Active vs. Passive Loudspeakers for Live Sound
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- A video that I should have made a long time ago! What are the differences between active and passive speakers? What are their advantages and disadvantages in the context of live sound? And which is right for you?
Bookmarks for video:
00:00 Intro
00:50 Definitions
01:37 How do you tell the difference?
06:42 Bi-amplification in active and passive speakers.
09:08 Advantages and Disadvantages
09:29 Passive Speakers - Advantages
13:22 Passive Speakers - Disadvantages
16:36 Active Speakers - Advantages
21:56 Active Speakers - Disadvantages
26:16 So which is better?
26:46 Situations in which to use passive loudspeakers.
29:36 Situations in which to use active loudspeakers.
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Have you ever heard people mentioning active and passive loudspeakers being defined by their internal crossover being respectively active or passive, rather than the existence of an amplifier within the loudspeaker? I have already heard audio engineers say that it's a common misconception to define active and passive loudspeakers by the existence of amplifiers rather than their type of crossover. What do you think about this concept?
Good question! Yes I've heard about that, and I feel that it is important to distinguish between the crossover and rest of the speaker system. For example: some lower-powered active speakers use passive crossovers - there is only a single amplifier module in the speaker cabinet, the output being split between the low and high drivers by a passive crossover. Likewise, some high-powered passive speakers can use an external active crossover, the output of which feeds two separate amplifier channels, one for the highs and one for the lows. These amplifiers are located external to the speaker cabinet, but the crossover itself is active.
At the end of the day, it's more important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of "amplifier inside speaker cabinet vs. separate external amplifier" rather than getting caught up in the semantics of the terms active and passive. Good sound can be achieved from both designs.
I see, that makes sense. Thank you for the answer!
The crossover type of a cabinet also dictates if its bi-amped (external crossover) or passive (internal crossover) both have their integration features to balance with the space being used.
we've started to properly detail item when making specifications in projects.
Passive-X self-powered spk
Active-X self-powered spk
Passive-X unpowered spk (bi-amp/tri-amp capability is mention)
Active-X unpowered spk setup (if internal x-over is present, bypass-ability is mention)
I own a small sound company. My inventory is mostly passive. There are a few reasons why I use passive speakers.
1 - I do a lot of jobs where I have to distribute speakers over great distances. It is not always ideal or possible to run a bunch of power cabling and signal cabling all over an event space. I use a lot of speaker distribution cabling that I make myself. Things such as a 8 conductor cable that fans out to 4 NL4 connectors. This allows me to run one cable, and hit 4 speakers, that I can then chain to 4 more speakers. So that one cable will ultimately run 8 speakers.
2 - Powered speaker manufacturers tend to discontinue models fairly regularly. So after a couple years, it can become difficult to buy more of the same model, or get replacement parts. I use stuff that I have been able to get parts for, for 20 years or more sometimes.
I have learned to repair the passive crossovers that are in my cabinets. So if the go bad, I can fix them very cheaply. I have a stock of spare parts for those, that will last me the rest of my career. I have also learned to recone speakers, and repair compression drivers. So of the three things that go wrong, I am able to fix them.
3 - I use the same type of amplifier across the whole range of my inventory (QSC PLX II 3602s). I have never had one fail in over 20 years of using the PLX line. And I dont have to think about which amps go where...its all the same.
My gear makes money, and has for years. And it will continue to make money until I decide to retire someday.
I dont get caught in the trap of buying the latest greatest thing, every time something new comes out. My clients appreciate that they get the same thing at every gig. And I have had some clients for well over 20 years. They dont like change for the most part. I do stay current with things like mixers and wireless microphones though.
I do keep a few powered speakers around. I use them mostly as backstage hot spots for corporate events, DJ monitors, and as a shout speaker for a band talkback to the engineer.
I have a couple friends who also own small sound companies, and they use powered speakers exclusively. The services they are able to offer are very limited because of that.
best audio engineering Teacher ever... with all my respect.. ive also downloaded many of your tutorial videos.. thank you soooooo much for your Informations and valuable lessons... Sir.. 🤗
You're welcome, thanks for watching and supporting the channel :)
I second this motion. ☝ Best master teacher in the world.
