without professional help.
How long does the battery last, and what kind do I need?
The active circuit runs on a standard 9V battery and draws only 160 microamps, giving approximately 1500 hours of playing time per battery. That's roughly 6 months to a year of regular use.
Is this pickup quiet enough for studio and high-gain recording?
Yes—the noise floor sits at -107 dB in single-coil mode and -109 dB in dual-coil mode, making it suitable for clean studio recording and high-gain applications where noise can become a problem.
What genres and tunings is the 81TWX best suited for?
It's engineered for metal, hard rock, and progressive music, with particular strength in drop tunings where its aggressive low-end and articulate highs cut through heavy riffs. It's not voiced for jazz or folk applications.
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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