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

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...

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€199.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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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...

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€229.00 *

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

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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...

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€319.00 *

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

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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
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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 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

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

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

€869.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

Vonyx SMWBA18 Bi-Verstärker Subwoofer 18" 1000W

Vonyx SMWBA18 Bi-Amplifier Subwoofer 18" 1000W

A 500W 18" active subwoofer and an additional 2x 250W integrated full range amplifier for connecting wide range tops. This subwoofer is solidly designed, compact and produces excellent...

€299.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Vonyx SWA15 PA Aktiv-Subwoofer 15" /600W

Vonyx SWA15 PA Active Subwoofer 15" /600W

A subwoofer with adjustable low-pass filter between 30Hz and 120Hz. Features a 600W amplifier, a phase switch to let the sub acoustically play along in phase with the main speakers, reproducing an...

€219.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Vonyx SWA18 PA Aktiv-Subwoofer 18" / 1000W

Vonyx SWA18 PA Active Subwoofer 18" / 1000W

A subwoofer with adjustable low-pass filter between 30Hz and 120Hz. Features a 1000W amplifier, a phase switch to let the sub acoustically play along in phase with the main speakers, reproducing an...

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€269.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Vonyx SWP15 PRO Aktiver Subwoofer 15" / 800W

Vonyx SWP15 PRO Active subwoofer 15" / 800W

A subwoofer with adjustable low-pass filter between 40Hz and 250Hz. Features a 800W amplifier, a phase switch to let the sub acoustically play along in phase with the main speakers, reproducing an...

€319.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Vonyx SWP18 PRO Aktiver Subwoofer 18" / 1200W

Vonyx SWP18 PRO Active subwoofer 18" / 1200W

A subwoofer with adjustable low-pass filter between 40Hz and 250Hz. Features a 1200W amplifier, a phase switch to let the sub acoustically play along in phase with the main speakers, reproducing an...

€399.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

Power Dynamics PD Combo 1200 12" Subwoofer + 2x 6,5" Topteile

Power Dynamics PD Combo 1200 12” Subwoofer + 2x 6,5” tops

Easy to transport active 1200W sound system equipped with an intelligent digital sound processor, which ensures optimal and constant reproduction. Ideal for mobile DJs, karaoke shows, drive-in...

€599.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

Vonyx SMN30B Aktiver Studio-Monitor 3" Paar

Vonyx SMN30B 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...

€89.90 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Vonyx SMN40B Aktiver Studio-Monitor 4" Paar

Vonyx SMN40B 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...

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€99.90 *

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

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Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Vonyx SMN50B Aktiver Studio-Monitor 5" Paar

Vonyx SMN50B 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...

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€119.90 *

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

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Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Vonyx AP1200PA Tragbarer Lautsprecher 12"

Vonyx AP1200PA Portable Speaker 12"

A professional 12" 600W Portable speaker with remote control, an integrated USB port and SD slot for playing MP3 files. This "all in one" system is equipped with a BT receiver for...

€275.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Vonyx AP1200PA Portable Speaker 12"

A professional 12" 600W Portable speaker with remote control, an integrated USB port and SD slot for playing MP3 files. This "all in one" system is equipped with a BT receiver for...

€309.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Vonyx AP1500PA Tragbarer Lautsprecher 15"

Vonyx AP1500PA Portable Speaker 15"

A professional 15" 800W Portable Speaker with remote control, an integrated USB port and SD slot for playing MP3 files. This "all in one" system is equipped with a BT receiver for...

€315.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Vonyx AP1500PA Portable Speaker 15"

A professional 15" 800W Portable speaker with remote control, an integrated USB port and SD slot for playing MP3 files. This "all in one" system is equipped with a BT receiver for...

€349.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Power Dynamics DS65MW Aktiv-Lautsprecher-Set mit Multimedia-Player 6,5" 125W Weiß

Power Dynamics DS65MW Active Speaker Set with Multimedia Player 6.5” 125W White

These high power music speakers with built-in amplifier and multimedia player feature a 2-way bass reflex speaker system with a 6.5” long throw woofer and a silk dome tweeter. Easily adjust...

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€149.90 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Vonyx VX800BT 2.1 Aktiv-Lautsprecher-Set

Vonyx VX800BT 2.1 Active Speaker Set

The VX800BT 2.1 Active speaker set is easy to set-up and easy to transport. This set includes a 12'' subwoofer and two 8'' ABS cabinet speakers with 1'' dynamic driver. The built-in BT receiver...

€499.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Vonyx VX1000BT Aktiv-Lautsprecher-Kit 2.2

Vonyx VX1000BT Active Speaker Kit 2.2

The VX1000BT is a complete plug & play speaker kit. Everything needed to get started is supplied on delivery. All the power comes from the single 10" subwoofer that houses the amplifier,...

€549.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Bulky goods

Vonyx VX1050BT Aktiv-Lautsprecher-Kit 2.2

Vonyx VX1050BT Active Speaker Kit 2.2

The VX1050BT is a complete plug & play speaker kit. Everything needed to get started is supplied on delivery. All the power comes from the single 12" subwoofer that houses the amplifier,...

€649.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Bulky goods

Vonyx VSA12 Bi-verstärkter Aktiv-Lautsprecher 12" 800W

Vonyx VSA12 Bi-Amplified Active Speaker 12" 800W

The VSA series consists of a range of high-power speakers with 2 built-in amplifiers (LF amplifier and the HF amplifier) for great performance. This series has been designed in a sturdy ABS...

€199.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days