Excellent general overview, which is exactly what I needed! Thanks so much!
You're welcome Richard, glad the video was helpful!
Thanks for making things simple.. I have watched many videos and your video is what has really helped me..down to earth....
Brilliant video as always. Cleared up a lot of info and made it simple to understand!! ☺
Great to hear Matthew, thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
This is the best video that made me understand the difference between the two. Thank You so much Sir for this good work.
You're welcome!
Sir you are the bees knees!!!!! Been watching your vids for years now. Very helpful!!!!!!
10:46 - love how you had to clip before and after you said "this" xD
Great video. I learned a lot. Very comprehensive!
A very clear information as well as the presentation..Thank you...
You're most welcome!
Thank you! Clear, consistent, pleasant. This is how a good lecture on a topic should be.
You're welcome, thanks for watching 😊
@@GLBProductions Well, thank you!)) Just a quick a question, if I may: I am building a digital composer’s home studio now, and as I understood from your explanations, active monitors would perhaps be the best bet for my case? Or, perhaps not?... What would you recommend? Thanks again!
Yes - I generally recommend active for studio monitors because they tend to stay in one location where A/C power is readily available because it is also needed for computers, mixers, outboard gear etc. Using active monitors also means eliminating an external power amplifier which can be the source of fan noise.
@@GLBProductions Thanks a lot! 🎹🎼😊
yes sir great video explanation of passive and active speaker
Senior man.
I salute.
Very well explained, informative and detailed. Thank you.
You're welcome Sam!
Wow...interesting topic...thanks for the info sir.
Awesome!!! I know what to purchase now👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼
THANK YOU-FANTASTIC...
Best teacher ever!
Superb Lesson....Many Thanks
You're welcome!
Perfect detail explanation. 👌👌👌
Thanks Akabo.
great video, very clear :)
Thanks for watching :)
Great informative video.
Thanks for watching!
most informative and intresting video thanks
Thanks for watching 😄
The binding posts are nowerdays found on home audio speakers so if you see them on domestic speakers or Hi-Fi it’s a passive speaker. It might be active but only if it has other inputs like RCA. The speaker terminals on active Hi-Fi speakers are to add a slave speaker for right or left audio.
very nice and thank you so much!
You're welcome :)
Good video. There are ac&xlr cables on the market for active speakers that are combined. So you have just one cable that split at the end. Makes it a little more clean on stage. that being said, passive still has its adventages on stage like you said. I like your videos, you know what you talking about, great work
Thanks for watching!
Great video
Here is my experience with several working club bands. Active loud speakers have their own amplifier, so while you don't have to carry around a rack of power amps, they are heavy as hell and hard to mount on poles. Additionally, you have to run power cords to each of them, meaning you have high voltage wires running all around the stage. Also, I have seen the person running the sound forget to turn them on, making the audience scream at the singer "We can't hear you" until they figure it out. While it may save you a couple bucks up front, I would pass on them unless it is a permanent installation.
Thanks for the comment! The amp modules that are used in modern active loudspeakers typically weigh 2-4 pounds so are relatively lightweight. In some cases the active speaker is actually LIGHTER than the passive equivalent because the manufacturer uses different drivers. With regards to having high voltage wires running around the stage - remember that you already have AC drops for your backline and instruments, so this is more a case of managing your cable runs carefully. Finally, if the sound engineer forgets to turn them on... well, maybe they should keep the day job 😂
very well said...
Yes sir I really like your teaching
Thanks for watching Akama :)
Owesome!!!
Wow...super understandable teacher 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Glad you think so!
Best Overview Between Passive & Active Speakers ..
Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for the great infomation that you shared to me
You're welcome :)
.
L
Ii87 ur 4
29th
I enjoy the video thank you
You're welcome :)
tanx 💕
My mixer has 3 diffirent labeled inputs namely Line in / mic in / insert. Where/when or how should i use these?
Well said and clear to differentiate the two however I used powered bcos I specialized in small events
Thanks for watching!
Very nice video. Very clear explanations. But I would like to know if passive speakers' cable can electricute when in use.
