# Active speakers or passive with an amp? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [April 22, 2012, 2:15pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142 "2012-04-22T14:15:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![AtgAni](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/atgani/32/14136_2.png) [@AtgAni](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/AtgAni)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 5:55pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/21 "2012-04-22T17:55:09Z")
Wish I had more money to spare 😞 if only I could get some speakers at a bargain like I did my controller! I know I’m using an S4 but I’m on a mixtrack budget really lol! ---
**Author:** ![D-Kem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/85e7bf/32.png) [@D-Kem](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/D-Kem)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 6:13pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/22 "2012-04-22T18:13:45Z")
Passive amp matching and tops is a doddle. Match your power to the tops and you can’t go wrong. You will get a bargin on ebay if you do your homework as everyone wants actives these days. I have owned a few different active and passive set up’s and actives are far less hassle but you can achieve a far better sound cheaper with a passive set up. It’s also far cheaper fixing your PA if something goes wrong with passive. Dead easy to attatch everything. I’d look for a cheap active xover and use the outs for this. You could also use the Xover built into a sub then out to the tops but this lacks flexibility. Another option is to run your tops full range and take another signal to the sub independantly. ---
**Author:** ![AtgAni](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/atgani/32/14136_2.png) [@AtgAni](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/AtgAni)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 6:20pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/23 "2012-04-22T18:20:01Z")
Can you only run a sub if you’ve got an amp? I’m confused about how to add it ---
**Author:** ![D-Kem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/85e7bf/32.png) [@D-Kem](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/D-Kem)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 6:34pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/24 "2012-04-22T18:34:35Z")
Passive sub will need an amp but a powerful enough amp could run both your sub and tops. Active sub powers itself. You would be better picking up 2 smaller amps and have one dedicated for sub, one for tops. Keep them in a rack with possibly a xover and eq and your set up is done once routed properly. It’s all just one big hifi and makes sense given a bit of thought. ---
**Author:** ![D-Kem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/85e7bf/32.png) [@D-Kem](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/D-Kem)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 6:35pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/25 "2012-04-22T18:35:55Z")
I have a DB active i’m thinking of selling. 400w and after £160 if you’re interested. I’m in the Toon. ---
**Author:** ![AtgAni](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/atgani/32/14136_2.png) [@AtgAni](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/AtgAni)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 6:45pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/26 "2012-04-22T18:45:56Z")
> [@D-Kem](#): > > Passive sub will need an amp but a powerful enough amp could run both your sub and tops. Active sub powers itself. You would be better picking up 2 smaller amps and have one dedicated for sub, one for tops. Keep them in a rack with possibly a xover and eq and your set up is done once routed properly. It’s all just one big hifi and makes sense given a bit of thought. I’ve always had big systems in my cars, 2 amps components and subs etc but that’s using headunits with multiple output channels. My s4 just has the trs or RCA so how would I plug into multiple amps? What’s a db active? An amp? ---
**Author:** ![sobi](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/sobi/32/14935_2.png) [@sobi](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/sobi)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 6:46pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/27 "2012-04-22T18:46:48Z")
It’s already been said, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to properly invest in a good rig. ESPECIALLY if you want to start doing mobile stuff. You can go the cheap route, but in the long run, you end up spending the same money you would on quality gear due to maintenance as someone else already pointed out. If you really are serious about it, SAVE SAVE SAVE. As far as sound systems go, while they have gotten a little more affordable, they seem to be the last bastion of DJ gear that separates those who want from those who REALLY want. ---
**Author:** ![D-Kem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/85e7bf/32.png) [@D-Kem](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/D-Kem)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 6:54pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/28 "2012-04-22T18:54:00Z")
Loads of ways to do it. Signal to desk, rack mixer, external mixer, patch bay etc etc. A PA set up requires thought and what’s right for you. Have a think before you dive in. As sobi says you need good, reliable gear otherwise you will be disappointed with the sound and your punters will be when your gear blows mid gig. DB make gear and are reasonably good for the price (again a cheaper RCF). It’s an active sub I have spare currently 15" 400w. For subs you should be looking at 15" minimum with 18" ideally. ---
**Author:** ![sobi](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/sobi/32/14935_2.png) [@sobi](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/sobi)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 7:05pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/29 "2012-04-22T19:05:44Z")
oh… went on a tangent and forgot to try and give some input. the best 3 you can get are Mackie, JBL, and QSC, with quality in that order. Mackie used to be tops, but 5-10 years ago, they moved their manufacturing out of the USA and quality dropped dramatically. That has never come back, and while they are better than the low end stuff (behringer, B-52, etc), I don’t think they hold up to the other companies in quality or reliability. JBL is a very reputable brand, have good reliability and quality is good too. Realisticly, you can’t go wrong with this brand. QSC… ask anyone with a bit of knowlege and experience in sound, and this is pretty much the best active speaker brand you can currently get. Their build quality and sound quality really are second to none. Top this off with a ridiculous warranty that speaks on their confidence in their own product, and it’s a no brainer. Granted, you definitely pay for it, but WELL worth it in the end. ---
