Hello again Bilbo
You can put it between your receiver and SACD/DVD Audio source, or if you have a separate processor and amplifier(s) you can put it between these components and have bass control for all source. It uses a wall-wart so I guess it's passive. The ICBM allows you to set the cross-over points for each pair of speakers and the center, also allows you to select both volume and LFE level for your sub(s). As to destructive interference, if your subs have phase controls, you should be able to avoid this problem. No remote control. You can check it out here:
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/icbm.html
