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 OD-6 Wandlautsprecher 8Ohm schwarz 2x

OMNITRONIC OD-6 Wall Speaker 8Ohm black 2x

2 weather-proof speakers with mount, 6,5" woofer, 1" tweeter, 50 W RMS 8-ohm PA speaker system for general applications • 2-way system with 16.5 cm woofer (6.5") and 2.5 cm silk...

€99.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Splash 8A 8" Active plastic vented PA speaker system

DAP-Audio Splash 8A Active 8" full-range speaker

Suitable as PA speaker or floor monitor • Compact, lightweight and robust ABS housing • 120 W RMS, max SPL of 113 dB at 1 m • Universally applicable • Handles, 35 mm pole mount...

Express delivery possible

€190.07 * €145.00 *

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

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

MONACOR MKA-50SET/WS Active 2-way stereo speaker systems, 2 x 20 W

Active 2-way stereo speaker systems, 2 x 20 W Set consists of an active and a passive speaker system. Connection of the passive system to the active system via spring-loaded speaker terminals...

€236.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

dB Technologies B-HYPE 8

Speaker configuration The extremely compact and lightweight (6.6 kg) B-HYPE 8 is equipped with an 8" low-midrange driver and a 1" pressure chamber tweeter and is ideal for use as a...

Express delivery possible

€165.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Express delivery possible

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

DAP-Audio M12 Active 415W Bi-Amp 12" Monitor

DAP-Audio M12 Active 12" floor monitor

415 W RMS, max SPL of 127 dB at 1 m • Class D amplifier • Compact and lightweight • Easy daisy chain with XLR and powerCON • Stage proof design with rugged metal protective...

€469.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio M15 Active 415W Bi-Amp 15" Monitor

DAP-Audio M15 Active 15" floor monitor

415 W RMS, max SPL of 128 dB at 1 m • Class D amplifier • Compact and lightweight • Easy daisy chain with XLR and powerCON • Stage proof design with rugged metal protective...

€527.24 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Odin T-8A - Line-Array Satellitenlautsprecher

DAP-Audio Odin T-8A Active Line Array Satellite

800 W / 129 dB SPL at 1 m • 2x 8" Neodymium MID Woofers • 2x 1" Celestion Neodymium compression drivers • Waveguide for optimised low-mid frequency directivity • Quick...

€1,799.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC KM-110A Aktiv-Bühnenmonitor, koaxial

OMNITRONIC KM-110A Active Stage Monitor, coaxial

Monitor, 10" woofer, 1,35" driver, 150 W RMS LF, 50 W RMS HF Active 2-way coaxial stage monitor for live and playback applications • Class D/AB biamp power amplifier • 25 cm...

€298.89 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC KM-112A Aktiv-Bühnenmonitor, koaxial

OMNITRONIC KM-112A Active Stage Monitor, coaxial

Monitor, 12" woofer, 1,35" driver, 250 W RMS LF, 50 W RMS HF Active 2-way coaxial stage monitor for live and playback applications • Class D/AB biamp power amplifier • 30 cm...

€319.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC KM-115A Aktiv-Bühnenmonitor koaxial

OMNITRONIC KM-115A Active Stage Monitor coaxial

Monitor, 15" woofer, 1,35" driver, 250 W RMS LF, 50 W RMS HF Active 2-way coaxial stage monitor for live and playback applications • Class D/AB biamp power amplifier • 38 cm...

€359.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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

OMNITRONIC XKB-212A 2-Way Speaker, active, DSP

Active speaker with 12" woofer, 1,35" driver, 60 W RMS HF, 300 W RMS LF Active 12/2 full range system for mobile live and DJ applications • DSP-controlled biamp amplifier (LF class...

€299.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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

OMNITRONIC XKB-215A 2-Way Speaker, active, DSP

Active speaker with 15" woofer, 1,75" driver, 60 W RMS HF, 300 W RMS LF Active 15/2 full range system for mobile live and DJ applications • DSP-controlled biamp amplifier (LF class...

€339.00 *

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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC XKB-215 2-Way Speaker

Passive speaker with 15" woofer, 1,75" driver and 300 W RMS 2-way bass-reflex system • For application areas such as: Mobile djs / entertainer; mobile use; rental; sports...

