Well normally -12dB FS average would be considered an okay level for recording, so assuming you're not clipping, -8dB FS is pretty good (maybe a little high in the mix). If the active mode is set to match the passive mode and you're not having noise issues coming from the interface, i'd just leave it as it is.

 

Passive mode peak dBFs is -14.2 dB. I've boosted the mid range EQ to max and highs too on my onboard preamp. So assuming the dB difference between active and passive is because of the Equing, I'll just let it be. Yes?

Also, -7dB in active mode is with:
1)Guitar volume cranked max
2) interface input volume cranked max.

It is all good. Yes?

 

IF it's ment to be matched with the passive mode (as in, the bass preamp was intentionally set to a lower gain and it's not a faulty preamp), then yes, absolutely.

You should probably dial back a little the interface's gain though, if the bass is working as intended, -12dB FS average on the DAW is more than enough to do whatever you want (unless you need a hotter signal for some reason). If you go in too hot you may find youself having to mess with stuff (clip gains, plugin input trims) more often than you should, and also risk clipping.

 

Right. Thank you so much. It was real useful help and information. Happy new year.

 

This bass is far to have a low output, no matter if you use the active preamp or not.

So I can confirm that there is a technical problem.

to discard causes,
use the bass in passive mode,
check cables,
be sure that your DAW dont have any effect on the input or anything that could tame the signal.
Try that interface input with anything else that you have at hand (a mic, a friend's bass or guitar, what ever, to see if the signal is also low or not.

Great bass by the way..