Active or Passive speakers [Archive] - Mobile Disco Directory Forum

Excalibur

11-08-2009, 11:33 AM

This is just a poll to see how many people use active speakers and passive speakers. Try not to make it a thread about which is best as it'll never come to a conclusion (personal preference and all).

Fire away!

1st Salvo as requested.
Active cabs are the work of the Devil. What in heaven's name ever possessed anyone to stick an amp in a cab, and then try to shake it to pieces with a :Censored: great speaker? And having many of the controls more than arms reach away, well that's lunacy. I want them where I can see them, reach them, and adjust them. I really don't fancy some muppet deciding he'd like a little more everything, and adjusting the levels to his satisfaction. :eek:

Added to which, fifty plus kilos ( see how modern I am, the young 'uns wouldn't have understood if I'd said a hundredweight. ;) :( ) of amps stabilises my deckstand nicely.

I'm not a fan of actives. Now I'm just going to vote, and then I'm going to snuggle down behind this handy sofa. That OK for you Justin?

:sofa:

DJ INDIE

11-08-2009, 11:37 AM

ive gone full circle TWICE!!

started with passives, moved to active (sub and satellites), then moved to full range actives, now moved back to passives - (which ironically are heavier than the bloomin' heavy actives i had!)

deltic

11-08-2009, 11:47 AM

active gets my thumbs up

Vectis

11-08-2009, 11:49 AM

Been passive for 23+ of my 25-ish years of mobile, and now gone totally active, well for my main rig anyway.

For the majority of gigs it does make transportation, setup and packdown easier and quicker.

I've not had any reliability issues (touch wood) and the audio quality isn't in question.

Unless anything really bad happens I think I'll be staying active.

A1DL

11-08-2009, 12:16 PM

With the exception of some of Meyer's line array boxes, I can't say I've heard a powered speaker that I really love the sound of. I haven't heard the powered FK1 F221s yet and will be interested to A/B them against unpowered boxes.

But fundamentally, when it comes to point source mid-highs or line array elements, I really struggle with the concept of placing big amp modules in boxes then hanging them up to cook in 35-40 degrees direct sunlight. You wouldn't do that with amp/processing racks, would you?

Also, an old chestnut maybe, but why oh why do disco people/manufacturers call powered boxes "active" and non-powered boxes "passive"? An active box is one which which requires separate amplification channels for the different transducers, a passive box is one which requires a single channel for the whole frequency spectrum, i.e. it is the crossover that is active or passive, nothing to do with where the amplification is located.

rob1963

11-08-2009, 12:36 PM

Active cabs are the work of the Devil. What in heaven's name ever possessed anyone to stick an amp in a cab, and then try to shake it to pieces with a :Censored: great speaker? And having many of the controls more than arms reach away, well that's lunacy. I want them where I can see them, reach them, and adjust them. I really don't fancy some muppet deciding he'd like a little more everything, and adjusting the levels to his satisfaction.

Whoaaaa Peter...I couldn't agree more.

Respect!

:D

Steve the DJ

11-08-2009, 12:37 PM

I have moved back from all Active to all Passive, adding extra weight and around 5 or 6 minutes to set up and breakdown...

...however the step up in sound quality is significant.

OK so my Active equipment wasn't top line but I have heard and used JBL, RCF and Mackie Active systems and my new set up eats them alive for quality IMHO.

That said, sound is so personal it will always skew opinions.

If I ever went back to Active it would be down the HK Audio route.

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-08-2009, 12:39 PM

Active cabs are the work of the Devil. What in heaven's name ever possessed anyone to stick an amp in a cab, and then try to shake it to pieces with a :Censored: great speaker? And having many of the controls more than arms reach away, well that's lunacy. I want them where I can see them, reach them, and adjust them. I really don't fancy some muppet deciding he'd like a little more everything, and adjusting the levels to his satisfaction. :eek:

No-one has ever touched the 'controls' on my speakers. Ever. They wouldn't even know they were there. My speakers are never more than 5 feet away either. I have also never needed to adjust the gain on my amps during he evening. Why would you need to?

djpapastu

11-08-2009, 12:47 PM

Like others, I started with passive speakers, think they were the Peavey Eurosys 500xt's, then went onto Mackie SRM450's, and now I'm using Martin Audio F15+'s with a QSC RMX 2450 amp, and the sound quality is superb, in fact the best I've ever had!