€222.43 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC Set 2x XKB-212A + Boxenhochständer MOVE MK2

OMNITRONIC Set 2x XKB-212A + Speaker Stand MOVE MK2

Active speaker set with 2x XKB-212A, 2x high-quality stands including bag, 2x XLR cable OMNITRONIC XKB-212A 2-way Speaker, active, DSP Active speaker with 12" woofer, 1,35" driver, 60 W...

€649.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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OMNITRONIC Set 2x XKB-215A + Boxenhochständer MOVE MK2

OMNITRONIC Set 2x XKB-215A + Speaker Stand MOVE MK2

Active speaker set with 2x XKB-215A, 2x high-quality stands including bag, 2x XLR cable OMNITRONIC XKB-215A 2-way Speaker, active, DSP Active speaker with 15" woofer, 1,75" driver, 60 W...

€749.00 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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OMNITRONIC XKB-208A 2-Wege Lautsprecher, aktiv, Bluetooth

OMNITRONIC XKB-208A 2-Way Speaker, active, Bluetooth

The speaker systems of the XKB series are high-performance active speaker systems in light-weight and rugged plastic cabinets. They can be flexibly used for permanent installations and professional...

€159.00 *

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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC XKB-210A 2-Wege Lautsprecher, aktiv, Bluetooth

OMNITRONIC XKB-210A 2-Way Speaker, active, Bluetooth

The speaker systems of the XKB series are high-performance active speaker systems in light-weight and rugged plastic cabinets. They can be flexibly used for permanent installations and professional...

€239.00 *

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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC MOM-10BT4 Modulares Drahtlos-PA-System

OMNITRONIC MOM-10BT4 Modular Wireless PA System

Wireless PA System for mobile useThe MOM-10BT4 is a mobile PA system in modular design. Thanks to its single components, which can be ordered individually, you can ideally adapt the system to your...

€499.00 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC Set MOM-10BT4 Modular-Drahtlos-PA-System + 2x Akku

OMNITRONIC Set MOM-10BT4 Modular wireless PA system + 2x Battery

Obile PA system with battery operation and different equipment options including 2x battery OMNITRONIC MOM-10BT4 Modular Wireless PA System Mobile PA system with battery operation and different...

€549.00 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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OMNITRONIC Set MOM-10BT4 Modular-Drahtlos-PA-System + CD-Player mit USB&SD

OMNITRONIC Set MOM-10BT4 Modular wireless PA system + CD Player with USB&SD + 2x Battery

Mobile PA system with battery operation including CD/MP3 player inserion module and 2x battery OMNITRONIC MOM-10BT4 Modular Wireless PA System Mobile PA system with battery operation and different...

€699.00 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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OMNITRONIC XFM-212AP Aktives 2-Wege Lautsprecherset mit Funkmikrofon

OMNITRONIC XFM-212AP Active 2-Way Speaker Set with Wireless Microphone

Active speaker system set with audio player, Bluetooth and wireless microphone, 150 W RMS Set consists of one active speaker with integrated amplifier and one passive speaker • For application...

€349.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC AZX-112A PA-Subwoofer aktiv 300W

OMNITRONIC AZX-112A PA Subwoofer active 300W

Active 12" PA bassreflex subwoofer, 300 W RMS 30 cm (12") bass speaker with 63 mm voice coil • Class D amplifier with 300 W • XLR inputs and parallel outputs L/R • XLR...

€339.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC AZX-115A PA-Subwoofer aktiv 400W

OMNITRONIC AZX-115A PA Subwoofer active 400W

Active 15" PA bassreflex subwoofer, 400 W RMS 38 cm (15") bass speaker with 63 mm voice coil • Class D amplifier with 400 W • XLR inputs and parallel outputs L/R • XLR...

€429.00 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC AZX-118A PA-Subwoofer aktiv 400W

OMNITRONIC AZX-118A PA Subwoofer active 400W

Active 18" PA bassreflex subwoofer, 400 W RMS 46 cm (18") bass speaker with 76 mm voice coil • Class D amplifier with 400 W • XLR inputs and parallel outputs L/R • XLR...

€499.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods