Another Passive/Active question

[verstft]

I recently started incorporating an MXR M81 external bass preamp in my signal chain. That got me thinking?

What's the difference between an external and an on-board preamp?
Does my passive bass sound "active" with the MXR?


Would there be any difference between an active bass and a passive + external active eq.
I am an active virgin. I think active uses different pots resistance, so it's not quite apples to apples.

Thoughts?

 

[Chasarms]

There is no difference other than the differences in the design of the preamp itself.

For many, an external preamp is an excellent option, particularly if you use more than one passive bass. Plus, external preamps often have additional features such as an XLR out for DI.

 

[line6man]

The major difference between onboard and outboard preamps is that onboard preamps buffer the signal before it leaves the bass, whereas your signal has to encounter cable capacitance before it gets buffered by outboard gear. For this reason, an onboard preamp will give a slightly purer signal. On the other hand, in theory, it is possible for you to have a better quality preamp, if you run it outboard. The reason being that you are free to use higher voltage power supplies and components that draw higher current, because you don't have to be concerned with running on battery power.

The average player, however, is not aware of, or doesn't care about any differences between onboard and outboard preamps, and makes a choice simply based on whichever of the two is most convenient.