**Author:** ![sobi](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/sobi/32/14935_2.png) [@sobi](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/sobi)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 7:08pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/30 "2012-04-22T19:08:49Z")
oh rcf too, but I’m not really familiar with the brand. I think that might be a little more prevalent in Europe. ---
**Author:** ![jamthrax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/848f3c/32.png) [@jamthrax](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/jamthrax)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 10:26pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/31 "2012-04-22T22:26:32Z")
+1 on passive over active speakers… thou i am pretty sure from what you have said in post’s you just need a good pair of active studio speakers to mix on at your house 🙂 they will give you good sound to money. If you are look at playing to a group of people +20 or in a large room more than once a month then save your money and get good PA speakers. If not get smaller speaker you can happy with, rent a PA for bigger nights and recoup on the door. You can get a rented 15k bar nine rig in UK with engineers for £400 a night. ---
**Author:** ![AtgAni](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/atgani/32/14136_2.png) [@AtgAni](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/AtgAni)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 10:32pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/32 "2012-04-22T22:32:46Z")
Considering some krk rokits, then saving up for some mackie thump 15’s so I’ve got both angles covered ---
**Author:** ![Woah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/4bbf92/32.png) [@Woah](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Woah)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 11:02pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/33 "2012-04-22T23:02:50Z")
Yeah I have those speakers you linked OP, and I wouldn’t recommend for anything EDM… The bass just dissapears and sounds like shit… which is why I’m looking for a good sub myself to add… Sorry for derailing the thread abit but might aswell ask here… if I want to add a subwoover (active) how would I go about setting that up? I have a DJM 400 and I have no outputs left. So can I just use the line out from one of my speakers or what? ---
**Author:** ![MaxOne](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/maxone/32/13139_2.png) [@MaxOne](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/MaxOne)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 11:06pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/34 "2012-04-22T23:06:31Z")
Both the Mackie Thumps and JBL Eons are decent. I’d go active as is easier to just plug in and play ---
**Author:** ![AtgAni](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/atgani/32/14136_2.png) [@AtgAni](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/AtgAni)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/35 "2012-04-22T23:31:31Z")
thats what im thinking about actives. put them down, plug into the wall and one cable each into the mixer and press play ---
**Author:** ![AtgAni](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/atgani/32/14136_2.png) [@AtgAni](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/AtgAni)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 11:42pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/36 "2012-04-22T23:42:09Z")
found the alesis M1 520’s nice and cheap. whats the difference between usb and non usb versions? all i can see is that the non usb have 2 power plugs and you plug each channel individually? ---
**Author:** ![AtgAni](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/atgani/32/14136_2.png) [@AtgAni](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/AtgAni)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 11:53pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/37 "2012-04-22T23:53:20Z")
one of the following getting ordered tomorrow [http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/studio-equipment/alesis-m1-520-usb-active-studio-monitors-pair.htm](http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/studio-equipment/alesis-m1-520-usb-active-studio-monitors-pair.htm) [http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/dj-equipment/dj-speakers/alesis-m1-520-active-studio-monitors-pair\_1.htm](http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/dj-equipment/dj-speakers/alesis-m1-520-active-studio-monitors-pair_1.htm) but which? ---
**Author:** ![D-Kem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/85e7bf/32.png) [@D-Kem](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/D-Kem)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2012, 12:17am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/38 "2012-04-23T00:17:17Z")
Woah output to sub and then out from sub to tops or buy an active xover preferably with built in limiter. I also have one of these in my rack which gives loads of options re signal path. Don’t always use it as it’s not top quality but it’s there if I need it [http://www.rocklounge.co.uk/acatalog/Skytec\_Stereo\_Mono\_Signal\_Distribution\_Unit.html](http://www.rocklounge.co.uk/acatalog/Skytec_Stereo_Mono_Signal_Distribution_Unit.html) ---
**Author:** ![DJ\_Sunshine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@DJ\_Sunshine](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/DJ_Sunshine)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2012, 12:43am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/39 "2012-04-23T00:43:57Z")
I wrote a rather large article on PA systems awhile back and how to build and run one. Search is your friend here 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![sobi](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/sobi/32/14935_2.png) [@sobi](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/sobi)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2012, 1:46am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142/40 "2012-04-23T01:46:44Z")
> [@DJ\_Sunshine](#): > > Search is your friend here 🙂 It might be a friend, but on most forums, it’s that friend who’s super annoying, gives you a too much info when you ask a question, and may not have ever worked in his/her life. [Previous page](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/active-speakers-or-passive-with-an-amp/41142.md?page=3)