Active speakers, good or bad idea?

[One Vision]

Hya folks the more I look in to them the more I am liking the idea of active speakers, not just due to the obvious but also apparently they produce far better than passive due to less leads etc. etc. etc.

Whats your view from experience of them, how reliable etc. after all if one of the amps go down then its also a speaker out of play until fixed or vise-verse.
Another question is just how heavier are they?
What are classed as good reliable ones?
Or should I just :run:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't think that actives produce a better sound than passives or vica versa - it depends on the cab tbh.

The fact that there are less cables is a bit of a myth I'm afraid. If I was using 2 subs and 2 tops, then there would be more cables to lay annd make neat than if I were using passive and also more mains points to find.

Having said that, small plastic active cabs are lightweight in comparison to carrying a separate amp or two about and are fairly easy yo set up.

Mackie SRM450s are bi-amped, so the chances of all 4 going down in one night are fairly extreme. I have had one of my DJs survive on one cab only and no-one appeared to notice. The speakers I am talking about here are 23Kg each and very managable, with handles on the sides and top too. They are very reliable and also very loud, but sound is subjective - some people say thhey are fine and others will disagree and say there's not enough bass.

The new generation of W Audio cabs are supposed to be very good I have a pair of 8" cabs that I used for background during December and the sound quality is very good.

[Spirits High]

The new generation of W Audio cabs are supposed to be very good I have a pair of 8" cabs that I used for background during December and the sound quality is very good.


:agree:

I run a set of PSR15a's and they're very very good

Digga bought a pair a couple of days ago and is well impressed with them too

[Tony Scott]

active speakers....................apparently they produce far better than passive due to less leads etc. etc. etc.



An good active speaker should have amplifiers and drivers which are perfectly matched so as long as you are giving it a good signal it will produce a good output in terms of power and sound quality.

As for them sounding better or having a better output than passive systems I would have to disagree - a well engineered passive system with good components (Processing/X-over/Amps/Speakers etc.) should out-perform active speakers.

That said the time/effort advantages when setting up the actives really is attractive! :)

[One Vision]

The Mackie SRM450s sound ideal, I dont think you ever get a real punchy bass unless using bins anyway which would probably eventually be the case.
Am also thinking about the less rack space needed for separate amps.
Am I right in thinking the SRM450s are 15"?

[spin mobile disco]

No the srms are 12" drivers same as the passive c300z's

[One Vision]

Ok mate, what model are active 15"?

[Tom]

I think active are more suited to mobile dj's as there is less to setup in a way but everybody is different and like to things there own way which is fine. :)

I know there not the best in the world but i use a brande of speakers made by studiospares. There 400watts rms and they really do kick for the money. Mine are the 15" version as i needed that little more bottom end.

The downside to the speakers is that there 28.5kg each.

You cant have everything.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ok mate, what model are active 15"?

I've just bought a pair of these (http://www.decks.co.uk/products/speakers/rcf/art325a) and on first impressions they are brilliant, though the first test was in my front room!:p

[rob1963]

If you weigh up all the pros & cons of active speakers v passive, I personally don't think there's much to choose between the two.

I've always used passive, mainly because I prefer the idea of having instant control of everything within reach.....rather than having to go to the left speaker & fiddle about with a knob on the back & then do the same with the right one.

[CRAZY K]

If you weigh up all the pros & cons of active speakers v passive, I personally don't think there's much to choose between the two.

I've always used passive, mainly because I prefer the idea of having instant control of everything within reach.....rather than having to go to the left speaker & fiddle about with a knob on the back & then do the same with the right one.

Assuming someone doesnt fiddle about with it when your not looking

Which apparently happens at some venues so im reliably informed :eek: :eek: :eek:

Probably not at a Surrey Wedding though:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[One Vision]

I tell you what Daz I think we have a similar way of thinking.
I have been considering going on my own but only have a Volvo V40 est to use at the mo so the active speakers sound ideal as their more compact

[rob1963]

I have been considering going on my own but only have a Volvo V40 est to use at the mo so the active speakers sound ideal as their more compact

What about back up?

Wouldn't a spare active speaker take up more room than a spare 2u amp?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What about back up?

Wouldn't a spare active speaker take up more room than a spare 2u amp?

Er, it would take up less room than a spare amp and speaker.

If you have an amp go you have nothing. Mackie actives for example are bi-amped, and even if one amp went you still have another speaker still going.

[rob1963]

Er, it would take up less room than a spare amp and speaker.

If you have an amp go you have nothing. Mackie actives for example are bi-amped, and even if one amp went you still have another speaker still going.

That's fair enough then.

I was unaware that Mackie actives were bi-amped, but you live & learn!

[mb3]

I've just bought a pair of these (http://www.decks.co.uk/products/speakers/rcf/art325a) and on first impressions they are brilliant, though the first test was in my front room!:p

........ Monolithic bi-amplification........

