whats the difference between a passive and active bass?

Answer 1

Assuming that it is not a guitar that you are asking about, then Twisted_Ace is correct. Active Base units have a power amp and adjustable crossovers. Passive Base units have a fixed "Band Pass" filter arrangement.
"Low end" Bose units use an arrangement of two small speakers and a passive base unit (from which the speakers are wired!). Its like having two normal speakers, but split into 3 boxes instead. The theory being that base sound is not as focused as mid to high range and so you can't hear the difference!

Answer 2

If I understand your question correctly you are talking about passive bass radiators in some speakers. A passive radiator does nothing but vibrate because of the inherent pressure waves inside the speaker cabinet. It's not actually 'driven' by the source. You will never get the bass response from a passive radiator that you will from an actively driven bass driver.

Answer 3

A a active bass have active pick ups in it to give you a more upfront, clearer, crisp sound and requires a 9v battery that plugs in the back of your bass.

A passive bass does not require a battery and does not have active pic ups.

I have a active bass...Z

Who ever gave me a thumbs down don't know what the hell they are talking about!! Call any music store and ask them and they will tell you I'm right.........Bass plater for 15 years.

Answer 4

Ummmmmmm, can't help you with the bass, but I do know the difference between passive and active voice in grammar, and that Adam Clayton plays bass for U2.

Answer 5

Assuming you are talking about sub-woofers, an active sub-woofer has a built in amplifier. A passive one 'scavenges' the bass signals from a hi-fi or A/V amplifier.

For volume, bass depth and sound quality, active subs are far and away the best.