Difference between active and passive eq
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Dr. Vegetable
New member
Re: Difference between active and passive eq
Generally speaking, passive circuits do not require a power supply, and active circuits do.
A passive EQ will use simple filters to reduce the signal level in each frequency range. It cannot boost the signal - it can only remove from what's there.
An active EQ has amplification built in, and so can potentially boost portions of the signal as well as cut them.
Generally speaking, passive circuits do not require a power supply, and active circuits do.
A passive EQ will use simple filters to reduce the signal level in each frequency range. It cannot boost the signal - it can only remove from what's there.
An active EQ has amplification built in, and so can potentially boost portions of the signal as well as cut them.
PFDarkside
of the Forum
Re: Difference between active and passive eq
All EQ knobs at 10 on a passive EQ = flat setting on active EQ. (That flat setting may be 5, or some other setting). Basically start your active EQs under the midpoint and adjust from there. Active EQs are very powerful tone shaping circuits, but can be a little confusing if you are used to the way a passive EQ works.
All EQ knobs at 10 on a passive EQ = flat setting on active EQ. (That flat setting may be 5, or some other setting). Basically start your active EQs under the midpoint and adjust from there. Active EQs are very powerful tone shaping circuits, but can be a little confusing if you are used to the way a passive EQ works.
vinta9e
New member
Re: Difference between active and passive eq
According to Duncan's tonestack calculator, Soldano's passive eq circuit gets the flattest response with the treble on zero, midrange full-tilt, bass slightly above zero. Dime every knob and it still attenuates the signal and alters its spectral composition.
According to Duncan's tonestack calculator, Soldano's passive eq circuit gets the flattest response with the treble on zero, midrange full-tilt, bass slightly above zero. Dime every knob and it still attenuates the signal and alters its spectral composition.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: Difference between active and passive eq
The easiest way I understand it is: passive can only cut what is already there. Passive can cut what is already there, and it can also amplify it.
The only way to "boost" something with passive e.q. is to do it relatively speaking, by cutting everything but it, then raising the overall volume to compensate for the lost volume during the passive e.q.ing.
The easiest way I understand it is: passive can only cut what is already there. Passive can cut what is already there, and it can also amplify it.
The only way to "boost" something with passive e.q. is to do it relatively speaking, by cutting everything but it, then raising the overall volume to compensate for the lost volume during the passive e.q.ing.
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