What the heck does monolithic mean? Is it like Neolithic? Are these speakers Jurassic Dinosaurs? :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Why they don't just put mono I don't know.

[rob1963]

........ Monolithic bi-amplification........

What the heck does monolithic mean? Is it like Neolithic? Are these speakers Jurassic Dinosaurs? :D

I thought mono meant one & bi was two...which is all rather confusing!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I thought mono meant one & bi was two...which is all rather confusing!

It basically means there are 2 amps which are mono.

[One Vision]

As for back up I would probably have a traditional setup at home, nothing special but would at least have something to fall back on for the next gig plus as mentioned if one side goes down I would still have the ability to carry on with one single active side although no doubt with a bit less power but enough to get out of a pickle

[rob1963]

It basically means there are 2 amps which are mono.

Ahhhh...thank you!

Sounds like a classic case of using big words to make something sound better than it is!

:D

[Starlight]

Ahhhh...thank you!

Sounds like a classic case of using big words to make something sound better than it is!

:D

Ronnie! :Laugh:

[Excalibur]

Assuming someone doesnt fiddle about with it when your not looking

Which apparently happens at some venues so im reliably informed :eek: :eek: :eek:

Probably not at a Surrey Wedding though:D :D :D

CRAZY K

Very few things worse than having somebody fiddle with your kit when you're not looking!:eek:


That's fair enough then.

I was unaware that Mackie actives were bi-amped, but you live & learn!

A day without learning is a day wasted.;)


........ Monolithic bi-amplification........

What the heck does monolithic mean? Is it like Neolithic? Are these speakers Jurassic Dinosaurs? :D

Ah, now we're into my area! Did someone mention Dinosaur?:D :D

I can see why many folk view actives as a great step forward, but the one thing above all that would prevent me form using them is I couldn't bear not having all the controls within reach of my Booth. I know for some that space is an issue, but if you goactive crossover Bi-amp passive, you've probably got enough backup in with you. The little bonus of that is you can instantly tailor the ratio of low to high sound without touching the EQ. Just my thoughts, I know it couldn't work for some. :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I can see why many folk view actives as a great step forward, but the one thing above all that would prevent me form using them is I couldn't bear not having all the controls within reach of my Booth.

Do you adjust your amp during the night then?

My Mackies are set to 12 oclock and are left like that - the only one I adjust on ocassion is the sub, but that's right by me anyway.

[Excalibur]

Do you adjust your amp during the night then?

My Mackies are set to 12 oclock and are left like that - the only one I adjust on ocassion is the sub, but that's right by me anyway.

Rarely, ( actually virtually never) in full range, but I like to have the facility to do so. When I'm using a crossover, it's nice to balance the low output with the top by just using the amp volume, and not messing with the EQ settings. That would probably be often just once during the night. The real beauty is when you have the faction in front of you who would like to listen to their " music? " with their whole body, and not just their ears. It's easy to move the sub amp three clicks for a period, and then take it off later.

[flatliners]

what i think is if you want a speaker thats lightish and easy to set up the go for powered speakers just means you dopnt have to lugg around a heavy amp.
if you ask people on ere half will say seperate amp and speakers others will say active buying speakers is a personal thing.
a whole message about speakers and i never mentioned _ _ _ see i am getting better

[Penfold42]

a whole message about speakers and i never mentioned _ _ _ see i am getting better

You can.....feel free.........:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[BeerFunk]

Rarely, ( actually virtually never) in full range, but I like to have the facility to do so. When I'm using a crossover, it's nice to balance the low output with the top by just using the amp volume, and not messing with the EQ settings. That would probably be often just once during the night. The real beauty is when you have the faction in front of you who would like to listen to their " music? " with their whole body, and not just their ears. It's easy to move the sub amp three clicks for a period, and then take it off later.
Whether using passive or active PA, I always set the master amp(s) volume to just off max, and use my mixer for all volume/EQ control. I can't understand why people do it any other way, it's what you mixer is there for!

Oh, and in the case of having to up the bass temporarily, well I always leave myself plenty of headroom (stops mic feedaback too), so that's not a problem.

[Corabar Steve]

........ Monolithic bi-amplification........

What the heck does monolithic mean? Is it like Neolithic? Are these speakers Jurassic Dinosaurs? :D


Why they don't just put mono I don't know.


It basically means there are 2 amps which are mono.
More likely somebody at RCF trying to be clever & failing abysmally

monolithic
adj 1: imposing in size or bulk or solidity; "massive oak doors";
"Moore's massive sculptures"; "the monolithic
proportions of Stalinist architecture"; "a monumental
scale" [syn: massive, monumental]
2: characterized by massiveness and rigidity and total
uniformity; "a monolithic society"; "a monolithic
worldwide movement"


Monolithic \Mon`o*lith"ic\, a.
Of or pertaining to a monolith; consisting of a single stone.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

More likely somebody at RCF trying to be clever & failing abysmally

monolithic
adj 1: imposing in size or bulk or solidity; "massive oak doors";
"Moore's massive sculptures"; "the monolithic
proportions of Stalinist architecture"; "a monumental
scale" [syn: massive, monumental]
2: characterized by massiveness and rigidity and total
uniformity; "a monolithic society"; "a monolithic
worldwide movement"


Monolithic \Mon`o*lith"ic\, a.
Of or pertaining to a monolith; consisting of a single stone.

