using an active bass through the passive input

axeinurface · #1 12-10-2011, 07:24 PM

I don't know if I really need to ask this but I just want to find out what other's opinions were. I have a crappy bass head (I bought it for cheap and I haven't been playing bass long, so its just for now), and my bass has active pickups. but the active input on the head (that says -6dB) cuts out and doesn't work right, but the passive input (-0dB) works fine. I was just wondering if this could actually cause any damage to my head/cab or if it is a matter of preference type of thing? also, if it could potentially damage my equipment from too hot of a signal, I should be able to manage that with the built-in limiter, no? just wanna see what other's opinions are and get some advice...thanks!

hdracer · #2 12-10-2011, 07:26 PM

I run most of my active basses through the passive plug. It will not hurt the amp but if you have a real hot pre amp in your bass the amp may distort at higher volumes.

Daniel Piper · #3 12-10-2011, 07:31 PM

I have always done it. That way I get a little more control over the strength (gain) of the signal going through to the pre.

I have always found active inputs to just kill tone. A little.

hdracer · #4 12-10-2011, 07:34 PM

I forgot to say, If your amp starts distorting just turn down the volume knob on your bass. (less gain)

Baron Von Vik · #5 12-10-2011, 07:36 PM

I never use the active input.

walterw · #6 12-10-2011, 07:37 PM

yeah, "passive" vs. "active" is misleading, and should be scrapped. all it needs to say on these amps is "0dB" and "-6dB" or whatever.

whichever input gets the sound you want at reasonable volume knob settings is fine. (i also always go for the hotter "passive" input no matter what.)

Bo_H · #7 12-10-2011, 09:11 PM

I do. Just too lazy to switch the plug over when I switch basses. I use the bass volume to compensate when necessary.

kanonfodr · #8 12-10-2011, 10:40 PM

I used to play in a band where I swapped from a passive 4 string to an active 5 string, and then back. Just used the regular input, let the extra volume (and the B!!) deafen the crowd some more!!

Peace,
Greg

wcriley · #9 12-11-2011, 07:02 AM

Why do amps even have "active" and "passive" inputs? Did early preamps actually add so much gain that they'd overload input stages?

My G-K drops the input by 14dB when I engage the "active" switch. The only time I'd ever consider using it would be if I wanted to send a line level signal through the preamp section.

For what it's worth: Of the basses I currently own, the one with the hottest output is completely passive. The one with the lowest output has passive pickups and a preamp. Go figure.

Ibanez Bassist · #10 12-11-2011, 08:07 AM

I never use the Active input regardless of what bass Im using always Passive and I have never had a problem yet..

s_mcsleazy · #11 12-11-2011, 08:21 AM

none of my amps have a active input. i only have one active bass

RickenBoogie · #12 12-11-2011, 08:39 AM

It's quite ok to run an active bass into the passive input. The gain control is all you need. I see those active inputs alot like anti-lock brakes- made for those who don't know how to use the gear, or like an "idiot light". No worries.

oldcatfish · #13 12-11-2011, 11:27 AM

Hmm, I'm just really weird then....because I use the active inputs with passive basses. Just seem to be able to get the tone I want better, and no worries of unwanted overtones. I do this with most amps.

RickenBoogie · #14 12-11-2011, 04:02 PM

Using the active input with a passive bass is no different than using the passive input and turning the gain down a bit.

axeinurface · #15 12-14-2011, 03:16 AM

ok..that helps. i actually figured out the volume knob trick cause sometimes i play my bass through my 2x12 guitar combo. for a while i thought my speakers sounded blown (my bass cab not my guitar combo) but my amp just sounds really crappy when it starts to break up (its a POS crate but it was cheap and my first bass amp), using the guitar amp actually helped me figure that one out. i dont think my head could blow my cab anyways...its a 150w head (weak for a bass i know) and my cab says it can handle 600w i think?..maybe 800.

alexclaber · #16 12-14-2011, 03:37 AM

Usually it's best to use the passive input for all basses, despite the nomenclature!

Active and passive inputs on amps are really badly named! As useful a name as 'effects loops' which are best avoided with pedals (and who's still using rackmount effects?) and would be better named 'preamp out' and 'power amp in'.

axeinurface · #17 12-14-2011, 03:44 AM

yeah i've never really understood FX loops on bass or guitar (which i've played much longer). the only times it is handy is with a noise gate or using an EQ on a $hitty sounding amp. i put mostly everything out in front.