EMG BTS HZ System
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3392
Description
EMG BTS HZ System
The EMG BTS HZ System is a compact 2-band preamp that unlocks tone-shaping potential in passive pickup setups while maintaining a clean, low-noise signal path ideal for recording and mixing. Its four independent knobs sit flush on the guitar body, offering immediate access to volume, blend, treble, and bass control during takes and overdubs. This system integrates seamlessly into guitars already equipped with EMG HZ pickups or other manufacturers' passive designs, making it a practical upgrade path for home studios and professional tracking environments.
Tone Shaping & Control
The preamp delivers ±12dB of adjustable treble and ±12dB bass control at 20Hz, providing surgical EQ capability across the frequency spectrum—critical for dialing in the exact character you need before committing to a recording. A 2-position dip switch adjusts the slope of high-frequency response, allowing you to shape everything from tight, focused tones suitable for dense mixes to open and airy articulation that cuts through in sparse arrangements. The 120dB input-referred noise specification ensures clean amplification with minimal hum or unwanted artifacts, preserving the integrity of your recordings and reducing noise during post-production mixing.
Electronics & Power
The system operates at a recommended 18 volts for optimal headroom and dynamic range, though it functions across a range from 9V to a maximum of 27 volts DC. Battery life extends to 750 hours at 18V operation, minimizing downtime between replacements during tracking sessions. The 2K ohm output impedance matches standard amplifier inputs, ensuring transparent signal transfer without impedance-related tone loss—essential for maintaining consistency when layering multiple guitar tracks.
Key Features
- 2-band preamp compatible with EMG HZ pickups and other passive pickup designs
- Volume, Blend, Treble, and Bass control configuration
- Treble control: +/-12dB adjustable
- Bass control: +/-12dB at 20Hz
- 2-position dip switch for high-frequency response slope adjustment
- Output impedance: 2K Ohms
- Recommended supply voltage: 18 Volts
- Current draw: 600 microamps @ 9V / 740 microamps @ 18V
- Battery life: 750 hours
- Maximum supply: 27 Volts DC
- Input referred noise: 120dB
- Includes 4 single non-concentric knobs, battery clip with buss connector, stereo output jack with battery switching, and 4 interconnect cables (2 red, 2 white)
The BTS HZ System delivers professional-grade preamp performance in a form factor designed for guitars that demand precise tone control and low-noise operation in the studio, without compromising on recording transparency or mix compatibility.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG BTS HZ System is a 2-band preamp that transforms passive pickup setups into recording-ready instruments with precise EQ control and a transparent signal path, delivering ±12dB of treble and bass shaping at a 120dB noise floor. Home studio owners and producers will appreciate the seamless integration into existing guitar electronics, the option to dial in everything from tight and focused tones to open and airy character via a 2-position dip switch, and the clean amplification that ensures your recordings capture exactly what you play. Choose this for session work and home recording when you need reliable tone sculpting and minimal noise artifacts in your signal chain.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Home Recording
- ✓ Gigging
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Practice
- – Collecting
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What pickups does the BTS HZ System work with?
The system integrates with EMG HZ pickups and other passive pickup designs. It's designed to retrofit into guitars that already have or will have passive pickups installed.
How long does the battery last, and what voltage should I use?
Battery life is 750 hours at 18V operation (the recommended voltage for optimal headroom). The system functions across 9V to 27V DC, so you can adjust based on your needs and how often you replace batteries.
What's included in the box?
The system includes 4 single non-concentric knobs (volume, blend, treble, bass), a battery clip with buss connector, a stereo output jack with battery switching, and 4 interconnect cables (2 red, 2 white).
Can I dial in different tone characters with this preamp?
Yes. The ±12dB treble and bass controls let you shape EQ across the frequency spectrum, and a 2-position dip switch adjusts the high-frequency response slope so you can go from tight and focused to open and airy articulation.
How much noise does this system add to my signal?
The input-referred noise specification is 120dB, which ensures clean amplification with minimal hum or unwanted artifacts—professional-grade clarity for recording and gigging.
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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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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