active/ passive for newbs

[mmmmm_funky!]

To answer your quesiton... Yes, active basses can have switches that activate or de-activate the PreAmps. Many stock basses already do. These setups usually have passive pickups and active PreAmps.

Active Pickups like EMG's require batteries to run and cannot be deActivated to the best of my knowledge.

Personally, I prefer Passive pickups and Active EQ's with an Active/Passive switch or push/pull knob, along with an always on Passive Tone Roll Off pot that works with the bass is in passive mode and also when in Active mode. Just one more level of tone control.

that sounds like a great setup could you show us a wiring diagram or something? cheers!