Passive Vs. Active Speakers

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DJ Gray

New DJ
Oct 25, 2006
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Something that has troubled me for some time is "What factors should be considered when deciding on whether you go with a Passive system with Amps, or an Active Powered System"?

My reason for asking is I am wanting to at least look into doing some smaller gigs in retirement homes, senior housing type facilities. My current setup includes a couple JBL EON's and 1 or 2 JRX 18" Subs both active or powered speakers, along with my Rig which includes Mixer, CD Player Crossover, Compressor Limiter, Power Conditioner..... I want something much smaller, these rooms I would set-up in don't need all that, and I want a much quicker set-up.

Would going with a couple of say 12" passive speakers with Amp and Mixer and Cd player be the way to go? If so Why? Which Amp, which speakers. Again realizing I don't need a whole bunch of "punch" just a clear sound?

What factors should influence my decision to go Passive Vs. Active?
 
I would say stay active. Get a pair of the JBL Eon 10" or RCF 10" powered speakers and a Numark CD Mix 2 or 3 and plug up straight to the speakers. 2 speaker stands.
It will get no quicker and easier than that.
 
Taking it one step further would it make any sense looking at going with a laptop set-up.
The advantage is that when doing gigs for the older crowd there is a real interest in some of the "real oldie's" 1940's, 50's...I don't have a lot of these on disc; but I do have a substantial collection of this music on my laptop. What type of gear would I need between the laptop and the speakers to make this work?
 
I'd go active in that case as well, and probably use wireless transmitters to the speakers, so as not to worry about cabling.




Course, in old folks homes, you could probably just transmit to their hearing aides :sqlaugh:
 
Hi DjGray!
Stay active!With passive rig you become more things to carrye around(amps,crossover...)
If you want something smaller etc.. the only solution is Bose L1 with B1 subs.I was having the same problem so i buy Bose.After buying Bose i was imprest by sound!
So for gigs you talk in youre post is the Bose L1 the right answer and you can buy only one system.Cap Capello sayd to me that one system is enough for 50-150 people and he is right.I tryed and the system worked perfectly(i speak for 1xL1 with 2xB1 subs).
If you need more info about that post to Cap he is a wery nice guy and he find a solution for you.
Good luck!
 
Jim...

I've discovered that I still needed a (very small) mixer to run sound when using only a laptop and two powered speakers. I also used a sound card in the PCCXTRW (or what ever) plug in slot on the side of the lappy.

This way you can load everything you need on one cart. Don't forget the power cords and speaker cords... (I have and it sucks).
 
SoftJock Rick said:
I'd go active in that case as well, and probably use wireless transmitters to the speakers, so as not to worry about cabling.




Course, in old folks homes, you could probably just transmit to their hearing aides :sqlaugh:
Click to expand...

Where can I look at this wireless cabling....?
 
Check with Ben @ NLFX.

I know Bill @ ESC was selling them, but I imagine Ben either has them, or can get them for you (and he adverts here :)).


If yer not really, really particular about the sound quality, you can also use wireless mic transmitters/receivers. Sometimes they even sound better...


Don't need us old "Grays" tripping over the wires ;)
 
Greets, Jim. :)

You probably already know what I'm gonna say.... but I'll post it again anyhow just for general principle. :D

If at all possible, use what you have first. If you can mix 'n' match your existing components to create a smalled-down PA system when needed, do that first. Don't buy something if you already have it. :)

Also, you may wish to consider a combination of active and passive cabinets. Ed runs his passive tops off a power amp. His sub is powered and fed from the mixer's sub output jack. He feeds it from his lappy top, too.

If it's a smaller, simpler PA rig you need, why not go active and save the expense of power amps? As was mentioned previously, active cabinets contain their own internal processing. Some are internally bi-amped as well. You'll get a decent tone from a pair of 12" 2-ways if you EQ 'em right. I do recommend a sub cabinet for warmth.

Unless you need (or want) a headroom-heavy system, the active scenario will do just fine. The only difference, really is that active cabs need an AC power supply to each. This means running XLR and AC extension cords to each cabinet. So give it some thought and decide upon what will work best for you.

Again, please bear in mind... "What do I already have in inventory that may be used for this?"
 
Just me, maybe, but I'm guessing retirement homes mean smaller gigs... 50 - 100 people max? Just get a Fender Passport and hook your laptop right in. Same way I do Bubble Parties..... takes 5 minutes to set up and take down.
 
DJ JohnThe1 said:
A 2000.00 speaker system is way too much for this type of set up. He will be playing tunes for the older folks.
Click to expand...

That's Right...I'm trying to gear it down so I can rationalize doing these for a smaller fee.....I would like to be able to set up in 10-15 minutes, play for 2 hours and be gone. I like the idea of the Mixer/Cd player Combo. It's also a possibility I could use my JBL EON's but these rooms are so small...maybe 125' by 75' would be on the large side.....so a couple of 10" Active Speakers would do the job, and could be used as additional speakers for larger events.
 
Jim the American Audio all in one is economical and compact. Along with a pair of FBTs 9" it could be hauled on a bike basket.
 
Fred Stewart said:
The only difference, really is that active cabs need an AC power supply to each. This means running XLR and AC extension cords to each cabinet.
Click to expand...

This is my only compliant with my active Mackies; cords everywhere! They are lighter and more convenient which is an even trade off I guess...thx
 
Jon Tuck said:
Jim the American Audio all in one is economical and compact. Along with a pair of FBTs 9" it could be hauled on a bike basket.
Click to expand...

I am going to check that out I will get a hold of Ben. It makes so much more sense for these very small rooms. It's doing these type of events is why I wanted to DJ. These people feel forgotten, and they are so appreciative when you play for them..........
 
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