Active or Passive? Here’s the complete guide to buying the right PA system

When we look into active vs. passive PA systems, we find that passive speakers need an external power amplifier to function, but active speakers have an internal power amplifier and just need a power source (or battery) to function. Simply said, while active speakers don’t require an amplifier, passive speakers must. Like a combination amplifier used by guitarists or bassists, an active speaker is essentially an all-in-one system that drives your speakers. Since the amplifier is already included in the speaker cabinet, all you have to do is plug the PA speakers into an electrical outlet (or use batteries) and feed the amplifier a line-level signal. This may be an MP3 player, a guitar, or even a voice microphone. Some active PA speakers come with mixers, EQ controls, and even microphone preamps built in, making it simple to mix the sound directly on the speaker to industry standards. These are perfect for musicians, DJs, public speakers, and those who need to play both live and pre-recorded music effortlessly, such as café owners or educators.

There is also a sizable selection of battery-operated, mobile PA systems that are great for buskers, public speakers, and even events. The finest PA system for speakers or even small churches is an active speaker system. Different from active speakers, passive speakers need their own amplifiers or mixers to power them and speaker wires to send sound from the amplifier to the speakers. You must make sure that your passive speakers and amplifier are compatible with each other’s impedance and power ratings since passive speakers are NOT an all-in-one system. If you do this incorrectly, your speakers might blow up or their sound quality could suffer.

PROS AND CONS OF ACTIVE PA SPEAKERS

Pros

• Active speakers are often configured as an all-in-one packages, so all you need to do to get started is plug in your line-level sound source.
• The amplifier is typically already perfectly tuned to the speakers. Consequently, you start with the greatest sound possible.
• Active speakers allow you to modify the sound on the back of the speaker, negating the need for a sound engineer if you wish to make modifications.
• It is simple to use and doesn’t require any technical knowledge to set up.
• The majority are made to be battery-powered, which makes them a fantastic portable alternative.

CONS

• Active PA speakers might be a bit (or sometimes a lot) heavier to handle since they have an amplifier integrated into them. This may soon get boring for travelling bands like them!
• If you permanently put your active PA speakers at a location and the amplifier malfunctions, you might need to hire an engineer to come to your location and fix the speakers. Since the amplifier is housed inside the speakers, you must remove the complete set for repair rather than just swapping out the damaged component.
• You can’t just replace the damaged component if your functioning PA system breaks down. The entire speaker will need to be shipped out for repair, rendering it inoperable.

PROS AND CONS OF PASSIVE PA SPEAKERS

PROS

• Since passive PA speakers and amplifiers are independent devices, scaling up your business is simple. The amplifier you have could only have 2 speakers despite having 4 channels. However, you may simply add extra speakers to it at a later date. You only need to make sure the impedance and power ratings match.
• A full PA system does not need to be replaced if you only want to improve your amplifier or speakers.
• Because they don’t have amplifiers, passive speakers are lightweight. Consequently, lifting and installing them is made simpler. Particularly useful if you want to transport your PA to several locations.
• Your PA system can be serviced much more easily! Replace the amplifier if necessary if it malfunctions. If a speaker fails, you can replace it with another while having the damaged one serviced. An electric system makes maintenance much simpler.
• Instead of running around the room to adjust each speaker individually after installing your speakers around the room, church, or school, you can return to the mixing area and make adjustments from your control centre. If your sound system is hardwired into your venue, this is a huge advantage

CONS

• If you don’t know what you’re doing, finding the correct amplifier for your speakers in terms of power levels and impedance might be a bit challenging.
• Signal loss is more likely if several speakers are being used across the space. If you’re using standard loudspeaker wire and have a large setup, signal loss begins to occur if the cable’s length from the amplifier to the speaker exceeds 18.5 feet. This can occasionally have a negative effect on your sound. Just be sure to choose speaker wires of a high calibre.

At the end of the day we see a clear comparison between active and passive PA systems. It all boils down to your final need.