8,720
edits
Changes
m
→Actives vs. Passives
==Actives vs. Passives==
Active pickups use an internal pre-amp to buffer/modify the signal before it leaves the pickup. This requires a 9V battery inside the guitar to power the pre-amp. For some models, users insist using 2 9V batteries in series for a higher voltage improves their operation. The benefits are that you can get higher output and better SNR than with passives, for the most part.
Actives tend to feel a bit different than passives, having a bit more compression (less dynamic response). They also have a different frequency response, with a lower bass response and wider, less pronounced resonant peak. That can make them sound more consistent over sustained notes, but also earn them the description of "plasticky".
Personally, I have tried to make actives work for me, but I just prefer passives. I have used the EMG 81 bridge/85 neck set as well as Seymour Duncan AHB-1 set (in a couple different guitars). These are quite hot pickups - I found there was no real reason to require the higher output. In fact, it was a nuisance, because I'd have to make some big gain adjustments when switching guitars. The increased SNR is nice, but not as noticeable as I thought it would be - not enough to justify the actives over passives. The main issue is that passives seem to respond tonally to my playing better - I can pick harder or softer with different stroke angles and string positions, and the passives let me hear it all very clearly. The actives always sound the same.
==Major Brands==