Understanding Passive Tone

What Is Passive Tone?

Passive tone refers to a simple, non-powered tone control circuit. Unlike active tone circuits (which require a battery and actively boost or cut frequencies), passive tone works by reducing treble through a tone capacitor and potentiometer.

How Passive Tone Works

• Uses a capacitor and potentiometer to roll off treble


• Provides natural, subtle tone shaping — especially useful for taming high-end harshness


• Does not require power to function, so the passive tone control still works even if the battery runs flat


• Commonly found as part of active modules with a passive bypass

East UK Products with Passive Tone Options

• 
  P-Retro: A powerful retro-fit preamp with switchable passive tone.
• 
  J-Retro Deluxe: A high-performance onboard preamp with a classic layout and warm, musical tone shaping.
• 
  J-Tone: Onboard preamp with built-in passive tone, designed for simplicity and classic voicing.
• 
  Uni-Pre 4-Knob: A flexible and transparent onboard preamp with 4 control knobs and a passive tone feature.
• 
  Uni-Pre 5-Knob: A 5-knob version of our flagship preamp system with independent mid and bass/treble stacks — includes passive tone control.

Need help deciding? Email us at sales@east-uk.com — we’re here to help.