Electrocution is actually possible if you use bare wire or the old 1/4" phone connectors. Speakon connectors are very safe in this regard.
I love my QSVGx3...awesome
Appreciate the content, helped allot school books are just blah lol
Thanks for watching Malik!
Great video. I do have a question. Do you have any idea why the C300 speaker is heavier than the SRM450? Since they are supposed to be similar, or at least made with the same drivers, I wonder what makes the passive model so much heavier.
That's a good question! The only way to tell for sure would be to disassemble the two speakers side by side and see where the weight difference is. One possibility is that the C300 crossover is unusually massive or has some form of attached heatsink which greatly adds to the weight - quite unlikely in my opinion. The other, more likely possibility is that they are using a different LF driver in the SRM450 - I suspect Mackie puts more R&D into their active speakers than into their passive ones and they may have upgraded the woofer to a lighter weight model whilst keeping the one in the C300 the same as the previous generation.
Good video
I had an entire sound system in my 2001 Chevy cavalier 5 sp coupe, plus my instruments and tools. Two main 15’s. One 18” sub, lights, road cases, two keyboards AND heavy duty stand. Where there’s a will there’s a way, and I didn’t have to sacrifice comfort for all of it.
great vid
Thanks for watching :)
I have two questions that don't really relate to this video...
#1: What is a horn-loaded speaker system and what is the benefit (compared to point-source, line array)?
#2: What kind of loudspeaker system do you use at your church?
Any advice appreciated, Blake.
Can you do a video or a post/comment on how to know where to place speakers/subwoofer in a church/event hall, how to know how many watts you need, and how many speakers/subs needed.
That would be greatly appreciated...
This is a very difficult question to answer precisely because there are so many variables. However I have been planning to do a video on it for a while. Thanks for the comment!
GLB Productions awesome... It'll be really cool after you make that video if you could explain how to get good sound in a studio... My box room is my studio and I have a 12" subwoofer, but the bass doesn't feel like it has a kick... It sounds really good, but you don't feel that thump resonating in your chest like at a gig... I want to get a similar experience... Even in my car which doesn't have a subwoofer I get that thump...
*5 Years Later...* This video has definitely stood the test of time.
Yes, the basic principles in pro audio do not change even though the equipment gets modernized and improved. Thanks for watching!
Best audio enginering..👍👍👍👍👏👏
I have been into semi-professional audio for a while, and i hate active speakers for a few reasons
1, if a problem occurs with the internal amplifier, it means stripping almost the entire speaker down to get to it, to rectify the problem, thats if its not the fuse on the back, rather than just grabbing another amplifier and plugging it in and off you go
2, You find the active speakers are usually a lot heavier than passive speakers, so if your moving them around a hell of a lot, they get really tiring really quickly
3, usually, the volume inside the speaker cabinet doesn't compensate for the volume taken up by the amplifier, so the bass isnt usually as deep
4, some kid often messes about with the volume controls on your active speakers while your not looking, and either blasts the audience with a higher than recommend volume, or turns it down so nobody can hear it
Im just old school, i love my massive plywood passive speakers and amp racks, thats just the way i am i suppose, cant stand the plastic speakers, to me there really cringe and chintzy
quick tiip to recon active from passive, just see if there's an on of button lol ! great video othrwise
Believe it or not, some active speakers eg Meyers have no on/off button! The speaker switches on when the power is connected.
Other advantage of passive speakers: you blow an amp or need to service it, you change it or swap it (it's quick and easy); you blow a speaker, you do the same with the speaker (they're much lighter to handle). The technology of amps improves, you change the amp. And, heat dispersion for the amp units is better in a passive system.
I've not read other comments, and thus mine may have already been covered by other viewers.
Thanks for the contribution 😄 There are definitely advantages to separating the amplifier and loudspeaker components of the system, just as there are advantages to combining them.
I'm not so sure about the heat dispersion, because most high powered active loudspeakers feature forced air cooling, the same as power amplifiers. Being up in the air also tends to help with airflow as opposed to being under a stage etc.