And of course the one you 'forgot' to put

"Fabricated as a single structure".

Why just choose the ones you wanted eh Steve?

"trying to be clever & failing abysmally" is a phase that just came to mind again....:p

[Corabar Steve]

Just copied & pasted the whole definition on the first site I found with it on.

Fabricated as a single structure still wouldn't desribe an amp

[BeerFunk]

'Fabricated as a single structure' is a term that couldn't be used to describe two amps working in tandem.

[Corabar Steve]

So is it one single component? If so I would agree with it being described as monolithic.

[rob1963]

I can see why many folk view actives as a great step forward, but the one thing above all that would prevent me form using them is I couldn't bear not having all the controls within reach of my Booth

That's exactly what I'd said way before you in this post:


I've always used passive, mainly because I prefer the idea of having instant control of everything within reach.....rather than having to go to the left speaker & fiddle about with a knob on the back & then do the same with the right one.

Excalibur...it's happening again...

...we're agreeing with each other!

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

But why would you need to do that during the evening? Don't you set your amp and then use the mixer?

[Excalibur]

But why would you need to do that during the evening? Don't you set your amp and then use the mixer?

Partly because ( as I thought I had explained clearly and satisfactorily) because if I want to alter the balance between high and low output, my mixer has EQ on every channel, so twelve dials versus two? Last night, after setting up, having seen where the musical choices were heading, I pulled the bass well down on the amp. Only touched it once, that's usually all you need.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Partly because ( as I thought I had explained clearly and satisfactorily) because if I want to alter the balance between high and low output, my mixer has EQ on every channel, so twelve dials versus two? Last night, after setting up, having seen where the musical choices were heading, I pulled the bass well down on the amp. Only touched it once, that's usually all you need.

Actually the last comment was aimed at Rob. How do you pull the bass down on an amp? (Perhaps I've been using active too long!:o )

[Excalibur]

Actually the last comment was aimed at Rob. How do you pull the bass down on an amp? (Perhaps I've been using active too long!:o )

When it's the amp driving only the bass cabs? :doh:

[rob1963]

Actually the last comment was aimed at Rob. How do you pull the bass down on an amp? (Perhaps I've been using active too long!:o )

As far as I'm aware, you don't.

I use the eq on my mixer if I want to pull the bass down.

[Corabar Steve]

Actually the last comment was aimed at Rob. How do you pull the bass down on an amp? (Perhaps I've been using active too long!:o )


As far as I'm aware, you don't.

I use the eq on my mixer if I want to pull the bass down.


When it's the amp driving only the bass cabs? :doh:

http://planetsmilies.net/sign-smiley-438.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

Changing the bass volume as opposed to frequency I take it.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

When it's the amp driving only the bass cabs? :doh:

It was your phrasing that confused me. :rolleyes:

[Excalibur]

It was your phrasing that confused me. :rolleyes:

I'm typing it and it confused me! :eek: Good job I've been to the Beer Festival! I love you all, you're my best mates!! :D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm typing it and it confused me! :eek: Good job I've been to the Beer Festival! I love you all, you're my best mates!! :D :D :D

Oh god....:eek:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've always used passive, mainly because I prefer the idea of having instant control of everything within reach.....rather than having to go to the left speaker & fiddle about with a knob on the back & then do the same with the right one.

Just to put that train of thought to rest, I have just ordered one of these (http://www.eddiemoorsmusic.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?products_id=654). :D

Everything in reach now. ;)

[Excalibur]

Just to put that train of thought to rest, I have just ordered one of these (http://www.eddiemoorsmusic.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?products_id=654). :D

Everything in reach now. ;)

What's the range? A couple more, and you could do a Disco without leaving the house! ;) :D :D :D :D

[rob1963]

Just to put that train of thought to rest, I have just ordered one of these (http://www.eddiemoorsmusic.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?products_id=654). :D

Everything in reach now. ;)

Looks good Darren...

...although it's a piece of kit you wouldn't need if you were running passives!

:D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What's the range? A couple more, and you could do a Disco without leaving the house! ;) :D :D :D :D

Sounds good to me. ;)


Looks good Darren...

...although it's a piece of kit you wouldn't need if you were running passives!

:D :D :D

Ditto to you with separate amps if you were running powered cabs. :p

[Twinspin]

Handy the rc1 rcf remotes. i got mine for £20.00 absolute bargain!!! half price.

[rob1963]

Looks good Darren...

...although it's a piece of kit you wouldn't need if you were running passives!

:D :D :D


Ditto to you with separate amps if you were running powered cabs. :p

Fifteen all!

:p