The Mackies always sounded harsh to me, and I had to adjust the eq on all the time to get the sound right.

Just debating now whether to buy the Martin Audio system controller or not :confused:

A1DL

11-08-2009, 01:02 PM

Just debating now whether to buy the Martin Audio system controller or not :confused:

Do it, you won't look back. It's a rebadged XTA :)

Excalibur

11-08-2009, 01:13 PM

No-one has ever touched the 'controls' on my speakers. Ever. They wouldn't even know they were there. My speakers are never more than 5 feet away either. I have also never needed to adjust the gain on my amps during he evening. Why would you need to?

If it can happen it will happen. I don't know whose law that is, but it's a law. ;)

Five feet away? :eek: Strewth, some nights I can hardly see my farthest cabs. ;) :D :D

I too (almost) never touch anything on the amps during the evening. ( But I can if I want to, and that's the point. )

On a more serious point, when using a rig like mine with an active crossover, it can be important to have those controls to hand.

I know I'm nitpicking, and once you active lads are set up, probably nothing is touched by anyone till packing up. While I fully appreciate that actives have many excellent features, I simply have a deep seated antipathy for them. My biggest gripe is running mains leads away from the rig. When they make 'em cordless, I'll rethink my position. ;) :D :D

Edit: I don't have to provide rational, reasoned and cogent arguments for Active v Passive, I'm allowed to be irrational and illogical I believe.

Paul S

11-08-2009, 01:15 PM

Well, I've just made the jump into Active. I'll be making my way up to see Adam on Thursday to pick up a set of JBL PRX525's. Personally, I love the sound of the JBL boxes with Crown amplification. I've been borrowing a set of 535's with 518 subs for a few of the larger gig's I've done and can happily say they are by far one of the best sounding and substantially lighter than others I've heard. They're also run lots cooler than others too!

That being said, any decent PA company will run passives. However it takes work and good crossovers to make passive boxes with bi/tri/quad amplification sound good.

Paul S

11-08-2009, 01:17 PM

Another argument for Actives is that if you get a fault in an amp, you only lose the sound from one speaker, which is far less noticeable then losing the whole sound. However equally you can't then quickly hook up another amp to get it running again.

Starlight

11-08-2009, 01:42 PM

I've voted passive, I'm a BIG passive fan myself. If ever an active speaker went faulty, say for example the amplifier went in them, then you have to send the whole speaker in for repair, whereas if a passive speaker went, your still left with an amplifier. Simply swap the speaker over and connect the substitute speaker in the amp and away you go.

IMO it's more convenient to replace just the speaker or speakers and reconnect to the amplifier whereas an active speaker, built in amp - the whole lot has to bee sent in, more hassle and probably cost you more to fix an active system if it's not covered by the warranty or if the actives aren't under warranty any more.

Best wishes,

Neil.

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-08-2009, 01:46 PM

I've voted passive, I'm a BIG passive fan myself. If ever an active speaker went faulty, say for example the amplifier went in them, then you have to send the whole speaker in for repair, whereas a passive speaker, if the passive speaker went, your still left with an amplifier. Simply swap the speaker(s) over and connect the substitute speaker in the amp and away you go.

IMO it's more convenient to replace just the speaker or speakers and reconnect to the amplifier whereas an active speaker, built in amp - the whole lot has to bee sent in, more hassle and probably cost you more to fix an active system if it's not covered by the warranty or if the actives aren't under warranty.

Best wishes,

Neil.

Actually, the whole speaker doesn't have to be sent in. I had problems with Mackie subs a few years ago and all I did was unscrew the amp module and return that. Generally the amp modules are a lot smaller on active cabs too.

JAMdisco

11-08-2009, 02:02 PM

Interesting so far, almost a 50 / 50 split. I was expecting more votes on passive to be honest but as active cabs get better and better I suppose more people will use them.

