Active bass in Passive input

CTC564 · #1 06-06-2011, 07:19 PM

I don't believe I've ever used the active pad on the input of my amp...and I've always played active basses through it

Can someone please explain the purpose of this feature?

Could I cause damage to my amp or speakers?

Thanks Talkbass!!!

mello_bedwetter · #2 06-06-2011, 07:28 PM

I have a GK MB210 and 210MBE cab. I use an Ibanez SR700 sometimes, an active bass. When I use the active input it cuts the volume WAY down. I've had others tell me on here they always use the passive input for their active bass...now that's on the GK. I'm not sure on other amps. Someone will catch your post and give you the answer though as for as the active input. I can't explain it. Take care.
If I'm using the 210MBE extension cabinet I still do use the active input cause I have plenty of power with the extra cab.

Munjibunga · #3 06-06-2011, 07:32 PM

It puts a 12- to 20-dB pad on the input for active basses with really hot outputs so you don't overdrive the amp's preamp or input buffer. A lot of amps don't even have different inputs for active and passive - you just use the gain control. As long as you're not overdriving the front end of your amp, it won't hurt anything.

RickenBoogie · #4 06-06-2011, 07:32 PM

You don't need to use an active input ever, unless whatever bass you plug in is so hot, it clips your preamp. Active, passive, doesn't matter. Just use the normal input.

billfitzmaurice · #5 06-06-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTC564

I don't believe I've ever used the active pad on the input of my amp...and I've always played active basses through it

Can someone please explain the purpose of this feature?

So you don't overload the amp input. If you do, turn the bass volume pot down.

Count Bassie · #6 06-06-2011, 08:43 PM

The active pre on my Ibanez BTB isn't for gain I think, so much as to power an active eq system. I can sweep to a mid point I like and boost or cut it, thereby "shaping" my bass' sound. It's not any louder than a passive bass with reasonable output, it just needs a little juice (18v) to create enough signal for the preamp circuit to work with- like the preamp section in your head does.

I was using the Active input on a Hartke A100 combo for rehearsal, but I found it's like putting on a life jacket to sit in a bathtub. Unnecessary and burdensome.