Hugh971

I have AKG K550s which are great for mixing, they're designed to be reference headphones so have a flat response. They're also really comfortable which is nice. They currently cost £133.20 on amazon - I spent £150 on mine and I'm very happy with them. http://www.amazon.co.uk/AKG-Closed-Back-Reference-Class-Headphones/dp/B005CNR7B0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375125174&sr=1-1&keywords=akg+k550

The human ear percieves louder as better so it could be that you hear the passive input as better as it is putting out more volume. I have an LH500 and always use the active for active basses.