Passive speakers are just speakers - that's it. They are powered by a separate PA amplifier.
Active (or powered) speakers have an amplifier
built into them so that they do not need a separate amplifier.
What should we get?
There is no straight answer to this as both choices
are perfectly OK. However the benefits/disadvantages are:
Pros
Cons
Passive
More flexible if you want to upgrade
More options/combinations available
Cheaper to repair
More expensive than an active solution
Active
Cheaper than passives and amps
You have some built in resilience. If one of the active speakers
fails, you can run off the other
Less flexible in terms of upgrading
You'll find our
whole range of active and passive speakers in our Online Shop - click for more information. Shown below are two example
PA system packages -
one with a passive mixer and active speakers (unpowered mixer and powered
speakers) and the other with active mixer and passive speakers (powered
mixer and unpowered speakers).
LD
Systems 400W PA Package with 8 channel mixer &
active 12
inch speakers
This package is ideal for schools with medium
halls for vocal amplification and recorded or Live music (you can
connect a CD player, iPod or laptop to these systems). The mixer is
compact and versatile with loads of effects that will keep you up to
date for years to come. Neodymium speakers give weight saving and extra
power capabilities to the active 12" speakers. The speaker stands are
designed with pneumatic suspension for safety and durability allowing
the speakers to be lowered slowly and safely. Please note that the
active speakers need to be plugged into the mains as well as the mixing
desk.
1 x LD Systems 8 channel mixer
2 x LD Systems 160w + 70w 12" active
speakers
2 x LDP12B carry bags for speakers
2 x KM6F2PM XLR to jack 6m cables
2 x SPS56B air cushioned speaker stands
OUR PRICE
£700
inc VAT
LD
Systems 600W PA Package with powered mixer & 12
inch passive speakers
This package is ideal for schools with medium
to large
halls for vocal amplification and recorded or Live music (you can
connect a CD player, iPod or laptop to these systems). The mixer is
compact and versatile with loads of effects that will keep you up to
date for years to come. The speaker stands are
designed with pneumatic suspension for safety and durability allowing
the speakers to be lowered slowly and safely. The power amp is built
into the mixing desk so the speakers are lighter than powered speakers,
and there are less wires to trail around as these speakers do not need
to be plugged into the mains.
1 x LD Systems 12 channel mixer
with integrated DSP effects processor and power amplifier
The power mixer has a total of eight (8) input channels: 4 MIC
inputs (mono) and 4 line inputs (stereo).
2 x LD Systems 12" speakers
2 x LDP12B carry bags for speakers
2 x KM6F2PM XLR to jack 6m cables
2 x SPS56B air cushioned speaker stands
OUR PRICE
£825
inc VAT
Send us your comments
If you have any comments on this section or would like to add something to
it, please email us!
LD
Systems 400W PA Package with 8 channel mixer &
active 12
inch speakers 
