Output Levels

I have a Modulus Deluxe Jazz with EMG pickups and preamp. I just got a Zon Sonus with Bartolini's. I have always heard that EMG were hot pickups with high output and Bartonlinis were mellow. I've even heard that Bartolini equipped basses should be used in the passive slot even if they are active because the output is low. My Zon has such higher output that it actually makes my amp quite louder. Even my old P-Bass in the passive slot is a good bit louder than Modulus through the active slot. My Trace 220's manual makes it sound like using an active bass in the passive slot can cause clipping and damage my preamp. Anyone else experience this with EMGs? Is there a way to adjust the output? Is there a way to measure the output of my basses? Should I just use it in the passive slot?


Mike