Powered vs. Passive speakers (why we use both) 

I use passive speakers almost exclusively. The main reason is that I do a lot of events where I have to distribute sound in a lot of difderent ways, often over considerable distances. Running signal and power in many of these events if far more complex to work out than just running speaker cable. I use QSC PLX II amps, and I package them individually in their own cases, which stack if I need them to be together, or can be distributed around an event space, as needed. I've also found that most powered speaker models get discontinued pretty quickly, so replacement parts can dry up sometimes. I try to stick with gear that will be basically the same, and will be around for years and years. Going passive also allows me to chain things together. I can go down to 2 ohms in certain configurations...which means I can run up to 6 speakers on one two channel amp. Thats one power source, and one or maybe two signal sources. I also do things like use one NL8 cable that fans out into 4 NL4 connectors... so I can run one cable for a distance, and then hit 4 cabinets, and chain to another 4 cabinets...and still maintain a 4 ohm load on each amp channel. I build a variety of cabling rigs with that kind of thinking in mind. I carry a lot less cabling this way. I am not a fan of individual cable runs going all over the place, and neither are my clients. I've lost clients and then gained them back, because the powered speaker guy they switched to had cabling going all over the place, popped circuits, etc.... I keep a few powered speakers around, but dont use them for anything too serious. I might use them as backstage hot spots for a corporate gig, maybe a DJ monitor, a shout speaker for a band talkback, or something like that...but thats about it. I've got passive cabinets that Ive had for 30 years, and they still make money. I dont foresee the powered speaker providing that kind of service.

Great insight into the differences of why you use it, and where you use it. I've watched a few of your video's now and great informative information and i've certainly been there and done that.... but I don't miss it anymore being the first one there and the last one out... and then unload the next day and clean cables that have been wet and laying in grass and mud!!! Another reason for passive over active is that we did a lot of outdoor events, and having delay speakers exposed to the chance of rain with power always plays on your mind, and the chance of a RCD popping for protection and taking everything out!!!. The main stage was always active if possible as inbuilt processing is just so good these days.... Stu

Very informative, thanks! Having worked as a repair and maintenance technician in a rental company I noticed that some active subs got problems with the amplifier section, the solder joints on the big components where cracking because of the vibrations. I'm also only running passive subs for that reason as well as what you mentioned, they're more friendly to the wallet. :)

Very useful tips. Thanks for sharing.

Nice lesson, very nice ideas

I have a mix of passive and active speakers and like you I select the speakers I use depending on the situation. In smaller events (I don't do huge events anyway), I tend to run the powered speakers as it's less kit and weight for me to move around overall; a couple for front of house and a couple for monitors as needed works really well. With the exception to one pair of powered speakers, all of my tops/monitors are 12"+horn. If space is a limitation and the customer wants a little more "thump" I use the 15"+horn for front of house. I think there is a Marmite thing going on with Class D though; some people love class D, some hate it. All of my amplification is class D; the power to weight ratio of class D is very favourable, and I've had no trouble running subs off class D. Above all, nobody has complained at the sound.

Always love these informative videos! For someone who is starting a sound company, what is some good advice on building a system up, as far as active vs passive, amp selection, and boards to mix on?

semoga anda sehat selalu 😇 saya sangat senang melihat video anda, saya juga mendapat banyak pelajaran lewat anda mr

I am thinking about reconfiguring my system in a similar way. Your set up makes absolute sense to me but I was just wondering why you chose the MA 9000i to power your subs instead of the MA 12000i

Hope everything is going well. Could you please let me know the brand and model of the crank poles you use lift the line array?

I saw one of your crew had a tape measure when setting up the subs. How far do you space them out? Thanks in advance

Hey please make a video on how youl fly ur system

Which Line Array Lift Truss Stand are you using? Is the strong/secure and how difficult is it to travel with and setup?

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="279">4:39</a> You aren't wrong, but it's much lighter than carrying around speakers AND Amp racks than just a single powered speaker with a power cable.

I have heard the argument about Active/Powered having DSP active crossovers which give the advantage, then again i have seen QSC saying their amps are tuned for their passives to give that effect. How does one go about adding DSP to a passive setup if we can't afford one brand end-to-end.

Great video. I was wondering where did you get your crank stands for your line array speakers?

What make and model of power distribution box do you use in your amp rack

Pls can you make a tutorial on how to record for live sound with good audio quality.... Thanks alot

Sir Liner Stand is custom made or available for purchase

You can also get a XLR/AC cable all in one, therefore one cable.

My setup 4 Ev ELX 112p for main speakers & 8 Ev ELX 118 passive subs on 4 crown xls drive core 2's

what your monitor speaker?

How many people do you cover with 3 Rcf per side?

class h, class d, what's the difference?

I am allergic to amp rax. Never again.

do you conclude your arrays would be better off being passive, that power management sounds so unnecessary

Bro next time get you. A iPad and control the console from there you can walk around you have to set up a router and you’re good

2 speakers on sticks

you need to learn how to make looms for powered gear, you are doing it completely wrong