Passive Pickup: pickup passive mode works, from passive pickups deliver the original signal, especially low output which is then forwarded to the guitar amp. Effects that can affect the signal is potensio in volume and tone controls found on guitar circuit. In a series of passive pickups tend to lose the high and low frequencies but rather produce the punchy tone or tonal. This is because the passive pickups are more likely to encourage difrekwensi midrange tone. Although passive pickups provide a less dynamic control, but smooth sound that has still been an idol for the guitarist
Active Pickup: At active type pickups most have preamp circuit which resides in these pickups, so by itself be able to drive signals sent to a guitar amp. Dirangkaian pickup preamp is active type signal must be strong, thus requiring a strong power as well, thus the active preamp requires its own battery supply. The advantage of this active pickup is able to reject the sound noise generated by the pickup.
Source : http://www.oksida.com/blog/musik/spul-atau-pickup-gitar-aktif-dan-pickup-pasif