Stupid question about active electronics

[ehinkley]

This may sound like I know nothing, but since I've always had active basses, I simply don't know the answer.
If one wanted to use an outboard preamp, does hitting the kill switch on the bass, or even removing the 9v battery altogether make the bass passive at that point?

[mwiles30]

No. It simply becomes inoperable.

[ehinkley]

Ah, I see. Thank you.

[stflbn]

Many active basses have Active/Passive switches that allow the preamps to be turned off. A good many Active basses have passive pickups. Some fewer have Active preamps and Active pickups.

In the past years you've started to see Active basses with Active/Passive switches as well as always on passive tone controls that allow tone roll-off like a traditional passive bass. When switched out of active these are very close to a true passive bass. A passive tone control can be added to many active preamps.

[pbd]

the battery powers the active pickups, without, its dead

Todd

[ehinkley]

All that makes sense guys. Feel stupid for not knowing, but thanks to all.

[stflbn]

Originally Posted by pbd

the battery powers the active pickups, without, its dead

Todd

"IF" his bass has active pickups. Many/most "active" basses have passive pickups and an active preamp. Those basses with passive pickups work just fine if the preamp is switched off and out of the circuit. There are more 'active' basses with passive pickups and active preamps then there are with true active pickups.

[pbd]

Originally Posted by stflbn

"IF" his bass has active pickups. Many/most "active" basses have passive pickups and an active preamp. Those basses with passive pickups work just fine if the preamp is switched off and out of the circuit. There are more 'active' basses with passive pickups and active preamps then there are with true active pickups.

Yes, your right, I've never been able to afford a fancy bass so mine just die when the battery is dead lol

Todd