Sometimes your speakers need to be in direct sunlight on a hot day. It's easier to keep an amp rack in the shade versus trying to get shade on every speaker.
nice
In my home studio, I like passive speakers because I have a rack workstation where I stand with guitar on, mic in front of me, to sing and play. The mixer and power amp is within arms reach. If I had to dismount the guitar, and go adjust knobs on the back of passive speakers which I don't have easy access to. Wouldn't work for me in this fixed permanent installation home application.
Definitely a good choice in your situation. Many active speakers intended for studio use have the level controls on the front, but that wouldn't solve the issue of being able to physically reach the speakers.
I would watch these kind of videos all day long,great work as always Bruno!
If i was you I would suggest to not use any ribbon or condenser mic (only dynamic ones) directly into the active loudspeaker,the first because it's too delicate for live sound,the second because I haven't seen one with a phantom power switch :P
Ps your prononunce of 'incognito' made me laugh,since it's an italian word :)
Thanks Cris! I suspect that watching my videos all day would give you a headache though... And yes my apologies for Anglicising your beautiful language - my understanding is that the 'g' in 'incognito' is silent in Italian ;)
GLB Productions Your vids are explained so well that it is impossible to have a headache :)
Yes,but it's more like the 'g' and 'n' are put together one after another....and the accent falls on the first 'o' of the word...and there you have the correct Italian pronounce :P
Could you please do a video about subwoofer placement? I've read an online article which states that placing subwoofers next to each other either in the centre or off centre stage ensure even bass coverage as opposed to usual set up where subwoofers are set apart which create uneven bass coverage. If this claim is true, why people still prefer the latter?
Sounds to me like you are already well-informed on this topic :)
I was hoping to hear you describe the differences in their sound quality, if there’s such a thing.
This is not really possible in a general sense, because the sound quality of a loudspeaker is the sum of many, many parts and it's difficult to make an apples to apples comparison. Having said that, there are some manufacturers which offer active and passive versions of the same loudspeaker eg Mackie with the SRM450 vs the C300. In this case, the active version typically goes louder and arguably sounds better because it can be biamplified with specific & separate processing for the woofer and compression driver. However there are those that would argue that the passive version sounds better for various reasons and so the argument goes on 😄
Can we convert an active speaker to a passive speaker? Sorry, I am new to these things.. :) Well, you are so good in training! Great job!
Yes you can, but it is typically not economical to do so because it would involve buying a new passive crossover (which may not even be available for that particular loudspeaker) and then re-wiring the inside of the speaker cabinet to accept it. It is better to buy the correct type of loudspeaker from the outset.
Please Guide me- I have a power mixer so i can't connect power active speakers. right? but can i connect active speakers through AUX output?
Yes you can connect to active speakers via the LINE level outputs on your mixer.
Superb Knowledge.... Sir..... Plz make a video on Power Amplifier Class..... A , B, AB, D and H
Thanks for watching! Amp class? I think I'll leave that to people who design amplifiers for living :)
Sir, please sir that would be helpful for us .... To know our Amplifier in more detail... And about dumping factors
Ya..I have an active speaker system with a guitar amp...Distortion as you mentioned..
Do you have an intructional video about connecting 2 active 12" speakers to 1 active Subwoofer.
Questions; can this be possible & how?
Do I connect both XLR outputs from my mixer to the subwoofer then outputs of my sub to inputs of my speakers?
What subwoofer power would you recommend? I love 12s Behringers but like to hear your advice.
Thanks in advance
Sure - watch my video on how to connect an active subwoofer to a PA system: ua-cam.com/video/548GZAF6fMY/v-deo.html
I'am learning more about speakers, I currently work at a church and we are replacing all of our equipment, we currently have unpowered speakers, a friend of ours recommended the Bose F1 model. What type of speakers would you recommend for a church with basic band instruments? Church for about 300-500 members.
In situations like this I always advise churches to hire an independent audio consultant who will make a site visit and analyse the church's needs and requirements, as well as the specific acoustics of their space. Only then can a valid recommendation be made. There are too many variables otherwise.
I've learned many things from you sir. I have a question. Can you daisy chain 2 or more active speakers with diffrent brands? thanks.
Yes, no problem at all!
Thanks for the reply. you're the best sound system tutorial content i'd ever encountered in youtube.