I was hoping not to turn this into a debate, seems it started at post #2....

Thanks Peter :p :D

Alchemy

11-08-2009, 02:16 PM

. Try not to make it a thread about which is best as it'll never come to a conclusion (personal preference and all).

Fire away!

:laughup: :laughup: :laughup: :laughup: :laughup: :laughup:

Nice try but no chance

Alchemy

11-08-2009, 02:20 PM

rob1963

11-08-2009, 02:45 PM

Interesting so far, almost a 50 / 50 split. I was expecting more votes on passive to be honest but as active cabs get better and better I suppose more people will use them.

Interesting, because I was expecting more votes on actives, possibly a two to one split...based on the number of people here who seem to use them.

Nice to know I'm not in the minority on this after all!

:D :D :D

Excalibur

11-08-2009, 05:51 PM

Interesting so far, almost a 50 / 50 split.
I was hoping not to turn this into a debate, seems it started at post #2....

Thanks Peter :p :D

Fire away, you said!

So I did. :D :D :D :D :D

Interesting, because I was expecting more votes on actives, possibly a two to one split...based on the number of people here who seem to use them.

Nice to know I'm not in the minority on this after all!

:D :D :D
Ah well, if us Class D users actually count all our cabs, it's two to one in favour of passive. :D :D :D

DJMaxG

11-08-2009, 05:53 PM

I am not going to answer the poll, because this situation is Really
'Horses for Courses'

If I had a smaller system for a standard function room at the local football club, then the RCF Art 725s would do (maybe add subs)

But for a large Marquee, I would prefer to use JBL SRXs (wooden box)
2 X 15" Tops
2 X 18" Subs
or a stack system

Active Speakers are a lot heavier and you have to buy an amp for every speaker (you are paying for it, in other words)

I Can't say that this is fact or statistical, but every time I have heard a story about speakers going down, it has always been active ones.

Active are supposed to be clearer sounding as the amp is tailored though.

I would personally use both.

Tom

11-08-2009, 05:58 PM

I'm fully active but am changing to go fully passive.

I'm going to hear some passive cabs from a company called Forte.Audio on Saturday afternoon before I get down and boogie. :D

DJMaxG

11-08-2009, 05:58 PM

No-one has ever touched the 'controls' on my speakers. Ever. They wouldn't even know they were there. My speakers are never more than 5 feet away either. I have also never needed to adjust the gain on my amps during the evening. Why would you need to?

I Agree with that, but I was with Excalibur inititally, as it's nice to have an amp nearby so you can adjust the dials if and where required.
(although some DJs reckon they should be set to maximum)

It's pretty obvious that the controls are on the back, as the blue power light is the major giveaway. Anyone with musical knowledge or who owns a guitar would know that. I'd imagen most people want the music quieter if anything, not louder :eek:

Cj_The_Dj

11-08-2009, 05:59 PM

Im active tops and passive subs.

love my w-audios prs15as

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-08-2009, 06:00 PM

Active Speakers are a lot heavier and you have to buy an amp for every speaker (you are paying for it, in other words)

More words of wisdom...

Active speakers aren't a lot heavier.

Eg: Mackie SRM450 - 23kg
Mackie C300Z - 23Kg

Before I bought RCF I used Mackie and before that Ohm passives which again, were the same weight as the actives.

TonyB

11-08-2009, 06:01 PM

I've got both. The bass bin in the Gig Rig started playing up. Got it repaired, a resistor had shaken loose. Now one channel has stopped working. Took it back to repair man and he said "what do you expect, component boards are not designed to take the sort of pounding and vibration they get in a powered speaker. Its not a case of "if" they will fail but "when"".

He suggested I repeatedly hit an amp with a rubber mallet and see how long it lasts :)

I was tempted to get more powered but will definitely be sticking to passive now.

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-08-2009, 06:01 PM

It's pretty obvious that the controls are on the back, as the blue power light is the major giveaway. Anyone with musical knowledge or who owns a guitar would know that. I'd imagen most people want the music quieter if anything, not louder :eek:

Pretty obvious to who? You think that an average wedding guest would know or even care that my speakers were powered or that an led on the front meant they were?

