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

Vonyx VX1080BT Aktivlautsprecher-Set 2.2

Vonyx VX1080BT Active Speaker Kit 2.2

The VX1080BT is a complete plug & play speaker kit. Everything needed to get started is supplied on delivery. All the power comes from the single 15" subwoofer that houses the amplifier,...

€799.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC XNG-208A 2-Wege Lautsprecher, aktiv, DSP

OMNITRONIC XNG-208A 2-way Speaker, active, DSP

Active speaker with 8" woofer, 1" driver, 350 W RMS Active PA speaker system for touring applications and permanent installations • DSP-controlled biamp amplifier (class D)...

€219.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC XNG-210A 2-Wege Lautsprecher, aktiv, DSP

OMNITRONIC XNG-210A 2-way Speaker, active, DSP

Active speaker with 10" woofer, 1" driver, 350 W RMS Active PA speaker system for touring applications and permanent installations • DSP-controlled biamp amplifier (class D)...

€249.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC XNG-212A 2-Wege Lautsprecher, aktiv, DSP

OMNITRONIC XNG-212A 2-way Speaker, active, DSP

Active speaker with 12" woofer, 1" driver, 350 W RMS Active PA speaker system for touring applications and permanent installations • Stereo Bluetooth link for wireless stereo...

€329.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC XNG-215A 2-Wege Lautsprecher, aktiv, DSP

OMNITRONIC XNG-215A 2-way Speaker, active, DSP

Active speaker with 15" woofer, 1" driver, 400 W RMS Active PA speaker system for touring applications and permanent installations • Stereo Bluetooth link for wireless stereo...

€379.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC MAXX-1206DSP 2.1 Aktiv-Subwoofer 12 Zoll

OMNITRONIC MAXX-1206DSP 2.1 Active Subwoofer 12"

High-power 12" active subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth, 450 watts 12" subwoofer with Class D amplifier in bassreflex cabinet • Amplifier power: 250 W RMS + 2 x 100 W RMS for two...

€429.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC MAXX-1206DSP 2.1 Aktiv-Subwoofer 12 Zoll weiß

OMNITRONIC MAXX-1206DSP 2.1 Active Subwoofer 12" white

High-power 12" active subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth, 450 watts 12" subwoofer with Class D amplifier in bassreflex cabinet • Amplifier power: 250 W RMS + 2 x 100 W RMS for two...

€449.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC MAXX-1508NG 2.1 Active System

Mobile 2.1 system with DSP, mixer, stereo Bluetooth link, 800 W RMS OMNITRONIC MAXX-1508NG Active Subwoofer 15" High-power 15" active subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth, 800W RMS Multiband...

€849.00 *

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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC MAXX-1508NG Aktiv-Subwoofer 15 Zoll

OMNITRONIC MAXX-1508NG Active Subwoofer 15"

High-power 15" active subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth, 800W RMS Multiband Compressor; Multistep Limiter; Active Phase Correction; Delay Compensation; 3-band EQ • 4-channel mixer...

€599.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

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

DAP-Audio NGA-10A Aktiver 10-Zoll-Hochleistungs-Breitbandlautsprecher

DAP-Audio NGA-10A Active 10” high-power full range speaker

1000 W RMS, 2000 W peak, max SPL of 126 dB at 1 m • 48 - 20,000 Hz frequency range • BT 5.3 with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) • Dedicated mic and line + Hi-Z inputs • Internal DSP...

€399.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio NGA-12A Aktiver 12-Zoll-Hochleistungs-Breitbandlautsprecher

DAP-Audio NGA-12A Active 12” high-power full range speaker

1000 W RMS, 2000 W peak, max SPL of 128 dB at 1 m • 46 - 20,000 Hz frequency range • BT 5.3 with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) • Dedicated mic and line + Hi-Z inputs • Internal DSP...

€439.00 *

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:

Low stock; 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:

Low stock; 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...

Express delivery possible

€149.99 *

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

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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 *

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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...

Express delivery possible

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 *

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Currently not available

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC MES-12BT2 Wireless PA System

Portable PA system with 2 UHF receiver units, audio player and Bluetooth Portable all-in-one PA system with 45 watts output power • 3-channel power mixer and 2-way speaker system with a 30 cm...

€279.00 *

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[International shipping costs]

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Currently not available

OMNITRONIC Set MES-12BT2 + battery

Portable PA system with 2 UHF receiver units, audio player, Bluetooth and battery OMNITRONIC MES-12BT2 Wireless PA System Portable PA system with 2 UHF receiver units, audio player and Bluetooth...

€289.49 *

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Currently not available

OMNITRONIC MES-15BT2 Wireless PA System

The wireless PA system MES-15BT2 is a combination of a 2-way speaker system with 38 cm woofer and a3-channel power mixer with connections for microphones and line sources such as notebooks and...

€329.00 *

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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available