Active speakers support standalone use since, unlike passive speakers, they're equipped with an internal amplifier. Not only that, active speakers feature a power port and audio ports, while 'full-range' means they're able to more or less cover the entire audible audio spectrum.
Speakers With Built-In Amplifiers
In practice, a built-in amplifier means that the active speaker can be directly hooked up to mains power for immediate use. Unlike passive speakers - including most HiFi speakers - you don't need an external amplifier or stereo system to set up an active speaker.
Full-Range Speakers
'Full-range' is a common term in the world of active speakers. When it comes to PA systems, most speakers offer full-range sound and have been designed to deliver as much of the audible frequency spectrum as possible. As such, full-range speakers shape beefy bass alongside bright trebles and, to do this as efficiently as possible, most units are either 2-way or 3-way-configured, meaning they feature two or three drivers. Drivers can be woofers or tweeters, where the woofers take care of the bass and mid-range, while the tweeters reproduce the trebles (highs).
The Best Active PA Speakers
Picking out the best active speaker for a PA system can be difficult because it usually depends on a bunch of variables, like the size and shape of the room, the acoustics, and the size of the audience. All of these factors are important, but there are a few other essential details worth thinking about before picking your active speakers:
Power Capacity
The power capacity of an active speaker is indicated in Watts. Usually, the nominal power output and the peak power capacity are specified. The nominal (or RMS) power capacity is the amount of power the speaker draws to function normally while the peak power capacity refers to the maximum amount of power any speaker is able to briefly handle before it starts to break. To determine what you need, there's a rule of thumb that some sound techs like to use: 10 Watts of power per audience member, or at least double the amount if you're thinking about setting up outdoors.
Sound Pressure Level
Expressed in decibels per metre, the sound pressure level or SPL is another important specification to factor in when you want to calculate how many speakers you're going to need. The SPL indicates the sound pressure across a given distance (e.g. max. SPL of 130dB at 1 metre). Dance-parties require an average sound pressure level of 110dB throughout the entire room, which ensures the music sounds equally loud all over the place. How to calculate the SPL? The SPL is specified based on a distance of one metre. Every time the distance from the speaker is doubled, the sound pressure level drops by 6dB. For example, take a speaker with an SPL of 130dB at 1m. At two metres away, its SPL would be 124dB; at four metres away, it'd be 118dB, and so on. Bear in mind that this method of calculation is based on flat, empty spaces.
Dispersion
The spread or dispersion of speakers specifies their horizontal and vertical projection (e.g. 120° H x 90° V). In other words: the effective sonic coverage of a speaker, which can be factored in to calculate the sound pressure level at any given spot in the room.
Woofer Size
The size of the woofer determines how easy it is for a speaker to reproduce the lowest frequencies, AKA the bass. Physically speaking, woofers have to move a lot of air around to produce bass frequencies, so the bigger it is, the more efficiently this can be done. Bass-rich music, like electronic music, benefits from speakers equipped with bigger woofers like 12-inch or 15-inch models. PA systems are better off with a 10-inch or 12-inch speaker, while a 6-inch or 8-inch speaker is the most ideal solution for smaller spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Active Speakers
How do I connect active speakers?
Active speakers can feature any combination of the following audio ports: XLR, TRS jack, TS jack, RCA and mini-jack. You'll need a matching audio cable to connect your audio source to your speakers. Mixers, for instance, are usually fitted with XLR or TRS jack ports, while microphones commonly feature XLR or TS jack ports, and most smartphones have a mini-jack.
What's better? Active or passive speakers?
Active speakers can be set up as a standalone audio system, but are more expensive due to the integrated amplifier. While passive speakers are cheaper, you need to have the skills and knowledge to complete a custom set-up that suits your needs. All things considered, active speakers are the better solution for most since they're easy to pick out and set up. Check out our blog on The Differences Between Active and Passive Speakers to learn more.
What's an active monitor speaker?
An active monitor speaker or floor monitor is an additional speaker that's usually more compact and so that it can be set up on stage or in a rehearsal space so musicians can hear themselves perform. Studio monitors are another type of active monitor speaker, and are mainly designed for music production.
What are some good active speakers?
That depends on a few things, including your budget, your needs, the size of the room you'll be setting up in and the number of people that are going to be there. Also, in terms of audio quality, people at a house-party are generally less discerning than people who've bought tickets to see a professional gig or show. Basically, whether you need a budget speaker or a top-shelf bit of kit with excellent dispersion is entirely up to you, but we do recommend reading some gear reviews or the user reviews on the product pages so you can get a better idea of the speaker you're looking at.
