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

LD Systems ICOA 15 A W - 15" Aktiver koaxialer PA-Lautsprecher, weiß

LD Systems ICOA 15 A W - 15" Powered Coaxial PA Loudspeaker, White

15" Powered Coaxial PA Loudspeaker, White A genuine all-rounder for full-range, satellite and monitor applications • 128 dB max. SPL and 1200 W peak power • Vertical and horizontal...

€546.20 *

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JBL PRX ONE

With 2,000 watts and 130 dB sound pressure, the PRX ONE is an impressively powerful speaker system that you would never expect to find in the slim column design. The 12" subwoofer also...

€2,699.00 *

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Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

OMNITRONIC Set MOLLY 2.1 Aktivsystem Sub + 2x Top + Zubehör, schwarz

OMNITRONIC Set MOLLY 2.1 Active System Sub + 2x Top + Accessories, black

OMNITRONIC MOLLY-12A Subwoofer active black Active 12" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth 12" bassreflex subwoofer with DSP and 700 watts RMS power • Flexibly extendable with MOLLY-6...

€749.00 *

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Bulky goods

Vonyx SMWBA15 Bi-Verstärker Subwoofer 15" 600W

Vonyx SMWBA15 Bi-Amplifier Subwoofer 15" 600W

A 300W 15" active subwoofer and an additional 2x 150W integrated full range amplifier for connecting wide range tops. This subwoofer is solidly designed, compact and produces excellent...

€259.00 *

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Power Dynamics PD Combo 1500 15" Subwoofer + 2x 8" Topteile

Power Dynamics PD Combo 1500 15” Subwoofer + 2x 8” tops

Easy to transport active 1500W sound system equipped with an intelligent digital sound processor, which ensures optimal and constant reproduction. Ideal for mobile DJs, karaoke shows, drive-in...

€799.00 *

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Bulky goods

Power Dynamics PD Combo 1800 18" Subwoofer + 2x 10" Topteile

Power Dynamics PD Combo 1800 18” Subwoofer + 2x 10” tops

Easy to transport active 1800W sound system equipped with an intelligent digital sound processor, which ensures optimal and constant reproduction. Ideal for mobile DJs, karaoke shows, drive-in...

€899.00 *

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Bulky goods

Details

Vonyx SM50 Aktiver Studio-Monitor 5,25" Paar

Vonyx SM50 Active Studio Monitor 5.25" Pair

These SM Active Studio Monitors are professional quality studio monitors and also suitable for multimedia use. These speakers are designed to produce a flat frequency response for (home) studio...

€104.95 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Vonyx SM65 Aktiver Studio Monitor 6,5" Paar

Vonyx SM65 Active Studio Monitor 6,5" Pair

These SM Active Studio Monitors are professional quality studio monitors and also suitable for multimedia use. These speakers are designed to produce a flat frequency response for (home) studio...

€129.95 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Vonyx XP40 Aktive Studio-Monitore (Paar) 4" USB BT

Vonyx XP40 Active Studio Monitors (Pair) 4” USB BT

The XP40 Active Monitors with MP3 player are designed to offer high quality sound and construction at an affordable price. These monitors are presented in high density MDF enclosures that have been...

€69.00 *

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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

Vonyx XP50 Aktive Studio-Monitore (Paar) 5,25" USB BT

Vonyx XP50 Active Studio Monitors (Pair) 5.25” USB BT

The XP50 Active Monitors with MP3 player are designed to offer high quality sound and construction at an affordable price. These monitors are presented in high density MDF enclosures that have been...

€89.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Availability:

Currently not available

Vonyx BX40 Aktive Studio-Monitore (Paar) 4" USB BT

Vonyx BX40 Active Studio Monitors (Pair) 4” USB BT

Containing a 2 x 40W Class-D digital amplifier, BT and a MP3 player, these BX40 speakers are more than capable of filling a studio or room with music. An easy-to-use control panel is built in on...

€109.95 *

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Availability:

Currently not available

Vonyx SMN30W Aktiver Studio-Monitor 3" Paar

Vonyx SMN30W Active Studio Monitor 3" Pair

These SM Active Studio Monitors are professional quality studio monitors and also suitable for multimedia use. These speakers are designed to produce a flat frequency response for (home) studio...

