Active Powered Speakers

Active Powered Speakers

Active Powered speakers; also known as self-powered speakers and active speakers; are loudspeakers that have built-in amplifiers. Powered speakers are used in a range of settings; including in sound reinforcement systems (used at live music concerts) both for the main speakers facing the audience and the monitor speakers facing the performers.

DJ Speakers;

Active Powered Speakers are also used by DJs performing at dance events and raves; in private homes as part of hi-fi or home cinema audio systems; and as computer speakers.

They can be connected directly to a mixing console or other low-level audio signal source without the need for an external amplifier.

Some active speakers designed for sound reinforcement systems; have an onboard mixing console and microphone preamplifier; which enables microphones to be connected directly to the speaker.

Advantages of Active Powered Speakers;

Active speakers have several advantages, the most obvious being their compactness and simplicity.

Additionally the amplifier(s) can be designed to closely match the optimal requirements of the speaker it will power; and the speaker designer is not required to include a passive crossover, decreasing production cost.

With the build of the active speaker being close together (speaker and amp); some manufacturers claim that the shorter distances between components can decrease external interference and increase fidelity.

Disadvantages of Active Speakers;

Although not major issues; the disadvantages can include heavier loudspeaker enclosures and the need to supply both the audio signal and power to every unit separately, typically requiring two cables to be run to each speaker (as opposed to the single cable required with passive speakers and an external amplifier).

Conclusion;

It is quite clear, being in the business of supplying Active Powered Speakers, and Passive Speakers to singers, bands, DJ’s and venues; that powered active speakers are becoming more popular by far.

No longer do you have to carry heavy amplifiers AND speakers to your gigs, then have to wire them up