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Active vs. Passive

RAM

RAM

May 10, 2000
5,357
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Chicago, IL
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#1
Sorry...couldn't resist!

Anyway, I've got a theory, so let me know if you agree or have a different opinion.

Active is for those seeking the comfort of their own home while sipping an expensive, boutique soft-drink (or single-malt - though I don't drink) on ice made (not if you drink single-malt, though) from finely, multiply purified water. Passive is for those who don't get that 24 frets and 9 strings can still be considered a bass (though guitarists might disagree, since they're becoming obsolete).

So...what are your thoughts? Active or passive?
 
#8
I like passive tone best. All of my basses are value basses, and maybe on higher end basses things are different, but on all of my active Rondo basses and my Squier Jazz Deluxe V the pre, even set flat, does something to the sound. It's not necessarily bad, but there ARE times when I'll pick up one of my passives, because that "processed" sound (I don't know how else to describe it) is not what I want. Don't misunderstand me, the "processed" sound difference is subtle, but any bassist would be able to hear it.

The Audere in my SX SJB 57, however, actually gives GOOD PASSIVE tone! So much so that I don't miss not being able to bypass it. That said, I DO appreciate the tone-shaping flexibility of a pre, and they really come in handy when dialing in a slap tone.

It's all good, and every tone has a use, but, I like passive tone best :cool:
 
#10
Okay...I need to rephrase my question...it was obviously meant as a joke, kind of like going along with the "what are pickup covers for"...

I've been an active member on TB for about 9 years and have seen this topic brought up at least 3, maybe 4 times a week every year I've been here. That's at least 12 times I've seen this, give or take...about 1,000...

Dontchya think the SEARCH function might suit some people well?:rollno:
 
#11
I have an active Soundgear 300DX, passive Peavey Foundation V and a passive Ric 4003. While the Ibanez can get any sound imaginable, both the others make it feel and sound like a toy. To me with passive you can hear the wood better, but like others have said, can't get the versatility with it either.
 
#12
RAM said:
Okay...I need to rephrase my question...it was obviously meant as a joke, kind of like going along with the "what are pickup covers for"...

I've been an active member on TB for about 9 years and have seen this topic brought up at least 3, maybe 4 times a week every year I've been here. That's at least 12 times I've seen this, give or take...about 1,000...

Dontchya think the SEARCH function might suit some people well?:rollno:
Click to expand...
Guilty as charged :D
 
#15
It may help them but people would much rather be spoon fed,and why bother when even though they are told 3-4 times to do a search for "what the best bass for metal" is or "which is better active or passive" and they'll find their answer,sooner or later someone is going to give them an answer/their opinion.

Give people a chance to be lazy,and they will be.
 
#16
You're just trying to start a fight. Traditionalist of every ilk are most interested in preserving what is good and unique in their genre. With each technological advance something is gained and lost. Every new instrument and each innovation is meant to bring us closer to the ideal, but who is to say whether or not some particularly well loved aspect of that ideal was embodied in something that has gone before.

So while there are those who can only tell a bass guitar by the number of strings on it, there are others who truly enjoy that vibe you get from playing a '64 Rick (all be it through a Tri-logic preamp, a MarkBass Studio Pre 500, and the Epifani UL-610).
 
#19
with nearly active bass I've played I usually keep the settings flat and EQ on the amp. Only time I ever really even consider the benefits of having an active pre-amp is when I have the ability to switch from passive to active mode and back simply to have a quick 2speed mode for the bass for different needs.
I find having pickup voicing ability to be far more important.

I should admit though, I currently am not gigging and so the idea of being able to tweak on the fly with out going to the amp isn't something I've encountered and I guess its possible that would be quite important for many folks.
 
#20
i find that in my bands very heavy mix (read: lots of volume, distorted guitar, and hard hitting drummer), that my stingray is my weapon of choice to get through everything and be heard. my p doesnt really seem to do that as well
 

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