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 15ABT-15" aktiver koaxialer PA-Lautsprecher mit Blutetooth

LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT - 15“ Powered Coaxial PA Loudspeaker with Bluetooth

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

€499.00 *

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 ICOA 15ABTW-15" aktiver koaxialer PA-Lautsprecher m. Blutetooth

LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT W - 15“ Powered Coaxial PA Loudspeaker with Bluetooth, White

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

€605.70 *

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 ICOA 15 A - 15" Aktiver koaxialer PA-Lautsprecher

LD Systems ICOA 15 A - 15“ Powered Coaxial PA Loudspeaker

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

€446.25 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

IMG STAGE LINE PSUB-15AKA Aktiv-Subwoofer

IMG STAGELINE PSUB-15AKA Active 2.1 PA subwoofer, 1,200 W

The high-performance subwoofers of compact size with integrated 2.1 active modules are suitable for a wide range of applications. They are the basis for setting up a small or medium-sized compact...

€1,498.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

IMG STAGELINE PAK-412 Active power PA speaker system with 2-channel amplifier, 700 W

PAK-400 Series The PAK-400 series is suitable for general applications, features modern technologies and an individual sound tuning to meet various requirements. The amplifier system is a...

€348.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

IMG STAGELINE PAK-415 Active power PA speaker system with 2-channel amplifier, 700 W

PAK-400 Series The PAK-400 series is suitable for general applications, features modern technologies and an individual sound tuning to meet various requirements. The amplifier system is a...

€409.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

MONACOR TXA-820 Transportables Verstärkersystem

MONACOR TXA-820 Portable amplifier system

Portable amplifier system, with integrated 1-channel multifrequency receiver unit with UHF PLL technology and Bluetooth receiver. Operation via mains connection or built-in rechargeable lead gel...

€999.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

MONACOR TXA-820CD Transportables Verstärkersystem

MONACOR TXA-820CD Portable amplifier system

Portable amplifier system, with integrated 1-channel multifrequency receiver unit with UHF PLL technology and Bluetooth receiver. Operation via mains connection or built-in rechargeable lead gel...

€1,295.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

MONACOR TXA-822CD Transportables Verstärkersystem

MONACOR TXA-822CD Portable amplifier system

Portable amplifier system, with integrated 2-channel multifrequency receiver unit with UHF PLL technology and Bluetooth receiver. Operation via mains connection or built-in rechargeable lead gel...

€1,545.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

IMG STAGELINE FLAT-M200 Aktive PA-Bühnenmonitorbox, 300 W

IMG STAGELINE FLAT-M200 Active PA stage monitor speaker system, 300 W

Active PA stage monitor speaker system, 300 W Flat and very compact full range system • Fitted with 4 x 10 cm (FaitalPRO, 4 x 4") full range speaker with neodymium magnets • Class D...

€529.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

IMG Stageline WAVE-08A - Aktive Fullrange-Lautsprecherbox, 150 W

IMG STAGELINE WAVE-08A Active full range speaker system, 150 W

Pure Entertainment! The PA speaker systems of the WAVE series impress with a great sound and an attractive price. They are suitable for smaller to medium-sized function rooms and are the perfect...

€224.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

IMG Stageline WAVE-10A - Aktive Fullrange-Lautsprecherbox, 300 W

IMG STAGELINE WAVE-10A Active full range speaker system, 300 W

Pure Entertainment! The PA speaker systems of the WAVE series impress with a great sound and an attractive price. They are suitable for smaller to medium-sized function rooms and are the perfect...

€296.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

IMG Stageline WAVE-12A - Aktive Fullrange-Lautsprecherbox, 350 W

IMG STAGELINE WAVE-12A Active full range speaker system, 350 W

Pure Entertainment! The PA speaker systems of the WAVE series impress with a great sound and an attractive price. They are suitable for smaller to medium-sized function rooms and are the perfect...

€367.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

IMG Stageline WAVE-15A - Aktive Fullrange-Lautsprecherbox, 400 W

IMG STAGELINE WAVE-15A Active full range speaker system, 400 W

Pure Entertainment! The PA speaker systems of the WAVE series impress with a great sound and an attractive price. They are suitable for smaller to medium-sized function rooms and are the perfect...

€464.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Palmer STUDIMON 5 - Aktiver 5" Nahfeld-Studiomonitor der Referenzklasse

Palmer STUDIMON 5 - Powered 5" Reference Nearfield Studio Monitor

Powered 5" Reference Nearfield Studio Monitor 5" woofer and 0.75" soft dome tweeter • Bass reflex design • 60-W RMS bi-amping power amplifier • 70 Hz to 20 kHz...

€166.00 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

MONACOR WALL-05SET/WS Active 2-way stereo speaker system, 2 x 30 W

Active 2-way stereo speaker system, 2 x 30 W Set consists of one active and one passive speaker system. Connection of the passive system to the active system via screw terminal strip • Active...

€236.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

MONACOR WALL-06SET/WS Active 2-way stereo speaker system, 2 x 30 W

Active 2-way stereo speaker system, 2 x 30 W Set consists of one active and one passive speaker system. Connection of the passive system to the active system via screw terminal strip • Active...

€296.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP Pure Club 15 - 15" Sub + 8" Tops Aktiv-Set mit DSP

DAP-Audio Pure Club 15 15'' + 8'' Active Speaker Set

15" sub with built-in amplifier & dynamics • 2x 8" satellites with 1" Neodymium compression driver • Full-range Hi-Fi sound quality • Adjustable subwoofer level...

€959.93 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

Pioneer DJ VM-50 Aktiv-Monitorlautsprecher

Pioneer DJ VM-50 active monitor speaker

The active VM-50 produces clear audio with fast-attacking, punchy bass. The speaker can be tuned to suit the characteristics of any room, making it perfect for recreating a club sound when...

Express delivery possible

€179.00 *

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

Pioneer DJ VM-50-W Aktiv-Monitorlautsprecher Weiß

Pioneer VM-50-W Active Monitor Speaker White

The active VM-50-W produces clear audio with fast-attacking, punchy bass. The speaker can be tuned to suit the characteristics of any room, making it perfect for recreating a club sound when...

Express delivery possible

€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

Pioneer DJ VM-70 Aktiv-Monitorlautsprecher

Pioneer DJ VM-70 active monitor speakers

The active VM-70 produces clear audio with fast-attacking, punchy bass. The speaker can be tuned to suit the characteristics of any room, making it perfect for recreating a club sound when...

Express delivery possible

€229.00 *

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

Pioneer DJ VM-80 Aktiv-Monitorlautsprecher

Pioneer DJ VM-80 active monitor speakers

The active VM-80 produces clear audio with fast-attacking, punchy bass. The speaker can be tuned to suit the characteristics of any room, making it perfect for recreating a club sound when...

Express delivery possible

€319.00 *

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

OMNITRONIC MOLLY-12A Subwoofer aktiv weiß

OMNITRONIC MOLLY-12A Subwoofer active white

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...

€529.00 *

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, weiß

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

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

€699.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods