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Introduction:

One of the first choices you have when designing a live sound system is deciding on passive or active loudspeakers. Since passive sound system components need separate power amps and impedance matching, powered loudspeakers come with custom-built amplifiers integrated into the enclosure.

For DJs on the go, concert organizers, bands, and corporate event planners, powered PA speakers have become the industry norm. Removing the large racks of amplifiers saves space and greatly increases system reliability.

1. Ideal Component Compatibility and Bi-Amping

The main engineering advantage of powered speakers is that they come with pre-built component compatibility. As far as a passive loudspeaker system goes, a sound engineer must make sure that the impedance and wattage of the speaker can accommodate the power output of the amplifier connected externally without damaging the drivers and causing clipping. An amplifier that lacks sufficient strength may end up overdriving and destroying the high frequency coils of the speaker, whereas a too strong one may end up over-exursioning the woofer.

Active speakers remove all these uncertainties: 

  • Custom Tuning: Speakers are designed, and the internal amp is tailored according to the physical and electrical specifications of the speaker cones. 
  • Bi-Amped Configuration: The majority of active loudspeakers use a bi-amped configuration with separate internal amplifiers for each range of frequencies. Thus, there is one Class-D amplifier to power the woofer (low frequencies) and another Class-D or Class-AB amp for the compression driver (high frequencies). This results in clear crossover work without intermodulation distortion.

 

2. Built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

Today’s active PA speakers are equipped with very advanced onboard DSP systems . They act as an invisible audio engineer in the box. 

As seen from the back panels below, such a system provides a user with instant access to the processing capabilities: 

  • Multi-band Limiters: Thermal and peak limiters monitor the input signal at all times. If the performer drops the microphone or makes an error with the audio mixer and causes audio spikes, the speaker automatically prevents them from getting damaged.
  • Acoustic Presets: The technicians can easily choose from presets including “Speech” (it employs a high-pass filter that filters out muddy low-end vocals), “Live” (it is intended for musical instruments), or “Club” (it enhances bass).
  • High-Pass Filter (HPF): The technicians can use the actual button to enable the HPF or use the menu in order to enable it. Frequencies at 100Hz or 120Hz will be filtered out. In this case, it will become possible to send all bass functions to the subwoofer and make room for mid-range vocals in the top speaker.

3. Simplified Troubleshooting and System Scaling

  • In the process of live production, time and simplicity save the show. If there is an audio issue with a passive sound system, troubleshooting involves checking the mixer, outboard crossover, amplifier channels, speaker patch bay, and Speakon cables. 
  • In the case of a powered system, each speaker functions as a complete audio system by itself. Whenever there’s a problem with sound generation from any particular speaker, it becomes immediately evident whether the problem lies with the power source of the speaker itself or with its direct XLR connection. Moreover, expanding your audio system for a larger number of attendees is a breeze. 
  • No longer would you need to be concerned about the limit of your amplifier rack power – you could add another active speaker to your existing enclosure using the “Thru” or “Loop Out” XLR input.

4. Dramatic Reduction of Weight and Rigging Size

Touring artists, wedding DJs , and event production companies would all agree that space means money in their business. 

The standard audio solution involves carrying bulky flight cases filled with heavy-duty amplifiers and graphic equalizers, together with heavy speaker cables. Active speakers reduce weight due to Class-D power amplifier modules used. 

  • Savings in Weight: In today’s world, a 2,000 -watt 12-inch powered speaker is less than 40 lbs (18 kgs). Now, there’s no need to drag a heavy 80-pound rack with you due to the even distribution of amplification devices across all speakers.

Summary of Main Differences

Characteristics | Powered Speakers | Passive Speakers 

  • Amplification | Internal (Embedded within the cabinets) | External (Separate amplifier racks needed) | 
  • Setting up the System | Quick setup; XLR connection from mixer and power cable | More time-consuming; Impedance and wattage calculations needed | 
  • Signal Safety | Smart limiters and DSPs built in | Additional outboard limiters needed for protection | 
  • Cabling | Standard XLR line-level cabling | Thick and expensive copper speaker cables | 
  • System Failures | Localized within a single component | Could cause an entire rack of amplifiers to fail |

Conclusion:

Regardless of whether your presentation is taking place within a business conference room or you are putting on a show on stage, you will find that powered speakers offer an unbeatable combination of portability, toughness, and sound quality.