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Topic: Which do you use? Active or Passive?

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Thought I would throw this out there. I am a mobile DJ so I think it is easier to use active speakers. I use B-52's Matrix 2000.

When you post, include the type of DJ you are and the types of speakers you prefer, and why.

DJ Digital
 
Posted Tue 28 Oct 08 @ 9:04 am
I use all Yorkville sound
Small set is 2 Elite 160P with 2 ES200P subs, all powered.
Medium set is a pair of NX 750P's stand alone.
Large comes with 2 LS608 subs passive with a Yamaha P7000 amp.
Extreme set adds 2 more NX 750 p tops with the LS 608 subs.
I also run the second set of tops with a Phonic wireless unit for reaching remote areas.
 
That is some SERIOUS SOUND mp3jrick.

I use passive. At least till I can afford the Yorkville LS800P's and the Yorkville nx 750's

What I use now is...

4 Yamaha s115v 500w 1000w peak per cabinet
4 Custom made Dub 18's loaded with Eminence Sigma Pro 1300w 2600w peak per cabinet
QSC PLX 3002 550w @ 8 ohms 900w @ 4 ohms for tops
QSC PLX 3402 700w @ 8 ohms 1100w @ 4 ohms for bottoms

DBX Driverack
Sonic Maximizer

I'm pretty happy with my sound. The Yamaha's are workhorses with a great TRUE power rating and sound amazing.
The Bottoms are custom made for me and they are ROCK SOLID.

I'm a mobile DJ and i'm a club DJ
 
2 X Crown XTI 4000's & FBT Verve 152 & Verve 15S Bass Bins.

I use this set up because I prefur having amps as I know that any powered speakers can't have as good quality amplifier components inside the them. Plus you have to run mains leads to powered speakers and i like to keep it neet and tidy with minimal wires.
 
"I think it is easier to use active speakers"

I'm confused with the term "active speakers".... I run a 3-way tri-amp system with an "active"crossover as oppsssed to a passive crossover.

Are we talking about the same thing?

Yea I know, I'm just a dumb girly-girl.
 
Charlie Wilson wrote :
2 X Crown XTI 4000's & FBT Verve 152 & Verve 15S Bass Bins.

I use this set up because I prefur having amps as I know that any powered speakers can't have as good quality amplifier components inside the them. Plus you have to run mains leads to powered speakers and i like to keep it neet and tidy with minimal wires.


I have to disagree.

Powered speaker amplifiers are DESIGNED TO MATCH the speakers being used in the cabinets.

Quote :
A new biamplification module delivers 750 Watts to the woofer and 100 Watts to the horn driver. The horn amplifier section uses a two-tier class H linear technology, allowing the horn to produce loud clean transients to match the high output of the woofer. Its two-tier design technology is lower in weight and more efficient than conventional amplifiers while providing higher headroom and lower operating temperature - a perfect solution for powering the top end.


Quote :
A newly designed 750-Watt switching amplifier drives the woofer in the NX750P. The amplifier uses Class D switching technology, in part to reduce overall weight - it also runs cooler. Class D technology is similar to the power supply found in the trend-setting Elite EF500P’s amplifier. Of particular significance is this technology’s inherently low heat production which ensures reliability in a wide range of environments. Then the NX750P’s combination of neodymium woofer magnetics and lightweight composite enclosure materials further ensure that all this remarkable performance comes in a lightweight, durable package.


Now on the other hand, I have just received my Yamaha P7000 back from the shop because the cooling fans were't kicking in and it was going into protection mode (shut down and about one year old btw)
But I have never had a power speaker fail and always have people commenting on the great sound quality including other dj's and roadies who work with other djs.
You are also less likely to over drive them unless you are being really stupid with the gain etc...


I don't want to start the same old pissing contest over this, but if you haven't used or own both, the argument is moot.
90% of the time its nothing more than personal preferrence and being committed to what you have blown your brains out on for gear.
 
djrenee wrote :
"I think it is easier to use active speakers"

I'm confused with the term "active speakers".... I run a 3-way tri-amp system with an "active"crossover as oppsssed to a passive crossover.