Ps.
Do you have sound processor topic that has been uploaded already on youtube? if you do please send link. I wanna learn about maximizer and exciter in particular. What are their differences? Do they have the same function? How does this two work to obtain a better sound quality output
and also what's the proper sequence or which comes first in setting up sound processors? From the mixer down to the processors. Like is it the crossover first; then the equalizer; then maximizer; then exciter? or the other way around? or in no particular order will do as long as they are properly connected with each other.
Thank you much.@@GLBProductions
Having purchased a powered Sub and 10" powered Speakers what didnt make sense is that they only provide a 6ft power /IEC cable but when you set them up it was real quick that we needed a power cable as long as the XLR cables running to the speakers since the power strip was not near the speakers minimum 25 ft considering the DJ set up. So my reco is that Powered Speakers come with min 25ft cables.
Remember that passive speakers do not come with speaker cabling 😉 The power cable that the company provides is enough to get you started - if you use these speakers professionally it's a very good idea to invest in custom made IEC cables which are long enough for the venues you commonly play in. Alternatively, use an extension cable to reach the base of the speaker stand, and then use the supplied IEC cable from there.
As always, great thorough explanation in your videos. One thing though I'm still not clear about: is it possible to connect a guitar or bass in an active speaker with mic/line inputs? I know guitars or basses are at instrument level, but what happens if you plug them in the xlr/jack combo? Is it only about gain or even the quality of sound will be affected?
Thanks for watching LC. The answer to your question is it depends on several things: whether the guitar/bass is active or passive, what its specific output level is, what the input impedance of the active speaker is and/or whether it has a so-called Hi-Z or high impedance switch. In general, passive guitars/basses cannot be connected directly to active speakers UNLESS they have a Hi-Z mode. Active guitars/basses are usually ok, but there may not be enough gain available, depending on the output level of the instrument.
@@GLBProductions perfect. Thanks for the answer!
You're welcome :)
what brand and model is that passive speaker. I need a small passive monitor and that's a great size. thank you.
It's a Work Mino 6 and you're right it's a great small monitor and utility loudspeaker.
Question please. I have one active monitor speakers and I have a monitor passive speakers. Can I connect the output line of my active to my passive monitor and will work
No, you need to connect to a power amplifier first.
Sir, I’m King Mark, thank you so much for the this piece of knowledge.. I’ve a question, please i wish to know if two speakers of 3200w each run on a 3000w amplifier, thank you..
It depends on the combined impedance of the loudspeakers and the amplifier's power output into that impedance. I have a video that goes into this subject in detail: ua-cam.com/video/l9L7uK7Xy0w/v-deo.html
Sorry but I don´t understand one thing. Why you don´t have 1M subscribers? So many things I learned from your videos. Sound bless you.
I think it's because I don't upload enough cat videos 😁 Thanks for watching!
I think Active Speakers have an advantage when the mixer console has to be behind the audience (remotely located) and a “snake” is used. You don’t have to use “monster speaker cable” to connect the speakers to the amplifier adding additional cable routing mess to the venue. Of course you can use a power amp on stage near the speakers but again the mess gets transferred to the stage area. You only have to use the signal line from the mixer to the stage which is usually in the “snake” when using Active Speakers.
Haha that 'mess' is just part of doing live sound, hence the need for 'cable management' 😉
Sir:
Do you find that passive FOH speakers have a longer throw than active speakers, in a larger room or outdoor areas?
Not at all - the throw or dispersion characteristics of a loudspeaker come from the design of the loudspeaker itself and are not affected by the location of the power amplifier.
cost constraint in a/any cabinet may caused these issues. if you're willing to set price factor aside, there're extreme throw capabilities & 'perfect' dispersion pattern in self-powered loudspeaker ranges to select from.
Can we use fm microphone wire xlr instead of jack.( i, e fm microphone shoul be jackpin and mixture side should be xlr) will it work?
What do you mean by "fm microphone"?
