What is an active speaker?

An active speaker is a loudspeaker system with an integrated power amplifier built into the cabinet. Unlike passive speakers, which require a separate external amplifier, active speakers receive a line-level audio signal (from a mixer, DJ controller or audio interface) and amplify it internally to drive the speaker drivers. The integrated amplifier is precisely matched to the speaker's components by the manufacturer, ensuring optimal performance and protection. Active speakers need only a line-level input connection and mains power to operate, making them ideal for mobile DJs, event technicians and installations where simplicity and quick setup are priorities.

What is better, active or passive speakers?

Active speakers are better for mobile applications, quick setup and situations where simplicity matters. They eliminate the need for external amplifiers and heavy speaker cables, reducing the number of components to transport and connect. The integrated amplifier is perfectly matched to the drivers, ensuring optimal performance and protection. Passive speakers offer more flexibility for large-scale installations and touring applications where centralised amplifier racks provide advantages in redundancy and remote monitoring. For most event applications – mobile DJs, small to medium venues, corporate events – active speakers deliver the best balance of performance, portability and ease of use. The choice depends on your specific application and workflow preferences.

Do active speakers need a power supply?

Yes, active speakers require a mains power supply (or battery power in the case of battery-powered models) to operate the integrated amplifier. You connect the active speaker to a standard mains socket using the supplied power cable. Some professional active speakers designed for mobile and outdoor use feature built-in rechargeable batteries, allowing operation without mains power for several hours. Battery-powered active speakers are particularly popular for street performances, outdoor events, mobile presentations and venues without convenient mains access. Always check the power consumption specifications and ensure your power source can supply sufficient current, especially when running multiple active speakers from a single circuit.

Which active speaker is the best for events?

The best active speaker for events depends on your venue size, application and budget. For small venues (up to 50 people), compact active speakers with 200–400 watts RMS and maximum SPL around 120–125 dB are sufficient. Mid-sized events (100–200 attendees) require 500–800 watts RMS with maximum SPL of 128–132 dB. Large events and outdoor applications demand 1000 watts RMS or more with maximum SPL exceeding 135 dB. Leading brands like LD Systems, Cameo, dB Technologies and RCF offer reliable, professional active speakers across all power classes. Consider coverage pattern, build quality, DSP features and mounting options alongside power ratings. At LTT, our team can recommend the optimal active speaker system for your specific event requirements.

What are the disadvantages of active speakers?

Active speakers have a few limitations compared to passive systems. Each speaker requires a mains power connection, which can complicate setup in large multi-speaker installations. If the integrated amplifier fails, the entire speaker is out of service, whereas with passive systems you can replace a separate amplifier. Active speakers are generally heavier than equivalent passive models due to the integrated amplifier and power supply. For very large touring systems, passive speakers with centralised amplifier racks offer better redundancy and remote monitoring capabilities. However, for most event applications, the advantages of active speakers – simplicity, matched amplification, quick setup – far outweigh these limitations. Modern active speakers from quality manufacturers are highly reliable, and their integrated protection circuits actually reduce the risk of driver damage compared to mismatched passive systems.

Can I connect active speakers to my mixer?

Yes, active speakers connect directly to the line-level outputs of your mixer using standard XLR or jack cables. Connect the mixer's main output (or auxiliary send, for monitor applications) to the active speaker's XLR or jack input. Most professional active speakers feature both XLR and 6.35 mm jack inputs, and many include link/thru outputs for daisy-chaining multiple speakers from a single mixer output. Set the mixer's output level appropriately and use the gain control on the active speaker to adjust volume. This simple connection is one of the key advantages of active speakers – no external amplifier is needed, reducing system complexity and setup time significantly.

How much power do I need for outdoor events?

Outdoor events require significantly more power than indoor venues of similar size because there are no walls to reflect and reinforce the sound. As a general guideline, plan for active speakers delivering at least 1000 watts RMS with maximum SPL exceeding 132 dB for outdoor audiences of 100–200 people. Larger outdoor events may require multiple speakers or line array systems with total power in the several-kilowatt range. Consider adding active subwoofers to reinforce low frequencies, which dissipate quickly outdoors. Weather protection is also critical – look for active speakers with IP54 or IP65 ratings to withstand rain and dust. Wind can affect high-frequency dispersion, so position speakers carefully and use additional fill speakers if needed to ensure even coverage across your audience area.

