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 Set XFM-212AP + Boxenhochständer MOVE MK2

OMNITRONIC Set XFM-212AP + Speaker stand MOVE MK2

Active speaker system set with audio player, Bluetooth and wireless microphone incl. speaker stand set OMNITRONIC XFM-212AP Active 2-way Speaker Set with Wireless Microphone Active speaker system...

€389.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC BOB-10A Subwoofer aktiv schwarz

OMNITRONIC BOB-10A Subwoofer active black

10" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth for the BOB series 10" bassreflex subwoofer with DSP and 900 watts RMS power • Flexibly extendable with BOB-4 satellites for 2.1, 4.1 and 8.1...

€409.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC BOB-10A Subwoofer active white

10" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth for the BOB series 10" bassreflex subwoofer with DSP and 900 watts RMS power • Flexibly extendable with BOB-4 satellites for 2.1, 4.1 and 8.1...

€425.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC AZX-212A 2-Wege Top aktiv 250W

OMNITRONIC AZX-212A 2-Way Top active 250W

Active speaker with 12" woofer, 1,35" driver, 200 W RMS LF, 50 W RMS HF 2-way bass-reflex enclosure with 30 cm woofer and 3.5 cm titanium driver • Balanced signal input XLR/6.3 mm...

€315.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC AZX-215A 2-Wege Top aktiv 350W

OMNITRONIC AZX-215A 2-way top active 350W

Active speaker with 15" woofer, 1,75" driver, 300 W RMS LF, 50 W RMS HF 2-way bass-reflex enclosure with 38 cm woofer and 4.5 cm titanium driver • Master control with 2-band EQ...

€369.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC PA Set AZX active M

2x AZX-115A PA Subwoofer active 400W, 2x AZX-212A 2-Way Top active 250W and 2x Distance Tube OMNITRONIC AZX-115A PA Subwoofer active 400W Active 15" PA bassreflex subwoofer, 400 W RMS 38 cm...

€1,599.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC PA Set AZX active L

2x AZX-118A PA Subwoofer active 400W, 2x AZX-215A 2-Way Top active 350 W including 2x distance tube OMNITRONIC AZX-118A PA Subwoofer active 400W Active 18" PA bassreflex subwoofer, 400 W RMS...

€1,999.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC Set BOB-10A bk + 2x BOB-4 bk

BOB-10A Subwoofer active including 2 x 4" satellite speakers BOB-4 OMNITRONIC BOB-10A Subwoofer active black 10" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth for the BOB series 10" bassreflex...

€509.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC Set BOB-10A bk + 4x BOB-4 bk

BOB-10A Subwoofer active including 4 x 4" satellite speakers BOB-4 OMNITRONIC BOB-10A Subwoofer active black 10" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth for the BOB series 10" bassreflex...

€599.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC Set BOB-10A bk + 8x BOB-4 bk

BOB-10A Subwoofer active including 8 x 4" satellite speakers BOB-4 OMNITRONIC BOB-10A Subwoofer active black 10" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth for the BOB series 10" bassreflex...

€799.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC Set BOB-10A wh + 2x BOB-4 wh

BOB-10A Subwoofer active including 2 x 4" satellite speakers BOB-4 OMNITRONIC BOB-10A Subwoofer active white 10" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth for the BOB series 10" bassreflex...

€515.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC Set BOB-10A wh + 4x BOB-4 wh

BOB-10A Subwoofer active including 4 x 4" satellite speakers BOB-4 OMNITRONIC BOB-10A Subwoofer active white 10" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth for the BOB series 10" bassreflex...

€619.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC Set BOB-10A wh + 8x BOB-4 wh

BOB-10A Subwoofer active including 8 x 4" satellite speakers BOB-4 OMNITRONIC BOB-10A Subwoofer active white 10" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth for the BOB series 10" bassreflex...

€819.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC Set WAMS-65BT + Taschensender inkl. Headset + Akku

OMNITRONIC Set WAMS-65BT + Bodypack transmitter incl headset + Battery

Portable 6.5" PA with matching battery incl. pocket transmitter with headset microphone OMNITRONIC WAMS-65BT Wireless PA System Portable 6.5" PA with wireless microphone, audio player,...

€179.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC COMBO-160BT Active PA System

Portable 160 W PA system with Bluetooth Ultra-portable all-in-one PA system for mobile live and DJ applications • Detachable 6-channel power mixer with built-in MP3 player • Dual Class D...

€284.43 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC WAMS-08BT MK2 Drahtlos-PA-System

OMNITRONIC WAMS-08BT MK2 Wireless PA System

Compact, lightweight and useful: The WAMS-08BT MK2 is an extremely lightweight yet powerful PA system with rechargeable battery for mobile use. Whether for street musicians, at lectures, family...

€249.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC PA Set AZX active M/L

2x active 18" PA bassreflex subwoofer with 2x active speaker with 12" woofer incl. distance tube OMNITRONIC AZX-118A PA Subwoofer active 400W Active 18" PA bassreflex subwoofer, 400...

€1,749.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC Set WAMS-08BT MK2 Drahtlos-PA-System + Partymic-1

OMNITRONIC Set WMAS-08BT MK2 wireless PA system + Partymic-1

Mobile 8" PA system with battery operation including dynamic partymic OMNITRONIC WAMS-08BT MK2 Wireless PA System Mobile 8" PA system with battery operation, audio player, Bluetooth and...

€249.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC MOLLY-12A Subwoofer aktiv schwarz

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 satellites for 2.1 and 4.1 configurations...

€499.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC MOLLY-6 Top black 2x

6.5" satellite speakers with bracket 8-ohm speaker pair with 6.5" woofer and 1" tweeter • For use with MOLLY-12A subwoofers for 2.1 and 4.1 configurations • Optional stand...

€157.01 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC Set MOLLY-12A Subwoofer aktiv + 2x MOLLY-6 Top 8 Ohm, schwarz

OMNITRONIC Set MOLLY-12A Subwoofer active + 2x MOLLY-6 Top 8 Ohm, black

Active 12" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth inkl. 2x 6.5" satellite speakers OMNITRONIC MOLLY-12A Subwoofer active black Active 12" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth 12"...

€649.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

OMNITRONIC Set MOLLY-12A Subwoofer aktiv + 4x MOLLY-6 Top 8 Ohm, schwarz

OMNITRONIC Set MOLLY-12A Subwoofer active + 4x MOLLY-6 Top 8 Ohm, black

Active 12" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth incl. 4x 6.5" satellite speakers with bracket OMNITRONIC MOLLY-12A Subwoofer active black Active 12" subwoofer with DSP and Bluetooth...

€925.89 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

Splash 10A 10" Active plastic vented PA speaker system

DAP-Audio Splash 10A Active 10" full-range speaker

Suitable as PA speaker or floor monitor • Compact, lightweight and robust ABS housing • 120 W RMS, max SPL of 116 dB at 1 m • Universally applicable • Handles, 35 mm pole mount...

€213.21 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

JBL Control 2 PM

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

€359.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days