Active vs Passive PA Speakers: Which Do You Need?
An active (powered) speaker has its amplifier built in: plug in mains power and a sound source and it works. A passive speaker needs a separate power amplifier and speaker cable. Active speakers are simpler to set up and carry; passive speakers suit fixed installs and larger systems where one amplifier rack drives many speakers.
We stock Citronic PA speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers, and supply venues, schools, churches and mobile DJs across the UK.
Active vs passive speakers compared
| Active (powered) | Passive | |
|---|---|---|
| Amplifier | Built in, matched to the drivers | Separate power amplifier needed |
| Cables to each speaker | Mains power plus a signal lead (XLR or jack) | One speaker cable (often Speakon) |
| Set-up | Quickest; little to match | Match the amplifier to the speaker's impedance and power |
| Weight | Heavier speaker | Lighter speaker, separate amp rack |
| Typical use | Mobile DJs, bands, portable PA, presentations | Fixed installs, clubs, larger multi-speaker systems |
A real example
The Citronic CASA-10A is a 10 inch active speaker with a 220W RMS amplifier, mic and line inputs, and a built-in USB, SD and Bluetooth player, at £299.00. The CASA-10 passive is the matching 10 inch cabinet without an amplifier (200W RMS, 8 ohms) at £169.00, so you add a power amplifier such as the Citronic PLX series and speaker leads. For one or two speakers, active is usually simpler. For a fixed system with several speakers, passive cabinets with one amplifier can work out neater.
How to size a PA system
- Small room, speech and background music: a pair of 8 or 10 inch speakers is usually enough.
- Live music or a busy function room: 12 or 15 inch speakers, and add a subwoofer for bass.
- Halls and churches with echo: column or array speakers direct sound at the audience and help speech clarity.
- Passive systems: choose an amplifier that delivers about the speaker's RMS rating into its impedance. Too little power driven hard can damage tweeters as easily as too much.
Common questions
Are active speakers better than passive?
Neither is better in every case. Active speakers are easier and their amplifier is matched by the maker; passive speakers give flexibility for fixed and larger systems.
Can I connect passive speakers to active speakers?
Some active speakers have a speaker output for a passive extension cabinet; check the product's specification. Otherwise, passive speakers need their own amplifier.
Do active speakers need a mixer?
Many, like the CASA-A range, have mic and line inputs and a built-in player, so you can plug in directly. For several microphones and sources, use a mixer.
Do you deliver PA speakers?
Yes. We ship nationally from Wolverhampton. Call 01902 902251 or email sales@zenithsecurityco.co.uk.
See all Citronic PA equipment or our commercial audio buying guide for 100V background music systems.
