There is a common misconception that active basses are louder than passive basses. However, this is not always the case. In fact, the loudness of a bass guitar depends on a number of factors, including the pickups, the amp, and the player’s technique.
Active Basses
Active basses have an onboard preamp that boosts the signal from the pickups. This can give them a brighter, more aggressive sound. However, the preamp does not actually make the bass louder. It simply amplifies the signal from the pickups, which can make it easier to hear the bass in a mix.
Passive Basses
Passive basses do not have an onboard preamp. This gives them a warmer, more mellow sound. However, passive basses can be just as loud as active basses, if not louder. This is because passive basses often have higher output pickups than active basses.
Which Type is Louder?
So, which type of bass guitar is louder? It really depends on the specific bass guitar and the amp that it is plugged into. However, in general, active basses and passive basses can be equally loud.
The best way to determine which type of bass guitar is louder for you is to try out both active and passive basses and see which one you prefer.
Here are some additional factors that can affect the loudness of a bass guitar:
- Pickups: The type and output of the pickups can have a big impact on the loudness of a bass guitar. Passive basses with high output pickups can be just as loud as active basses with lower output pickups.
- Amp: The amp that you use can also affect the loudness of your bass guitar. A good amp with a lot of power can make your bass guitar louder, regardless of whether it is active or passive.
- Player’s technique: The player’s technique can also affect the loudness of a bass guitar. A good player who knows how to use their fingers or a pick effectively can make their bass guitar louder, regardless of whether it is active or passive.
Ultimately, the loudness of a bass guitar depends on a number of factors. There is no single answer to the question of whether active basses are louder than passive basses.