What does SPL mean and why does it matter?

SPL stands for Sound Pressure Level, measured in decibels (dB), and indicates how loud a speaker can play. Active speaker specifications typically list maximum SPL measured at one metre from the speaker. A speaker rated at 130 dB SPL can produce sound pressure of 130 decibels at one metre distance. SPL decreases by approximately 6 dB each time you double the distance from the speaker, so a 130 dB speaker produces around 124 dB at two metres, 118 dB at four metres, and so on. For speech and background music, 95–105 dB SPL at the audience is sufficient. Live music and DJ applications typically require 105–115 dB SPL. Choosing active speakers with adequate SPL ensures clear, undistorted sound even at the back of your venue without pushing the speakers into clipping and distortion.

Powered speakers

OMNITRONIC MAXX-1810NG 2.1 Active System

Mobile 2.1 system with DSP, mixer, stereo Bluetooth link, 800 W RMS OMNITRONIC MAXX-1810NG Active Subwoofer 18" High-power 18" active subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth, 800W RMS Multiband...

€999.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC MAXX-1810NG Aktiv-Subwoofer 18 Zoll

OMNITRONIC MAXX-1810NG Active Subwoofer 18"

High-power 18" active subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth, 800W RMS Multiband Compressor; Multistep Limiter; Active Phase Correction; Delay Compensation; 3-band EQ • 4-channel mixer...

€699.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC Set ROD-1283 Aktives Säulensystem + Boxenhochständer + Cover Set

OMNITRONIC Set ROD-1283 active column speaker system + speaker stand + cover set

OMNITRONIC ROD-1283 Active Column Speaker System Mobile column PA system with DSP, mixer, stereo Bluetooth link, 800 W RMS Multiband Compressor; Multistep Limiter; Active Phase Correction; Delay...

€749.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Palmer ORBIT 11 - Aktiver koaxialer 3-Wege-Studiomonitor

Palmer ORBIT 11 - Active coaxial 3-way studio monitor

Coaxial true point source (6.5" mid + 1" tweeter) • Impulse compensated dual 8" woofers for tight, resonance-free bass • True 3-way design for full-range accuracy and...

Express delivery possible

€789.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Palmer ORBIT 11 W - Aktiver koaxialer 3-Wege-Studiomonitor

Palmer ORBIT 11 W - Active coaxial 3-way studio monitor

Coaxial true point source (6.5" mid + 1" tweeter) • Impulse compensated dual 8" woofers for tight, resonance-free bass • True 3-way design for full-range accuracy and...

Express delivery possible

€789.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

NEW

celexon Aktiv Lautsprecher-Set 2-Wege 525-W

celexon Active Speaker Set 2-Way 525-W

The celexon Active Speaker 2-Way 525 Set allows small venues such as conference rooms, classrooms or similar spaces to be impressively amplified. Thanks to one active and one passive unit, the...

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€149.99 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

NEW

celexon Aktiv Lautsprecher-Set 2-Wege 525-B

celexon Active Speaker Set 2-Way 525-B

The celexon Active Speaker 2-Way 525 Set delivers impressive sound for small venues such as conference rooms, classrooms or similar spaces. Thanks to one active and one passive unit, the speaker...

€149.99 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEW

OMNITRONIC Set MOM-10BT4 PA System + CD Player + DAD

OMNITRONIC MOM-10BT4 Modular Wireless PA System Mobile PA system with battery operation and different equipment options Wireless PA system with modular structure for maximum flexibility...

€999.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

LD Systems CURV 500 SLAT Curv 500® 70 / 100 Volt SmartLink® Adapter

70 / 100 V SmartLink® adapter for up to four LD CURV 500® satellites. • Integrated transformer with 10, 20, 40 and 80 W output taps @ 4 ohms • speakON compatible plus 2-pin input...

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Sale to reseller only

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Details

DAP-Audio Odin S-18A Active Line-Array Subwoofer

1500 W / 136 dB SPL at 1 m • 18" Celestion Ferrite Magnet subwoofer with 4" voice coil • Class D Amplifier • Configurable DSP-optimised amplification • Quick and easy...

