Lace Sensors are not an active pickup. A active EQ may be added and even a preamp (this is done on signature strats such as the Eric Clapton model). I do not have any active electronics on my guitar, but I do like the output characteristics of the pickups. No, they will not overdrive an amp like active EMGs, but they are hot when set to ten. And extremely sensitive at lower settings. there are plenty of distortion units to overdrive sound when wanted, but it is hard to replace the dynamics of a good passive pickup like the Lace Sensors. And they offer a great amount of variety in terms of the different styles (blue, silver, red, gold, and duals). Check out the fender web site.
Peace, Jim