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 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...

€299.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio PSS-110 MKIII 10" battery speaker

All-in-one: USB player, mixer, wireless mic & 200 W RMS • Suitable for mobile outdoor applications • Stable wireless connection up to 20 m • Trolley model makes transportation...

€655.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio EVO 6A - Aktives Lautsprecherset, 35W weiß

DAP-Audio EVO 6A Active 6" installation speaker set - white

35 W RMS, max SPL of 111 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...

€158.95 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio EVO 8A - Aktives Lautsprecherset, 80W schwarz

DAP-Audio EVO 8A Active 8" installation speaker set - black

80 W RMS, max SPL of 114 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...

€270.30 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

dB Technologies LVX 8

LVX active loudspeakers series is the answer to all those fixed installations and live music requirements where sound reinforcement systems must be lightweight, stylish, portable, powerful. As a...

€601.00 *

Scale prices: from €595.00

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Details

dB Technologies B-HYPE 10

Multifunctional 10"/1" active loudspeaker in plastic housing with 260-watt power amplifier. Can be used as a stage monitor, full-range loudspeaker in small applications, or in combination...

Express delivery possible

€219.00 * €199.00 *

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

dB Technologies B-HYPE 12

Multifunctional 12"/1" active loudspeaker in plastic housing with 400-watt power amplifier. Can be used as a stage monitor, full-range loudspeaker in small applications, or in combination...

Express delivery possible

€269.00 * €235.00 *

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

dB Technologies SUB 615 15" Subwoofer

Powerful, active 15" bass reflex subwoofer with 600W RMS digital amplifier. 15" woofer with 2.5" voice coil • SMPS digital power amplifier • 600 W RMS, 1200 W peak...

€619.00 * €569.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Bulky goods

RCF ART 732-A MK4 - Aktiver Zwei-Wege Lautsprecher

RCF ART 732-A MK4 - Active Two-Way Speaker

The ART 732-A is a unique speaker in its category. The titanium dome, 3.0" voice coil neodymium compression driver offers a unique vocal clarity and sound projection. The 12”...

€899.00 *

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

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

dB Technologies ES 1002 Entertainment System

Remarkably powerful (1800 W peak) for its compact size, this complete PA system is designed for a quick and smooth set up, equally responding to musicians and djs needs. ES 1002 includes one cover...

€1,159.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Bulky goods

LD Systems Roadman 102 HS Mobiler PA Lautsprecher mit Headset Mikrofon

LD Systems Roadman 102 HS - Portable PA Loudspeaker with Headset Microphone

Portable PA Loudspeaker with Headset Microphone The LD Systems Roadman 102 HS is a mobile and compact sound system with headset The Roadman 102 HS is a compact and mobile PA solution with...

€850.01 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Pioneer DJ DM-40BT 4-Zoll Desktop-Monitorlautsprecher, Schwarz

Pioneer DJ DM-40BT 4-Inch Desktop Monitor Speakers, Black

Versatile connectivity Create a versatile home set-up that can deliver a rich, balanced sound for producing and DJing. These compact desktop speakers have been designed using professional speaker...

€199.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: approx. 4-5 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 4-5 weeks

LD Systems STINGER 15 A G3 Aktiver 15" 2-Weg Bassreflex PA-Lautsprecher

LD Systems STINGER 15 A G3 - Active 15" 2-way bass-reflex PA Loudspeaker

Active 15" 2-way bass-reflex PA Loudspeaker Active 15" 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker • 133 dB max. SPL and 500-watt RMS performance with a highly-efficient digital amplifier...

€950.80 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

LD Systems STINGER SUB 18 A G3 Aktiver 18" Bassreflex PA Subwoofer

LD Systems STINGER SUB 18 A G3 - Active 18" bass-reflex PA subwoofer

Active 18" bass-reflex PA subwoofer Active 18” bass reflex PA subwoofer • High-efficiency 800 watts RMS digital power stage and 135 dB max. SPL • 18” custom design woofer...

€1,129.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Bulky goods

LD Systems MAUI28G2W Kompaktes Säulen PA System aktiv, Mixer und Bluetooth

LD Systems MAUI 28 G2 W - Compact Column PA System with Mixer and Bluetooth white

Compact Column PA System with Mixer and Bluetooth white All-in-one column speaker for PA and monitor applications • 2,000 watts peak Class-D system power offers high performance with a low...

€1,249.00 * €1,029.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Bulky goods

LD Systems MAUI5WUltra portables Säulen PA System mit Mixer und Bluetooth

LD Systems MAUI 5 W - Ultra Portable Column PA System with Mixer and Bluetooth white

Ultra Portable Column PA System with Mixer and Bluetooth white Ultra compact column PA • All-in-one sound reinforcement and monitoring system • 800 watts of peak power • Vastly...

€664.81 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

LD Systems MAUI11G2 Portables Säulen PA System mit Mixer und Bluetooth

LD Systems MAUI 11 G2 - Portable Column PA System with Mixer and Bluetooth black

Portable Column PA System with Mixer and Bluetooth black All-in-one column speaker for PA and monitor applications • 1,000 watts peak Class-D system power offer high performance with a low...

€859.00 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

LD Systems MAUI11G2W Portables Säulen PA System mit Mixer und Bluetooth

LD Systems MAUI 11 G2 W - Portable Column PA System with Mixer and Bluetooth white

Portable Column PA System with Mixer and Bluetooth white All-in-one column speaker for PA and monitor applications • 1,000 watts peak Class-D system power offer high performance with a low...

€949.00 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

LD Systems STINGER 28 A G3, Aktiver 2 x 8" Bassreflex PA-Lautsprecher

LD Systems STINGER 28 A G3 - Active 2 x 8" 2-way bass-reflex PA Loudspeaker

Active 2 x 8" 2-way bass-reflex PA Loudspeaker Active 2 x 8" 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker • 131 dB max. SPL and 500-watt RMS performance with a highly-efficient digital amplifier...

€829.00 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

LD Systems MAUI 5 GO BC Wechselakku-Säule für MAUI® 5 GO

LD Systems MAUI 5 GO BC - Exchangeable battery column for MAUI® 5 GO - 5200 mAh

Exchangeable battery column for MAUI® 5 GO - 5200 mAh MAUI® 5 GO replacement battery with LG Chem lithium-ion pack • Quick-Swap technology® for instant replacement even during...

€236.80 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

LD Systems MAUI 5 GO BC W Wechselakku-Säule für MAUI® 5 GO W weiß

LD Systems MAUI 5 GO BC W - Exchangeable battery column for MAUI® 5 GO W white - 5200 mAh

Exchangeable battery column for MAUI® 5 GO W white - 5200 mAh MAUI® 5 GO replaceable battery column with LG Chem lithium-ion pack • Quick-Swap technology® for rapid replacement...

€236.80 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week