Active vs. Passive Baggs M1 pickup?

[doc]

Just looking for thoughts on this. I have a Para DI, and am thinking that the passive plus DI would sound better than the active, and also passive into a good tube pre could sound good for recording. On the other hand, the active would eliminate the need to cart around a box to play the local open-mike night. I'm planning on getting on or the other plus one of the Vintage endpin jacks to allow me to switch it out on several vintage acoustics. Any suggestions?

[Tinman]

Seemed like a good question. Bump.

[walterw]

i've always liked the idea of not double-preamping, but in practice it seems like a good active pickup into a good tone-shaping preamp works just fine.

also, an onboard active system prevents tone loss from cable-loading, important if you want more than 6' of cable between your guitar and the floor.

[themusicboxstudios]

bump.

[GregoryL]

I actually just made this exact decision myself about two weeks ago - I even use the para di as well.

Cost wasn't a consideration, and I still went with the passive M1.

Main considerations:
- Using the Para DI, I really didn't think I needed a volume control right on the pickup.
- The active needs a battery on board, which is a pain to change and adds weight, further damping the soundboard.
- No difference in actual sound

Still early with it, but I've already gigged with it and tracked a few informal demos. I'm impressed so far.

The only reason I could see someone really needing the added volume control of the active model would be if they play regularly at open mics, where the sound guy might already have a lesser DI box set up. In this case, I could see the volume control being useful.

[themusicboxstudios]

well i already have a M1A ... but I want the Para DI ... I just want to make sure it'll work alright.

[uncletele]

Doc,
I tried both myself with the PADI and without. Irregardless of the pickup, you're still gonna want the EQ abilty of the PADI. Plus the active has a volume control and if you play live, you're gonna want that too. I went with the active for the volume control. I'm now using the D-Tar Solstice preamp, and man, I really like my sound now.

[pickaguitar]

I got the passive recently with the di box.
I like the battery and preamp on the outside...

[Vibrolucky]

I am playing a M1 Active in a Gibson LG0 from the 60's. Sounds huge through a PA, like a Jumbo Guitar.

Even though its active, I still run it through a Fishman EQ Active box to tweak the mids a little more.

I think the M1 is the best sounding pickup ever, way better than under the saddle.

[Realfi]

well i already have a M1A ... but I want the Para DI ... I just want to make sure it'll work alright.

It'll work great Jon.