What is the difference between passive and active pickups?

Answer 1

A guitar pickup uses a magnet and coil (either single or double) to generate a small electrical current when the strings are plucked. This creates a disruption in the magnetic field which is interpreted by the amplifier. This describes a "passive" pickup. The signal is sent this way. Active pickups simply use an on-board pre-amplifier that, when used with the coils, boosts the signal down the path to the amp. Basically it gives the signal a push. Active pickups are great but the quality of the sound depends a lot upon the quality of the preamp.

Answer 2

The subwoofer is supposed to handle the lowest frequency. The Subwoofer became popular because of space. To get good bass from a normal pair of stereo speakers required fairly large cabinets. Since the loewer frequency are non-directional ( has to do with wavelength ) you can use smaller speakers to handle most of the sound and a subwoofer, which is less critical about placement for the bass. This give more options for placement. The higher the frequency though the more directional the sound. So a subwoofer really should be used to supplement the bass on smaller speakers. Many systems though have subwoofers that go up to 250 Hz and even higher. This is high enough to be slightly directional and can affect the stereo image.

Answer 3

Passive device don't have its own internal energy. To operate these device we require external energy. Like Resistor capacitor , inductor,Antenna (including GSM antenna). Active device don't need external energy. It has its own internal energy. Like battery, and transistor etc.

RITESH

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Answer 4

Active is powered by 110 and passive draws current from the line.

actives usally hit harder

Answer 5

When I recently wondered the same question, I found my answer on the following website. He also gives his own opinions and insights, which I found helpful as well. Hope this helps!

Answer 6

An active subwoofer has a built-in amp which doesn't require the use of an amplifier.

Answer 7

Nothing, people just say woofer for short.