plugging an active into the passive input

TheGreatSealof · #1 11-10-2011, 08:27 PM

I am a learning bassist (less than 1 year learning experience). I am teaching myself using the Hal Leonard bass method books 1-3, second edition by Ed Friedland.

I have an Ibanez 300 (a beginner instrument) that I have upgraded the stock pups to Bartolini MK4 pups. I am not a professional and play for myself with my iPod through an Ampeg BA-115.

I understand the amp offers two inputs, passive and active.

The active input reduces by -15db.

Would I damage the amp if plugged the active into the passive input?

JakeDPR · #2 11-10-2011, 08:36 PM

Only if you push it to extreme volumes. It is there mostly for people who switch between active and passive I believe.

cire113 · #3 11-12-2011, 07:07 PM

I have the same amp and bass and upgraded pickups.. the short answer NO.. the passive is just way louder then active...

bongomania · #4 11-12-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeDPR

Only if you push it to extreme volumes. It is there mostly for people who switch between active and passive I believe.

Nope. No damage is going to occur, no matter how high-output the bass is. What the "active" input is for is to avoid unwanted clipping completely regardless of whether the bass is active or passive.

janekbass · #5 11-19-2011, 11:04 AM

seems everyone got to your question before I could... which I appreciate! Been on the road for three weeks and haven't been able to get in here as much as I'd like to answer questions.

Janek

rimbaud · #6 11-19-2011, 10:19 PM

STOP !!

I've been using a BA112 for some jams (it was on stage, so...) and some guys plugged an active deluxe p-bass in the passive input, pushed the volume (drummer inside)and...
few days later the amp burnt (a smelly thing...you know what I mean). It's been repaired now... 60 bucks !

Another dude reported a problem with that chinese Ampeg serie, the woofer died ... All by playing at high level and using an active bass in the passive input.

NEVER DO THAT ON CHINESE AMPEG SERIES !!!

seanm · #7 11-19-2011, 10:32 PM

EA says to always use the passive input.... unless you actually have a problem with clipping. Most actives put out the same volume as passives.