Does active and passive inputs really matter in a bass amp?

[DanTheMusicman]

[size=4]Im asking this as I am getting a new bass, the sterling by musicman ray34ca and I dont think my fender rumble amp will give it any justice.[/size]

[size=4]I found a really good cheap Gallien Kreuger combo that has all the features I need apart from these active and passive inputs which I don't know if it will be important in any way. The ray34ca (ca=classive active) is an active bass and I am quite a beginner in bass amps and sounds so I may need answers.[/size]

[size=4]Thanks, D.W.[/size]

[DanTheMusicman]

I have a 15 watt rumble amp if anyone is wondering. It only has bass, middle and treble controls and a master volume and that is all.

[lettsguitars]

Yes. If you plug a high output (active) instrument into the high gain (passive) input, you lose all your clean headroom or summat (it will distort at lower levels). Which is the reason they have 2 inputs on decent amplifiers.

Edited June 11, 2012 by lettsguitars

[icastle]

Many amps have Hi/Lo input sockets.

I strongly suspect that most bass players just whap everything in the Hi socket the same as I do regardless of the bass type.

[DanTheMusicman]

Can you recommend any cheap bass combos that have some features such as these

[lettsguitars]

Er, all of em!

[xgsjx]

[quote name='lettsguitars' timestamp='1339445480' post='1688708']
Er, all of em!
[/quote]

Good answer!

If there's an input gain knob then it might not have the 2 inputs. Which means you just set the level to suit your bass.

[0175westwood29]

yes it stops the pre amp from clipping, you plug active basses into the hi or -15db input and passives into the low, means if you have a hot input on your bass allows you to use the full power of the pre amp in your bass.

andy

[lettsguitars]

. . .and vice-versa. A passive instrument in the active socket wont drive the amp enough and you'll get no kick.

[Dave Vader]

GK amps usually have a -10db pad button which effectively does the same thing. but by pressing a button rather than using two inputs.

[chris_b]

If there is one I always use the active socket. It seems to give the bass more punch. If the input signal is too hot, turn the volume down.

Those -db pads sound like they've cut the balls off of your sound. I’ve never used them.

I think you're right about the Rumble. The GK should sound much better.

[1970]

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1339445317' post='1688702']
Many amps have Hi/Lo input sockets.

I strongly suspect that most bass players just whap everything in the Hi socket the same as I do regardless of the bass type.
[/quote]

It's misleading though - I thought you're supposed to plug into lo if you have a normal passive bass right? I think most people think 'Hi' will be louder (ie higher), but actually the lo input is louder. I could be wrong.

I always thought it was:

lo = use if your bass has a low output (ie passive)
hi = use if your bass/instrument has a high output (ie active or a keyboard with line level output etc)

non?

[bremen]

[quote name='1970' timestamp='1339498423' post='1689242']
It's misleading though - I thought you're supposed to plug into lo if you have a normal passive bass right? I think most people think 'Hi' will be louder (ie higher), but actually the lo input is louder. I could be wrong.

I always thought it was:

lo = use if your bass has a low output (ie passive)
hi = use if your bass/instrument has a high output (ie active or a keyboard with line level output etc)

non?
[/quote]

Does it really matter? Use the one that sounds better! You won't damage the amp by over-driving the input stages.

Also, what Mr Tobeloud said. My EMG-P active isn't noticeably louder than my Seymour Duncan passive.

[xgsjx]

I recently ripped the active electronics out my bass & wired it up passive (new pots etc) & it puts out the same level of signal.

[LawrenceH]

Whether an amp needs or benefits from 2 different inputs for high and low depends on its design. Whether an active bass is higher output than a passive depends on their design and how the EQ is set.

If an amp doesn't have two separate inputs it usually means its designed in such a way as to not need them, so don't let it put you off.

[1970]

[quote name='bremen' timestamp='1339498619' post='1689248']
Does it really matter? Use the one that sounds better! You won't damage the amp by over-driving the input stages.
[/quote]

Sure, I just like to know what goes on behind the scenes.

[xgsjx]

[quote name='1970' timestamp='1339662021' post='1692038']
Sure, I just like to know what goes on behind the scenes.
[/quote]

Something like this.....

[Owen]

Ignore this post. I am a doofus!

Edited June 14, 2012 by owen

[dincz]

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1339663902' post='1692072']
Hi + Lo inputs are about loading pickups. Lo impedance input makes passive basses have a fuller tone. What you do with volume comes after that.
[/quote]

I think you're confusing High/Low impedance (HiZ, LoZ) with high and low level inputs. You really don't want to load a passive pickup with a LoZ input. If by "fuller" you mean lacking in high frequencies, then yes a low impedance input will achieve that.

[LawrenceH]

[quote name='dincz' timestamp='1339667957' post='1692191']
I think you're confusing High/Low impedance (HiZ, LoZ) with high and low level inputs. You really don't want to load a passive pickup with a LoZ input. If by "fuller" you mean lacking in high frequencies, then yes a low impedance input will achieve that.
[/quote]

I believe 'Hi' on the input actually often refers to sensitivity - hence the 'hi' input is for low output (typically high impedance passive) instruments. I think often if you look at the schematics the different inputs will just have a pad between them. You're fine running all instruments into the 'hi' input unless it clips. I'd be more wary of running a passive instrument into the 'lo' in case the impedance was unsuitable as you say, but the other way round (low into high impedance) works fine.
A preamp with enough clean headroom doesn't need 2 separate inputs (eg my Markbass F1 or the Hartke LH500 with the Fender/Alembic-type front end).

Run everything into 'hi' unless it overloads it on minimum gain setting. As has been mentioned elsewhere, IME active/passive has very little bearing on output level though it will impact the impedance.

[Owen]

[quote name='dincz' timestamp='1339667957' post='1692191']
I think you're confusing High/Low impedance (HiZ, LoZ) with high and low level inputs. You really don't want to load a passive pickup with a LoZ input. If by "fuller" you mean lacking in high frequencies, then yes a low impedance input will achieve that.
[/quote]

See above for explanation.

[dincz]

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1339669605' post='1692242']
See above for explanation.
[/quote]

It says the same thing about high impedance pickups running into low impedance inputs. Guitar/bass amps generally don't have low impedance inputs anyway - unless they have a line input which is typically only 20kohm or so.

Both hi/lo level/sensitivity inputs on amps tend to be at least 500kohm (high impedance) or so, so there won't be a problem.

[DanTheMusicman]

Thanks for the answers.

[StuCapewell]

Hi, our singer has just bought a Roland BA 330 pa and is nervous of me playing my active bass though it, nowhere in the manual or online seems to have an answer, anyone know? Thanks 

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

There's no problem playing active bass through any rig, if it clips the input just turn it down. The problem you'll face with the BA 330 is it's not going to be able to handle lows at more than coffee house levels.