Some music stores that I'm talking with that deal in live sound (not Guitar Center or other national chains) are no longer selling passive equipment. They may have a few used pieces of equipment sitting around but they won't take anything like that on trade. There's no reason for anyone who's got good passive stuff that's working well to ditch it, but at the same time, anyone looking NOW to make an investment should go with active equipment -- at least in terms of starting fresh. If you've got a bunch of other equipment (amps, cables, etc.), that's one thing. But if you're going from scratch, even if buying used, its almost a no brainer now.
This will be very dependent on your country, region and locality but if you expect to trade in equipment that you are buying today in a few years' time as part of a system upgrade then it definitely makes sense to see what retailers will accept. In my part of the world there is no such thing as trade in for pro audio - used equipment is typically sold on the second hand market to offset some of the cost of new gear.
im actually in the market of passive line array, all my speakers are active and i love them, but every time i listen to a passive equipment they just sound in a different league to me, i dont know why, my gear is yamaha nexo, qsc k series and yorkville, and im pleased with them, but im not sure if i want to deal with 20 or 25 built in amplifiers on a super expensive brand knowing that the initial investment is huge, and not sure how much of a spare parts are in the market atm
Good afternoon sir. How to use 3 - 4 to F4 mixer
Thank very much
Sorry Ronnie I don't understand your question.
Here's a question I have. Would the passive speaker you talk about the c300z or its little brother the c200 be useable as a speaker for recorded music and not just sound reinforcement?
Usable? Yes for sure, but if you're going to be using them primarily for music playback you really should listen to a pair of them before buying. Sound reinforcement speakers typically sound quite harsh when compared to hifi speakers because they use compression drivers instead of dome tweeters. They're not really designed to be listened to at close distances.
Thanks, I always like to understand the why along with the what. I just looked and the Mackie C200 has dome tweeters and not the compression drivers that the C300Z had.
Right you are! So they may be a good candidate for your intended use.
Our 'system' is a karaoke system used for parties but it will be a sometimes used for canned music. Again I thank you for your help.
Hi, one of the factory-supplied passive speaker of my micro DVD music system is not working so I thought of buying a passive speaker to replace it. The specification indicated Output power 25W x 2maximun power output, speaker 6 ohm. How do i go about looking for these type of speaker..thanks for your help!
I would try your local hifi shop - bring along the non-working speaker and ask them to match it as closely as possible.
@@GLBProductions Noted. Thanks for your help.
Is it possible to connect the instrument, for example, a keyboard, to the 1/4 inch input on the powered monitor speaker, and then send the signal to the FOH mixer using the “audio output” connection from the speaker? Definitely by using XLR balanced output from speaker to snake box. But is it possible to send signal that way?
Or, can it only be done by connecting the instrument to a D.I. box and then sending the signal to the mixer input via the snake box, and then from there, send it out using the Aux outputs of the mixer to the monitor speakers?
Sure you can do that no problem at all - the powered speaker is acting as a small sub-mixer that then feeds your main FOH mixer.
GLB Productions thank you so much for the input Mr.Bruno. You are the best! By the way, if you were to visit Malaysia...or particularly Kuala Lumpur, do drop by at my home church, St.James Church, Jalan Ipoh. It will be an honour to have you as our guest. God bless you Mr.Bruno. ☺
You're most welcome, and thank you for the invitation :)
both of yr suggested method are deployable. but having major different outcome.
Direct-to-powered monitor spk is easier to setup. but then this monitor spk wont let you hear the rest of the mixes at the mixer. also beware that 'audio out' of many powered spk may not be a balanced signal despite sporting XLR out, it just merely duplicate yr TS signal frm yr instrument.
DI layout and returning via a seperate mixbus of Aux, can be costlier. also yr powered monitor spk can then be a 'true' stage monitor that you can choose what you want/not listen frm that spk.
it depends on yr current setup at mixer plus yr needs.
I have old 16mm movie photophone projector. I don't know out of power amplifier. Kindly suggest me about speaker specification.
I suggest contacting the company who manufactured the unit and asking for their recommendations.
I want to know what your coffee cup says on the other side. Lol
Nothing, the word 'coffee' goes right the way round :D
GLB Productions.. Thank you for satisfying my curiosity. Love your videos. Thank you for taking the time to make them.
Glb please can you explain me about bi amp ..