Are we talking about the same thing?

Yea I know, I'm just a dumb girly-girl.


No. 1 I have never thought of you as a dumb girly-girl Renee' No. 2 the term active when used in conjunction with speakers mean self-powered.

I use all active speakers. The amount of cords used is minimal, and I have never blown one. I use Mackie SMR350s, or SRM450s depending on the job.

If someone is starting out I would recommend self powered speakers. The manufacturer has done the math for you so the odds of you blowing them is slim and none. It is very easy to mis-match your speaker/power amp combo. That would cause you a major headache.....
 
Oh now I remember... the o'le powered speaker debate. ( I forgot it was called an active speaker)

I was raised on bi-amping, I don't trust all-in one speaker /amps. Granted it's easier with less cords which I'll agree is a BIG plus.

My question would be: I have (2) JBL subs, MRX-528 Dual 18 speakers, the cabinets weigh 120 pounds each. The amp I use (QSC/RMX5050) weighs in at 75 pounds, (5,000 watts used with my 4 ohm JBL's)

Is there a powered sub-cabinet out there with these specks (4 18's with enough power to push them) and if so how many men would it take to move it! LOL

And not to get off topic from the OP: I don't not use active speakers (Powered speakers), I have a three way system running three QSC amps with an active crossover. It's more work for sure but it's what I was taught and what I'm comfortable with and that's the important part for me I guess :-)
 
DJ Renee...

Do you Bi-Amp each speaker? For any who don't know what I mean, Bi-Amping is when you have lets say just one speaker like a double 15 with a killer horn and you use one amp to power the woofers and another to power the horn.

Is that what you mean Renee?

A long time ago I had a set up like that. It was just about the best sounding soundsydtem I ever had. I had cabs that had double 18's, one 15" and 1 10" for mids and a killer horn. It was a killer to move around and set up was monster (My back was always mad at me) The speakers were over 200lbs each but DAMN...the sound that came out of them........Each speaker had 3 amps hooked up to them. 1 amp for highs, 1 for mids, and 1 for lows. I was running 1500 watts per speaker. 800w to low end. 450w to mids and 250w to the horn.

AWESOME POWER, AWESOME SOUND

AWESOME WEIGHT ON THE BACK...lol
 
I have a tri-amp system, I have an amp for the highs, mids, and lows. (The top cabinet has separate inputs for the horn and mids)
The bottoms kick so hard I must use an anti - slide mat between the speaker cabinets or the bottoms will vibrate the tops off onto the floor.

http://home.comcast.net/~thirdrock/All1.jpg

The person who taught me the trade is a live music guy. I was raised around live bands and the serious ones all had three way systems. And yes it's a lot to set up and carry setup, I have a host of cheap roadies. LOL
 
I know that's right. Let someone else move that amp rack. IT'S HEAVY. I know how much the RMX amps weigh especially the 5050

You see what I use now if you read my post a little further up in this thread.
 
When you're mobile dj, you need to carry the less weight and the less boxes.

I use:
2 X Yamaha MSR-400 active speakers
1 X Yamaha MSR-800 subwoofer
Behringer Xenyx 1204FX
 
Passive for me. Weight is not a problem good sound is all I want not weight reduction.
 
Its not a weight factor
Try picking up a NX750 and placing it on a stand.
 
B-52's Matrix 2000 for me with an Aphex 204.
Super Clean Sound and Monster Bass.

I'm a Mobile DJ
 
I think that it's easier to use powered speakers simply because it's less crap to haul, but if you're doing a massive venue, you'd probably be better served with an amp and un-powered speakers. Granted, if you're not an expert in the gear, it's definitely easier too just buy a set of powered speakers and know that they will work properly, as opposed to scenarios where you end up mismatching your amp and speakers and blowing things badly.

Powered speakers are a convenience item for mobile jocks, largely. Smaller ones also make great booth monitors for nightclubs and such.
 


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