Active bass pickups can be used as passive pickups, but it is not always advisable. Active pickups have an onboard preamp that boosts the signal from the pickups. This can give them a brighter, more aggressive sound. However, the preamp also adds a certain amount of noise to the signal.
If you want to use active pickups as passive pickups, you can simply disconnect the preamp. However, this will also remove the boost from the signal, which can make the bass sound weaker and less aggressive.
In some cases, it may be desirable to use active pickups as passive pickups. For example, if you are playing in a quiet environment and you want to avoid adding noise to the signal, you may want to disconnect the preamp.
However, in most cases, it is better to use active pickups with the preamp engaged. This will give you the best possible sound quality.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using active bass pickups as passive pickups:
Pros:
- Less noise: Disconnecting the preamp will remove the noise that is added by the active circuitry. This can be useful if you are playing in a quiet environment.
- More control: With the preamp disconnected, you will have more control over the tone of your bass. You can use your amp’s EQ to shape the sound, or you can use pedals to add effects.
Cons:
- Weaker signal: Disconnecting the preamp will also remove the boost from the signal. This can make the bass sound weaker and less aggressive.
- More complex: It can be more complicated to set up and use a bass with active pickups. You will need to make sure that the batteries are always fresh, and you may need to adjust the preamp settings depending on the situation.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use active bass pickups as passive pickups is up to you. If you are looking for the best possible sound quality, it is best to use active pickups with the preamp engaged. However, if you are playing in a quiet environment and you want to avoid adding noise to the signal, you may want to disconnect the preamp.