Give me strength....:bang:

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-08-2009, 06:05 PM

component boards are not designed to take the sort of pounding and vibration they get in a powered speaker.

So companies like JBL, Mackie, EV and RCF are making components for their products that are not suitable?

Excalibur

11-08-2009, 06:12 PM

More words of wisdom...

Active speakers aren't a lot heavier.

Eg: Mackie SRM450 - 23kg
Mackie C300Z - 23Kg

Before I bought RCF I used Mackie and before that Ohm passives which again, were the same weight as the actives.
There you go again, letting facts get in the way of a good story. ;) :D

I've got both. The bass bin in the Gig Rig started playing up. Got it repaired, a resistor had shaken loose. Now one channel has stopped working. Took it back to repair man and he said "what do you expect, component boards are not designed to take the sort of pounding and vibration they get in a powered speaker. Its not a case of "if" they will fail but "when"".

He suggested I repeatedly hit an amp with a rubber mallet and see how long it lasts :)
I was tempted to get more powered but will definitely be sticking to passive now.

Active cabs are the work of the Devil. What in heaven's name ever possessed anyone to stick an amp in a cab, and then try to shake it to pieces with a :Censored: great speaker?
I rest my case. ;) :D

Pretty obvious to who? You think that an average wedding guest would know or even care that my speakers were powered or that an led on the front meant they were?

Give me strength....:bang:
Shut up, and take your medication. ;)

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-08-2009, 06:16 PM

Mmmmmm....

djsteve10

11-08-2009, 06:45 PM

I am running active at the moment. I wouldn't say it's easier than setting up passive systems either, takes around about the same time I have thought.

I am currently looking at 2 x Bose L1 systems.

Steve the DJ

11-08-2009, 07:03 PM

So companies like JBL, Mackie, EV and RCF are making components for their products that are not suitable?

What, like the high quality Mackie Subs you had?

Ajaysdisco

11-08-2009, 07:08 PM

Actives and passives both have their advantages so I have both! :p
I’ve got a small active system (tops only) for small rooms and I have a larger passive system for large venues such as marquees.

DeckstarDeluxe

11-08-2009, 07:39 PM

Passive.

Rather take spare amps than spare speakers :D

ppentertainments

11-08-2009, 07:51 PM

I am passive (apart from an active mackie set which my number 2 rig uses)and will be totally honest. The main reason is cost (and a bad back). I have managed to buy speakers which I can leave at a couple of regular venues (locked away) and 2 new systems for 2 of my rigs cheaper than a decent set of actives. Although maybe not the way to think, but I also always consider the cost of replacement if an item was dropped, ridiculous maybe but its still a concern of mine.

Customers do not know the difference, as mentioned, so it is all down to personal preference.

Alchemy

11-08-2009, 10:46 PM

flatliners

11-08-2009, 11:02 PM

pitty there wasnt an active system that you could plug and external amp into if the amp in the speaker went down then you could leave spare amp in the van

DeckstarDeluxe

11-08-2009, 11:16 PM

pitty there wasnt an active system that you could plug and external amp into if the amp in the speaker went down then you could leave spare amp in the van

you mean passive??

A1DL

11-08-2009, 11:32 PM

But for a large Marquee, I would prefer to use JBL SRXs (wooden box)
2 X 15" Tops
2 X 18" Subs

Have you worked with SRX boxes, Maxwell?
They can sound good, the only downside is they are not the most efficient cabs around and are VERY power hungry. The SRX728S 2x18" sub likes 2kw+ to make it sing.
So make sure large marquee comes with large genset.
Also, IMHO the SRX722 twin 12" mid high is a better match when running over 728s. The 725's main purpose in life is as a full range box.

or a stack system

what's one of them, then?

Active Speakers are a lot heavier and you have to buy an amp for every speaker

That's not the case with all powered speakers. The amplifier module in a powered F218 can slave power an unpowered F218.

every time I have heard a story about speakers going down, it has always been active ones.

