Quote:
Originally Posted by jnevi9nr  it seems to me that you would have more flexibility if you got a passive bass and bought a outboard pre amp. however, my guess is that every company does not make an outboard pre amp. so whats the argument for getting an active vs. the argument for getting a passive? |
Actually there are 3 options:
1. Passive bass with EQ etc.by knobs on amp.
2. passive bass with EQ etc. by knobs on external preamp.
3. Active bass with EQ etc. by knobs on bass.
Plus as others have mentioned: 3B. Active with a passive/active switch that gives you choice of 1 or 3.
1. gives a certain tone mojo due to the fact that there is no circuitry that adds noise (usually hiss) or distorts your tone (lack of headroom etc.)
Downside is EQ knobs are over on your amp and bass only has a single primitive "tone" control that rolls off highs (There are some exceptions like G&L)
2. A passive bass with a preamp is an improvement in that it moves the controls closer to where you are playing. It's sort of like taking the knobs on your amp and moving them closer. Sometimes outboard preamps have more and better controls than your amp (depending on how much you spend). Often an added plus with an outboard preamp is it includes a DI.
Downside is you have to fork out $$$ for a preamp you really already have in the amp plus the knobs are only closer and not right on the bass. Plus it's an extra box to plug in.
3. Active basses put the EQ knobs etc. right on the bass. This makes it handy to change tone while playing. How many controls are there depends on the bass. Active basses drive long cables better without losing signal or tone. Active basses often (but not always) have higher output which reduces hum pickup.
Downside is that for some reason (probably because they have to run hours off of a battery) Active bass circuits are never as good sounding or as noise-free as those in an amp or external preamp. Plus, the downside of having a battery that can go dead.
For me, I find that I prefer passive for the tone mojo especially with an amp with great controls and a bass where you don't want to play with tone much (old school). On the other hand, if you are playing through a DI with a reasonably modern sounding bass where you tend to adjust the tone a lot, an active bass is the answer. Otherwise you just stand there on stage feeling helpless as you need to tweak your tone and can't.
