When searching for speakers or designing an audio system, the terms “active” and “passive” appear frequently.
So what is the distinction between passive and active speakers? The primary difference between active and passive speakers is that active speakers require power while passive speakers do not. Active models include built-in amplifiers, while passive variants require additional amplifiers.
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In this post, we’ll discuss the differences between passive and active speakers in greater depth and help you decide which is best for you and your specific setup.
Active Vs. Passive Speaker
The primary distinction between passive and active speakers has already been stated. Passive speakers do not have in-built amplifiers and must be powered by external amplifiers, whereas active speakers do.
This distinction also implies that active speakers need the power to operate (to control their amplifiers). On the other hand, passive speakers do not need the energy to run (though the connected amplifiers do).
These built-in amplifiers add weight and cost to active speakers, but the combination of speaker and amplifier makes them easier to use.
One example of a passive speaker is AudioEngineP4. EdifierS3000Pro is an example of an active speaker.
Passive Speakers
Generally, passive speakers consist of enclosures, one or more speaker drivers, and a passive crossover system (if there are multiple drivers).
Passive speakers, thus, do not require any power. Their crossover and driver are passive, relying on electromagnetism and passive electrical components.
A proper power amplifier sends an amplified speaker-level signal to these loudspeakers. This power amplifier converts the audio source’s and preamplifier’s line-level signal to a loudspeaker-level output.
The crossover mechanism divides the speaker level signal into distinct frequency bands before sending it to the suitable drivers.
High frequencies are delivered from the crossover to the speaker’s tweeter in a two-driver speaker. All other frequencies are separated and routed to the woofer.
The crossover of a 3-way speaker divides the audio signal in three directions. It sends high frequencies to the tweeter, midrange frequencies to the midrange woofer, and low frequencies to the bigger woofer.
The power amplifier and passive speaker(s) must be appropriately matched for optimum efficiency.
An amplifier that is too weak will be unfit to drive the speakers to their full capability and will corrupt the signal before the speakers even reach their maximum.
Overly powerful amplification, on the other hand, might overburden the passive speaker crossover and driver components, resulting in distortions and speaker blow-out.
Active Speakers
In general, active speakers consist of enclosures, one or more speaker drivers, a dynamic crossover system, and a different amplifier for each frequency band divided up by the crossover network.
Active speakers are intended to accept line-level signals from an audio input or preamplifier and actively amplify them.
The active speaker needs the power to enhance the line-level sounds at its input.
The active crossover network initially separates the line-level input signal into distinct frequency bands in an active speaker.
Each band is then boosted to speaker level before being driven by its driver (tweeter, woofer, etc.).
Because they are less focused on power handling, active crossover networks can be better tailored to split the audio signal with definition and accuracy. This is because they break up line-level signs, which are substantially lower in amplitude than speaker-level cues.
Active speakers also have the advantage of being infinitely adjustable because the crossover bands each have their amplifier. Some active speakers will include EQ sections for fine-tuning their audio signature.
Pros And Cons Of Passive Speakers
The Pros
1. Simple To Upgrade
With passive speakers and separate amplifiers, you can easily upgrade your setup. We may update the speakers, amplifiers, wires, and so on without replacing the complete system.
2. Light In Weight
Passive speakers are small and highly lightweight because they lack inbuilt amplifiers. This makes them reasonably simple to transport and install.
When choosing speakers on the road frequently, the lightness of passive speakers should be a significant consideration.
3. Maintenance Is Less Complex
The sound system’s parts are separated, making work more straightforward.
4. Controlling Is Easier
In bigger venues, the recording medium makes passive speakers easier to manage—no need to go to each speaker separately to switch them on or alter their volumes.
The Cons
1. Amplifier Pairing
Matching Passive Speakers to Amplifiers Care must be given to reach their respective passive speakers to the amplifiers correctly.
Power rating and capacitance must be compatible. This is done for peak quality and to keep the speakers from becoming overwhelmed and damaged.
2. The Audio Is Unbalanced
There is a possibility of transmission degradation if long unbalanced wire lengths are involved between the amplifier and its passive speaker(s). This degradation typically begins at roughly 18.5 feet of an imbalanced cable run.
Pros and Cons of Active Speakers
The Pros
1. Design Integration
The great majority of active speakers are standalone “all-in-one” systems.
Users should put in our line-level signal, and we’re ready to go.
2. Amplifier Pairing By Default
Active speakers include drivers, crossovers, and amplifiers.
Even if the active speaker manufacturer does not manufacture the amplifier(s), the speaker is built with the one in mind. This typically indicates that the amps are already tuned to the speaker drivers.
3. Adjustable Sound
Active speakers frequently include EQ settings, allowing you to customise their sonic character.
This is made primarily possible by the active crossover networks present in active speakers.
The Cons
1. Heavy
Because active speakers include built-in amplifiers, they are pretty heavy.
Due to their weight, they are less than ideal for circumstances that necessitate frequent movement and repositioning.
2. Repairing Is More Complicated
The complete unit must be disassembled to repair any active speaker component. This can involve sending your speaker away for an extended period unless you are skilled in repairing swiftly and economically.
The Takeaway
So that brings you to the end of the discussion of passive versus active loudspeakers. Choosing the best loudspeakers for your purposes within budget might be difficult. A passive speaker is a way to go if you want an easy-to-install speaker with the ability to choose your amp or modify it.
If you want a loudspeaker that can play loudly and has a lot of basses, or if you want to stream wirelessly to it, an active speaker is a solution. Most people, including nearly all home theaters, use both systems in one or more configurations.