Really? By far the majority of cases I've seen have been the product of badly matched systems, no protection and redlining DJs - normally starting with an underpowered amplifier driven into clipping on a system where a DJ mixer is connected straight into a power amplifier. I've seen a couple of cases of fried drivers where the amplifier has gone DC, however that's rare.

Tony Scott

12-08-2009, 12:05 AM

PASSIVE.....Massiv' init! :approve:

Jiggles

12-08-2009, 12:21 AM

PASSIVE.....Massiv' init! :approve:

Now if I had what you had, I would go passive in a heart beat. :D

DeckstarDeluxe

12-08-2009, 12:25 AM

Now if I had what you had, I would go passive in a heart beat. :D

Get a room! :p

DJMaxG

12-08-2009, 01:03 AM

Well, I've just made the jump into Active. I'll be making my way up to see Adam on Thursday to pick up a set of JBL PRX525's.

I hate to state the obvious, but wouldn't Mail Order be easier?

However equally you can't then quickly hook up another amp to get it running again.

The Horns and Woofers Can obviously be powered externally, but not 'on the fly', wiring and soldering is required, which isn't practical during a gig.

Generally the amp modules are a lot smaller on active cabs too.

Yes, that's because they are only a mono amplifier. Also the Stereo External amps have to be a set size of 2U so they can be racked, hens the case size.

Interesting, because I was expecting more votes on actives, possibly a two to one split...based on the number of people here who seem to use them.

I was aswell funnily enough, everyone seems to be active these days. :D

Then again, the companies that operate larger rigs use Passive.

JAMdisco

12-08-2009, 07:05 AM

I am not going to answer the poll, because this situation is Really
'Horses for Courses'

Max, the thread wasn't about what you prefer or what you want, just what you use.

Do you even have a speakers system? If so, why not answer the bloomin' poll :bang: :bang: :bang:

Paul S

12-08-2009, 09:42 AM

I hate to state the obvious, but wouldn't Mail Order be easier?
Max, perhaps I'd like to listen to them before I pay my money. Mail order isn't the be all and end all. I've never been to HTFR before and I'd like to see what they stock and get some new ideas. I'd also like to put names to faces while I'm there. When you start Mobile DJing you'll realise its not all about buying from faceless companies like Maplins, it's all about knowing who your suppliers really are, working a good deal and networking. You can understand alot about what issues other people have faced in venues, things or clients to be wary of, and also pick up some work while you are there too.

The Horns and Woofers Can obviously be powered externally, but not 'on the fly', wiring and soldering is required, which isn't practical during a gig.
Thats why I used the word quickly. I'm a clever enough chap to realise that soldering would be required as there is no external speakon connector to hook an amp up with, as I'm sure are everyone else who reads this forum.

Yes, that's because they are only a mono amplifier. Also the Stereo External amps have to be a set size of 2U so they can be racked, hens the case size.
Another mistruth from DJMaxG! Stereo external amps do not have to be a set size of 2U. It's the width that determines whether they can be rack mounted. The standard rack is 19inches wide and a Unit or 1U is a set height of 1.75 inches. An amp, stereo or mono, can come in many flavours and sizes. The Crest 9001 for example is a 3U amp.

Then again, the companies that operate larger rigs use Passive.
Didn't I say that in post #13?

Max, I'm not sure whether you comment rubbish for a reaction, or just think you know everything. Whichever it is, please stop as it's becoming tedious. If you're not sure ask, people would rather help, than call you out on something you post as "truth"

Alchemy

12-08-2009, 01:32 PM

Are we there yet?

Come on the reds :what:

DJMaxG

12-08-2009, 03:25 PM

realise its not all about buying from faceless companies like Maplins, it's all about knowing who your suppliers really are

Thinking back to last June, I can see where you're coming from now.
I know where I probably Won't be buying from again.

Stereo external amps do not have to be a set size of 2U

No, nothing Has to be anything. But it ideally has to be rack mountable to meet most DJs requirements.

Amplifiers are available without rack mounting ears moulded onto them.

Max, the thread wasn't about what you prefer or what you want, just what you use.

Do you even have a speakers system? If so, why not answer the **** Poll

I use Passive, so I shall answer the Poll if that'll make you happy! :police:

Twinspin

12-08-2009, 10:37 PM

Currently using an RCF ART Powered system. Had the mackie srm450s and i didnt like them. Very good quality sound and easily loud enough.

I havent had passive for a while. Last passive cabs i had were the plastic peavey impulse 1012's (plastic version of the hisys)

Twinspin

12-08-2009, 11:13 PM

If i do ever upgrade my sound system and i consider it an upgrade on my current RCF system it wouldnt matter to me whether its active or passive.

but if its passive. I wouldnt buy anything until i had the money flat out for a top notch power amplifier as well from the likes of a crown XTI or QSC PLX otherwise. I wouldnt even buy the speakers until i can afford the top notch amp as well.

Im very particular with the gear i buy. But i wouldnt rule out passive if it was any upgrade.

rob1963

16-08-2009, 09:33 AM

It's a dead heat!

:eek:

DazzyD

16-08-2009, 11:34 AM

All passive at the moment. Mainly because I like my powered mixers because they have onboard DSP and are ideal for karaoke as well as discos.

Buying active would mean having to buy buy new mixers as well which is a possibility in the future but not right now.

Solitaire Events Ltd

16-08-2009, 11:50 AM

You can use powered speakers and speakers together - I used to use the Behringer one I sold to Peter like that.

Excalibur

16-08-2009, 11:57 AM

You can use powered speakers and speakers together - I used to use the Behringer one I sold to Peter like that.

I think you meant to type " Mixers" there. ;)

Yes you can, but I would always want to have cabs linked to the amp section on it if at all possible. Even if they weren't really necessary. The mixer in question is going to Paull next wek for a Heavy Metal Wedding. :eek: Full accounts and piccies wil be available, I hope.

Solitaire Events Ltd

16-08-2009, 12:05 PM

I think you meant to type " Mixers" there. ;)

Oops, yes I did. :o

DazzyD

16-08-2009, 12:10 PM

Oh Ok. I didn't realise that.

Let's get my head around this. Does this mean I would connect the passive speakers as normal to the Speakon connectors at the back and then run the main/line out to the actives?

Or is it just using one pair of speakers (ie the actives connected to the main out)?

TBH, I'd never even considered this before!

Solitaire Events Ltd

16-08-2009, 12:12 PM

Excalibur

16-08-2009, 06:30 PM

pagan_flame

17-08-2009, 11:02 PM

All Active, wouldn't go back to passive.

e.g. Last passive subs = 30kg amp, 2 x 36kg speakers... replaced with one dB Tech Sub 15 @ 38kg, saving 64kg and 2 trips in / out..

Mind you, it might be due to the fact that I seem to have the rarest of all active speakers - a pair of non-overheating, non-harsh-sounding SRM 450s... :p

JAMdisco

19-08-2009, 07:24 AM

Mind you, it might be due to the fact that I seem to have the rarest of all active speakers - a pair of non-overheating, non-harsh-sounding SRM 450s... :p

Wow! wherever did you find such a rare beast?

Excalibur

19-08-2009, 05:14 PM

Mind you, it might be due to the fact that I seem to have the rarest of all active speakers - a pair of non-overheating, non-harsh-sounding SRM 450s... :p

Having given this matter a lot of thought and consideration I can only conclude you've been robbed. Somebody has obviously rebadged a pair of RCF's and sold you them. :p :D :D

[email protected]

19-08-2009, 08:56 PM

I have an Actor System and are really happy with the sound quality, size of cabs, reliability (so far).

I've had one incident when i was using half a system (1 bass and 1 full range cabinet), stacked on top of each other. The little blighter turned both the full range and the bass output up to full. It wasn't until near the end of the night when I happend to think, it sounded louder than usual that i twigged that he'd been standing near it earlier in day and turned it up.

The poor little driver did it's best but blew on the penultimate song, bit of an expensive evening having to replace a driver!