€89.95 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Vonyx SMN40W Aktiver Studio-Monitor 4" Paar

Vonyx SMN40W Active Studio Monitor 4" Pair

These SM Active Studio Monitors are professional quality studio monitors and also suitable for multimedia use. These speakers are designed to produce a flat frequency response for (home) studio...

€99.95 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Vonyx SMN50W Aktiver Studio-Monitor 5" Paar

Vonyx SMN50W Active Studio Monitor 5" Pair

These SM Active Studio Monitors are professional quality studio monitors and also suitable for multimedia use. These speakers are designed to produce a flat frequency response for (home) studio...

€109.95 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Power Dynamics PD615SA Aktiver Subwoofer 15"

Power Dynamics PD615SA Active Subwoofer 15"

The PD6 series is a series of high-quality professional speaker cabinets in a strong and durable plywood housing. Finished with a black painted rubber coating to protect the cabinet during...

€549.01 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Power Dynamics PD618SA Aktiver Subwoofer 18''

Power Dynamics PD618SA Active Subwoofer 18''

The PD6 series is a series of high-quality professional speaker cabinets in a strong and durable plywood housing. Finished with a black painted rubber coating to protect the cabinet during...

€669.01 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

Vonyx VX880BT 2.1 Aktiv-Lautsprecher-Set

Vonyx VX880BT 2.1 Active Speaker Set

The VX880BT set is easy to set-up and easy to transport. This set includes a 15" subwoofer and two 8" wooden column speakers. Both column speakers are equipped with 4x 2.5" speaker...

€529.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

Vonyx AP215ABT Aktiv-Lautsprecher 2x 15" 1200W

Vonyx AP215ABT Active Speaker 2x 15" 1200W

A professional double 15" speaker with BT receiver, MP3 player, powerful mid-low woofer and a high compression dynamic horn for excellent sound reproduction. Unlimited flexibility in placement...

€379.00 *

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Availability:

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Bulky goods

Vonyx SPJ-1200A Hi-End Aktiv-Lautsprecher 12" 600W

Vonyx SPJ-1200A Hi-End Active Speaker 12" 600W

A 12" PA box in a strong ABS cabinet featuring a high quality 600W mixer/amplifier, a powerful mid-low woofer and a high compression dynamic horndriver for excellent sound reproduction. The...

€169.90 *

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Availability:

Currently not available

Power Dynamics PD410A BI-verstärkter Aktiv-Lautsprecher 10" 800W

Power Dynamics PD410A BI-Amplified Active Speaker 10" 800W

The PD4 series is a high-end speaker with 2 amplifiers for great performance. The low-frequency is powered by a class-D amplifier, while the high-frequency gets its power from a class-AB amplifier....

€229.90 *

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Power Dynamics PD612A Aktiv-Lautsprecher 12"

Power Dynamics PD612A Active Speaker 12"

The PD6 series is a series of high-quality professional speaker cabinets in a strong and durable plywood housing. Finished with a black painted rubber coating to protect the cabinet during...

€429.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Power Dynamics PD615A Aktiv-Lautsprecher 15''

Power Dynamics PD615A Active Speaker 15''

The PD6 series is a series of high-quality professional speaker cabinets in a strong and durable plywood housing. Finished with a black painted rubber coating to protect the cabinet during...

€499.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Vonyx SPJ-PA912 Tragbares Soundsystem ABS 12" 2 UHF/USB/MP3

Vonyx SPJ-PA912 Portable Sound System ABS 12" 2 UHF/USB/MP3

A professional 12" 500W Mobile Sound System featuring 2 UHF wireless microphones operating on different frequencies, remote control and integrated USB and SD slots for MP3 playing. This all in...

€299.00 *

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Vonyx SPJ-PA915 Tragbares Soundsystem ABS 15" 2 UHF/USB/MP3

Vonyx SPJ-PA915 Portable Sound System ABS 15" 2 UHF/USB/MP3

A professional 15" 700W Portable Sound System featuring 2 UHF wireless microphones operating on different frequencies, remote control and integrated USB and SD slots for MP3 playing. This all...

€339.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available