Passive or Active input?

[jellejanssen]

Hi there!

I am new to effects so I am sorry for this noob question

My question:
If I plug my Passive Jbass into my effect pedal, do I have to plug it in the Passive or Active input on my amp?

Thanks alot!
-Jelle

 

[Peke]

If and when your bass is passive then use passive input.

 

[Downunderwonder]

It depends on the pedal output. Use whatever works.

 

[bongomania]

If and when your bass is passive then use passive input.

Actually no.

The so-called "active" input has a pad on it which cuts your input levels. This is ONLY useful when the amp input stage is clipping (distorting) because your signal is too strong.

In the early days of active basses, a lot of them had very high output--so amp makers added the padded input, and labeled it "active".

Regardless of whether your bass is active or passive--and regardless of whether you use any pedals--the only time to ever use the active input is if your signal is too strong, and clipping the amp.