Agree with Doc J
Have one in my Lull.
Vintage tone control is on all the time, active and passive. Bass and treble are boost only, however paired with the VTC loads of tonal options available.
Ilove the sound of my bass passive especially when recording and the VTC is great there , but live when I do need a little extra kick stick it it active and just a little boost goes a long way with this preamp - no need to go to 18V
Very musical preamp thats adds that subtle but might Sadowsky colour. Definately a winner
Not play the EMG so cannot comment