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Active or passive speakers with your PA System - which is best?

What are they?

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

£717.5 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

£845.62 inc VAT

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