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We’ve talked about speakers in the past, but I want to dive in a little deeper and look at the pros and cons of powered speakers vs. non powered speakers and other options that are out there.

Powered speakers

When powered speakers were developed, it was assumed this would be the standard in any industry using pro audio gear. Advertisements said things about them being “monitors” because the quality was supposedly studio worthy. Having all of the crossover, filtering, compressing and limiting electronics were all on board, ridding us of heavy amp and effects racks, powered speakers quickly grew in popularity.

Pros –

On board amplification would be a plus. Having the exact amount of power being fed to your components that the speakers designers called for is a definite plus. This is especially handy if really don’t know how to match up amplifiers to the speakers you want.

Upgrading your system. It’s very easy to simply add a matching powered sub or more powered speakers and daisy chain them together with an XLR to increase the size of you PA.

Effeciency. Powered speakers are usually more efficient. In other words it doesn’t take as much power to get the same amount of output in a powered speaker as a non powered speaker.

Processing. The guess work is taken out of the processing. Not having to figure out crossovers, delays, filters, and other settings is a big plus with most powered speakers.

Cost. The cost of powered speakers is usually less than buying the equavilant speaker and amps separate.

Cons-

This will seem weird, but on board amplification is a con too. Having your amplifier on board means that if the amp goes bad or if something in the speaker components goes, bad you have to find you another powered speaker. This why I recommend to people that use powered speakers, to at least have 3 mains.

Coordinating power for larger systems. I have a problem with having to run so many power cables and XLR cables all over the stage. This is not a huge deal though. Just a small con.

Processing. Again, another one that goes both ways. For the more advanced engineer, you can’t change settings on most speakers, so most larger powered systems have an extra external speaker processor just as if it were a non powered system.

Weight. Some of the powered stuff out there is pretty heavy for a single cabinet, but if it’s only about 15 to 20 pounds more than a non powered twin, it’s worth it.

That’s just some quick points. There are more, but…..

Non Powered systems

Pros-

Output. Most non powered speakers I’ve researched that have the same box in a powered version, are capable of a higher output, but with slightly higher power level needed.

Hook up. To me a non powered system can be easier to hook up. One rack that all of the power comes from then you run your speaker cables and you’re done.

Processing. Adjustable processing can be helpful in aligning speakers, setting delay, and adjusting crossovers. But just as above this could be too much for some.

Selection. There is a much higher level of selection when it comes to non powered systems. Though powered systems are catching up.

Cons-

I’m only going to name one con because the others can be assumed by what’s been said above. Space. A non powered system can take up a significantly larger amount of transport space and in some cases stage space.

Now, there is a new company out that has found the fine line in between. It is a powered concept in the sense that there is a dedicated amplifier unit for each side of the stage that powers your main speaker and 6 different subwoofer combinations. The amp unit also has the processor built that is somewhat adjustable so that the subwoofer combination can be set. There is also an insert available for the subs so that a delay can be inserted. This amp unit houses 2500 watts of power and is in a matching finished wood cabinet that houses all needed cables. The amp unit sets next to sub so your cable runs are merely feet and inches.

This is my ideal system. You have the matching amplifiers and speakers, yet it is slightly separated so that servicing is much easier.

Of course all of the information is a general observation. Some companies have taken care of some of the cons and are improving everyday.

Thanks for listening

Josh Hoevelmann

Reader Comments

Josh,

Great article, now if I can just come up with some $$$$ for those nice powered speakers. BTW, I have never thought of regular speakers as powered. the term "powered speaker" has always indicated to me that it had the amplification in it.

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
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