I have a passive subwoofer jbl stx818 but it have to input.. passive and bi amp... when i should use the bi amp input???
You would use the biamp input when you are using separate amplifier channels to drive the sub and fullrange speaker.
Dude I was just researching this right now on google and I get the notification from UA-cam. #illuminaticonfirmed
Is it possible to connect 2 tops and 1 sub to a stereo amp?
I mean 2 tops to one channel (What would happen to the ohms? 🤔)
And the single subwoofer to the other channel?
Would the work? Would that be a safe way to run a 2.1 passive system?
Yes you can do that - in fact many modern DSP amps have a built in preset that configures them to run a sub off channel 1 and a fullrange speaker off channel 2, with the appropriate crossover in between. The only issue is that a system like this cannot be run in stereo using a single 2-channel amplifier, as what would normally be your left and right has become your sub and top.
Hey GLB i have a problem with My active Soundking Speakers .they are constantly distorting when used with a band. Could the power be the problem? They always sound like they dont get enough power
It's possible and very easy to check - get out your voltmeter and check the voltage of the power supply. If it is low or if it fluctuates a lot it can cause problems with almost all of your gear.
are you overdriving the Input of yr self-powered spk? also if poor mixing technique coupled with incorrect gain structures at desk, ths issue is common when many instruments/inputs are present.
Hi ma question is based on power
What roles does power/electricity play on line arrays for eg using one power source other than using different power sources
As the a different in the quality of sounds?
Stable electrical power is extremely important for sound systems, especially ones that use digital mixers and amplifiers equipped with digital signal processing. If the voltage is unstable you can get serious noise issues, or in some cases the equipment will simply not turn on. The quality of the power generally does not affect the tone of the sound (as in bass, middle treble) but it does affect it in other very important ways.
@@GLBProductions thanks for the reply
Hello, What is your opinion on Harbeth's M40.2 40th anniversary speakers? How would you compare to ATC SCM50 and SCM 100 both passive and active speakers? I Would like to buy a pair of speakers that will be good for home use and be my last and final speaker that I will use.
I'm afraid I don't have personal experience with either of these speakers.
@@GLBProductions Thanks.
Great Video thanks. Can I ask a question, how can I setup a dbx digital crossover? Or driverack?
I have a video on crossovers coming up - if you have a driverack you need to get specific training on the model that you have, I suggest you approach the shop that sold it to you.
Hello. I have a question. I used to dj a while back. Like 12 years ago. I still have my speakers. They are Gemini MB460. I'm working my way back to djing. I have a dj controller instead of the old mixer turntable lay out. I'm also looking into getting a mackie mix 5 along with these Rockville BPA15 15" active speakers. Will I be able to use both of these with the equipment I just mentioned? Any suggestions would gladly be appreciated
Ah yes the MB460s - good old 3-way speakers. Do you still have an amplifier to power them? Yes you can use these with the mixer and DJ controller no problem. Personally I would advise getting an Allen and Heath mixer rather than one of the Mackies - A&H quality control is much better, especially on their cheaper mixers.
@@GLBProductions I don't have an amplifier. That's why I was debating if I should go that route. Thanks for the advice. I will look into the A & H
Oh right the BPA15s - to be honest with you I've never used the Rockville stuff. I always try to steer people towards mainstream, name brand speakers that have a good track record and a proven reputation for good customer support. Right now that would be JBL EONs, the QSC K-series or the new Yamaha DXR/DSR series. These are rock solid products which will last for years of heavy use.
@@GLBProductions yeah, I love those JBLs. Guess it's time to get some overtime at work lol. Thank you so much
You're welcome, all the best with your rig!
Hi.. Our church is planning to buy Behringer XR18 digital mixer. Does XR18 can run passive speakers even without amplifiers?
No it cannot.
can i use passive loudspeakers that are amplified from the amp channels and simultaneously connect my active loudspeaker to the mixer out channel without worrying about any technical problems?
Yes no problem. You will need to use the level controls on the speakers and/or amplifier to balance the volume between the passive and active speakers.
+GLB Productions thank you so much for this, because i was stranded on this for such a long time, now i can progress on the matter after you useful piece of information
Hello, What is your opinion on ATC SCM 100ASL and SCM 100SL Active speakers vs passive speakers for home use. Thanks.
