Passive pickups need a suitable input so that loading does not change their frequency response. Hi-Z means high input impedance. Source and load impedances form a voltage divider that also depends on frequency; impedance is more than a volume number. 1 MΩ is one megaohm, while 1 mΩ is one milliohm. Letter case matters.
An active bass has battery-powered circuitry, often an onboard buffer, preamp, or EQ. It can provide a higher output level and lower source impedance. Active does not mean that Bass/Mid/Treble must always be boosted, or that the instrument is automatically better. For a baseline, start with the genuinely flat EQ positions specified in the bass manual, then adjust. Knob functions and center detents are not identical on all instruments.
Setting the guitar volume to zero does not make the entire analog path noise-free. Noise from the interface or circuitry after the volume control can remain. Changing the pickup, interface gain, or cable can change both noise and the level driving a preset. Knob functions and flat positions vary between devices. Check the exact variant, panel labels, and manual for the instrument or interface in use.