Passive Speakers

Passive systems are very popular in the PA world, providing users with an affordable way to take control of sound signals and how they are distributed. Passive units will not work efficiently unless they are linked to an amplifier or better yet, a mixer amplifier to refine sound output from the speakers themselves. Passive systems do tend to have a few more cables to deal with, from the music source, amplifier and speakers respectively but if this is not an issue for you then this type of speaker may be the right choice for your requirements.

Buy Passive Speakers

Passive speakers are most often found in the home, but the PA style systems found here are tailored more toward live use. The amplified signal delivered from the power amplifier is sent to the passive units to deliver your music at volume. This type of speaker is very flexible too, in the sense that you can mix and match your amplifier and cable choices and upgrade them whenever appropriate.

As mentioned, these speakers have a fair few external components, which does mean the setup will certainly take up a little more room, in a vehicle for example. Also, passive setups can occasionally be restricted by cable length, if you plan on using multiple speakers in your line be sure to purchase enough speaker wire to avoid any issues. While not a huge downside, by their nature this type of speakers are prone to slight interferences during and in-between playback, this is minimal but those with a keen ear may detect the subtle changes as sound signals are sent through the speaker components and crossovers if applicable.

Passive setups can be freely improved upon by upgrading and replacing speaker components within the speaker itself, while a powered speaker is already built with appropriate components for that system. If a speaker undergoes these upgrades it may be necessary to match your signals again so that they evenly disperse from each speaker respectively. When used in a live setting passive speakers can provide an audience with a warm and rich sonic output, although this is often when bolstered through an external mixer or mixer-amplifier.

Types of Passive Speakers

We offer a varied selection of Passive PA Speakers for you to choose from, with the traditional wooden enclosures and more modern plastic speaker enclosures to suit most tastes. You'll find a large range of powerful speakers for professional and club installation purposes, alongside our DJ and party friendly, budget systems from brands such as Vonyx and Skytec to give you plenty of options. Our 15-inch passive units offer a tighter final sound and greater sonic control than other similarly sized passive speakers for sale elsewhere.

Established DJs or performers who already have an amplifier are often looking to replace or upgrade their cabinets. For beginners on a budget, passive PA speakers are significantly cheaper to purchase than their active counterparts and are sometimes seen as a better choice than an active speaker. They also offer a considerable weight difference from not having an amplifier, which also offers the benefit of them not requiring a mains supply, which can limit their placement.

With a larger system, it can also be tricky to individually control each component, thus a passive speaker system would be best placed during this particular setup. Using a centralised system control, where amplifiers can be bridged together and the entire system can be run through an active crossover network. This will make servicing and troubleshooting the installation a much simpler task as all the electrical equipment is on hand in one location.

Passive PA Speakers

As mentioned, a passive speaker is a speaker that requires an external amplifier to be connected and does not include an integrated amplifier, unlike their active equivalent. A passive speaker setup is a traditional way of doing things, it involves using a separate power amplifier, signal source and the standard 'passive' or unpowered speakers. Again, the passive speakers for sale do not have any onboard amplification, thus will always require an additional power amplifier for it to be powered.

Passive cabinets are effective in many ways, but the biggest usage is in installation, nightclubs, bars and workspaces are all perfect for a passive setup. Multiple speaker installations such as a nightclub, which will often have placements on walls or in ceilings and benefits from the modular nature of a passive system. Also, the input levels, gain and EQ can be set for the whole system from one location, rather than needing access to the rear of every speaker.

Live PA is not an unnamable beast, although at times it can feel that way as different issues occur stemming from venue locale or other unchangeable acoustic situations. If the passive route is desired, we always recommend customers pick up a mixer amplifier to go with the speakers, this additional unit does more than just power your speakers. Mixer amps allow a deeper control of your final sound output, allowing you to customise the bass, middle and treble in your mix among multiple other ways to get the very best sonic results from your passive system.

Do passive speakers sound better?

This depends on the speaker, passive systems are much more sonically controllable than typical powered speakers, especially if there is a mixer amplifier connected. Active speakers are often built to suit the amp inside, so having full reign of bass, mids, and treble is preferential to good sound. Also, you can freely upgrade your passive speakers however you see fit, mostly by improving wiring or at the component level.