€2,239.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC PAS-208A MK3 2-Wege-Top, aktiv, DSP

OMNITRONIC PAS-208A MK3 2-Way Top, active, DSP

Active 8" PA speaker with DSP presets, limiter, 210 W RMS Active PA speaker system for touring applications and permanent installations • 2-way bass-reflex system with 20 cm woofer and...

€289.62 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

JBL Control 2 PS

Perfect for a range of professional applications including: Recording / Video Production • Entertainment Installations • AV Presentations • Monitoring of Electronic Musical...

€389.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

JBL LSR310S - 10" Powered Studio Subwoofer With XLF

Extend your system LF all the way down! The LSR310S subwoofer incorporates JBL’s patented Slip Stream™ Port working in concert with a custom 10" down-firing driver and a 200...

€699.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio Odin Array Set Complete flying set with 12 satellites and 8 subwoofers

12x 8" Odin T-8A satellite speakers incl. 3x Flight Case for 4x T-8A • 8x 18" Odin S-18 subwoofer incl. 4x Castor Board and 4x Transport Cover • Odin CL-4 Connect with 16x 1.5 m...

€66,999.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio Odin S-218A Active Line-Array Ultra Subwoofer

4000 W / 141 dB SPL at 1 m • 2x 18" Celestion Ferrite Magnet subwoofer with 5" voice coil • Class D Amplifier • Configurable DSP-optimised amplification...

€4,269.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

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Currently not available

Bulky goods

DAP-Audio EVO 5A - Aktives Lautsprecherset, 25 W weiß

DAP-Audio EVO 5A Active 5" installation speaker set - white

25 W RMS, max SPL of 109 dB at 1 m each • Full-range Hi-Fi audio • Built-in Class D amplifier with volume, bass and treble control • Quick and easy installation • Elegant design...

€175.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio Pure-15A - Aktiver 15" Kabinettlautsprecher mit DSP

DAP-Audio Pure-15A Active 15" full-range speaker

300 W RMS, max SPL of 128 dB at 1 m • Suitable for on-the-road use • Multifunctional design (PA/top cabinet/floor monitor) • 24-bit DSP processor including 5 presets...

€909.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio Pure-12A - Aktiver 12" Kabinettlautsprecher mit DSP

DAP-Audio Pure-12A Active 12" full-range speaker

300 W RMS, max SPL of 126 dB at 1 m • Suitable for on-the-road use • Multifunctional design (PA/top cabinet/floor monitor) • 24-bit DSP processor including 5 presets...

€735.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio Pure-18AS - Aktiver 18"-Subwoofer mit DSP

DAP-Audio Pure-18AS 18'' Active Subwoofer

800 W RMS, max SPL of 129 dB at 1 m • Active speaker system • 24-bit DSP processor with LCD-display • 2-CH Input Mixer • M20/35 mm Pole Mount • The DAP Pure Series produces...

€1,075.00 *

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Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

dB Technologies Flexsys F315

The F315 is an active three-way system designed to render the full frequency range. Powerful and assertive, it delivers the sonic goods without requiring an added subwoofer. A bi-amped 1000 W/RMS...

€1,499.00 *

Scale prices: from €1,460.00

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Bulky goods

Details

Wharfedale Titan 8 Active MKII Grey

Titanium 8 Active MKII The Wharfedale Pro EWG™ Horn is the result of elaborate computer simulations and like no other product on the market, the natural propagation of sound is supported...

€339.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

dB Technologies MINIBOX K 162

The K-Series is a range of compact active speakers for versatile applications like mobile use or fixed installations. The K162 has a multifunctional housing with a special shaped backside for...

€342.60 *

Scale prices: from €324.08

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

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dB Technologies MINIBOX K 300

The most powerful compact cabinet in its class, the K300 is chock-full of technologies. Housed in an ultra compact enclosure, delivers great performances for audio installations. The 1“ HF...

€310.00 *

Scale prices: from €306.00

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

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dB Technologies MINIBOX L 160D

A powerful yet surprisingly light cabinet, the remarkably compact L160D offers a variety of connection options to provide convenient sound reinforcement for multimedia applications. Paired with a...

€319.00 *

Scale prices: from €315.00

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Details