Hello Richard! ATC make excellent products, but whether they will work for you depends on the space that you will be using them in and what your personal requirements are. I personally love the way that studio monitors sound, but many people find them a bit clinical/sterile sounding for hifi use.
@@GLBProductions Thanks, when you say that many people find them a bit clinical/sterile sounding for hifi use, what do you specifically mean? Will passive speakers be more suitable for hi/fi use in my home? Thanks.
Can you please help me sir regarding with my 4 Horn speakers (300Watts each) if it is compatible with Europower EP1500 Behringer amp? I believe that EP1500 is 450 watts with 4 ohms & the Horn speaker is 300 watts with 16 ohms. Kindly help me sir. Thanks.
Sure George - this video will answer your question: ua-cam.com/video/l9L7uK7Xy0w/v-deo.html
Sir just a month ago in my church, speakers were replaced... Yamaha A15 were replaced by QSC E15..since then I'm hearing a spark like sound from qsc speakers while in live sessions and in testing ...why is so....
Don I strongly suggest that you contact the person who installed the new speakers and have them solve the issue.
GLB Productions
Ok thank you sir...👍
I will buy two boombox speakers as they are without deck. What do I need to do to make them sound using MP3 player? The speakers will need 110V power hook up I assume.
If the speakers are passive you'll need an amplifier of some kind. Possibly another boom box?
Good morning,
I would like to have an advice concerning
Sorry, so I have a set of equipment consisting of :
A Yamaha P5000 S
A mixer BM/6S
1 pair of Speakersrx715
My question is what are the settings to be made to have a very excellent sound.
Thanks for your reply
Rgds
My email: ahkeejacques@gmail.com from Mauritius
Great video!
However I don't get the Bi/Tri amplified part. What doesit mean when we say Bi/Tri amplified, advantages and disadvantages and when do we use Bi/Tri amplified speakers. Can you please enlighten me? Or do you have a video that tackles those topics? Blessings!
Biamplified means that a separate amplifier is used for each loudspeaker driver - one for the woofer and one for the tweeter. Triamplified adds a midrange driver and a third amplifier channel. This topic can be confusing - I have a video coming up that will discuss it.
GLB Productions I see. Thanks for your response I highly appreciate it! Will wait for that video. Blessings!
Please can you me in connecting parallel and series connections
More details please.
Hi I’m 15, and I run my schools events. We have a slight problem and that is that our outdoor PA system’s amplifier turns itself into protect mode after an hour or so of use. The outdoor system is used in Singapore’s terribly hot weather, which is why it’s overheating. Even with an extra exhaust fan on the amplifier it still gets hot really quickly. We have 2 15” passive speakers from Wharfedale which are 200w RMS and 400w peak. Our amplifier is 800w ( sorry I forgot the brand :( ) and we don’t play them too loud, there’s should be in theory 400w headroom for the amp to reach its peak. Do we need a new amp that is of higher watts? If so, how many watts would you recommend us getting? Any tips and tricks to help the amplifiers stay cooler will be good too! Thank you in advance!!
We set our amps to MAX. Is that okay? Or should we reach 0 on our mixer and lower the amp volume. If we should lower our amp volume, what o’clock should we set it at? Thanks in advance!
Hi Junda, glad to see you have taken on this responsibility - I started out when I was 16 doing lights for school events so I know how fun it can be!
The first thing I would do is have the amplifier serviced - it could be that it just needs to have the heatsinks cleaned and/or replaced. Tell the technician the issue that you are experiencing and they may have a simple solution.
Your amp is actually more than enough power - ideal wattage for your speakers is 400 watts into 8 ohms (I'm assuming they are 8 ohms).
Amplifier controls should be used to set the system volume, so set up your mixer such that you are around 0dB and then set the amp controls to give you the right amount of volume - this is assuming you have no system processor or EQ in between the mixer and amp.
All the best with your sound!
What do consider to be better for home use?
I prefer active but there are not many active speakers available from hifi manufacturers, so I typically will use active studio monitors instead. Passive is just fine though, and often better value for money.