Title: Active, Passive or Powered Speakers -What??
Date: 07/07/2016
After hitting the karaoke bars over the last number of years, getting a system at home became an obsession. When looking into what is required for a home karaoke setup, suffice it to say it can be overwhelming. First on the list: speakers, what is Active, Passive and Powered? These terms can be confusing and often times active and powered are used interchangeably. For example, an active speaker refers to the crossover components. The components in an active speaker split the frequency band of the audio signal in low, high and sometimes mid-range.
A powered speaker is technically one that has its own amplifier built into the speaker itself and requires an outlet plug. The distinction here is that a powered speaker is not always an active one because the crossover components inside the powered speaker can be passive. What makes powered speakers desirable is that they are streamlined, compact and portable ~ this works well for a mobile karaoke setup, but that’s a whole other topic!
Passive speakers are completely different from Active and Powered speakers with these specific differences:
- Passive crossover components: the audio signal is split and sends each band directly to the loudspeaker drivers
- Audio signals are driven by a separate individual amp
- Components split the signal and send each frequency part to the drivers
- A separate power-amplifier (in other words, a receiver is needed to power the passive speakers) sends the full audio signal to the passive speakers
For more detailed information, please visit Electronic House where they have a great article titled:
Active Speakers vs Passive Speakers: Which to Use
Now, to complete the setup, will a sub-woofer be needed? If doing a straight-up karaoke gig, the sub-woofer may not be needed as the regular speakers also can supply the appropriate bass needed. However, since the home is being outfitted with a home speaker system, may as well tailor it for both karaoke and a home theatre. With this in mind, the sub-woofer does an excellent job in handling the low-range tones, bass and drums it makes the sound louder and cleaner.
There are some specific considerations when choosing a subwoofer and speaker system, along with the quality, there are power requirements. An article at www.crutchfield.com provides a formula on how to estimate the power requirements. For example, if the target power output is 1000 watts of total power, here is how to figure out what is needed: 1000 / 5 = 200; 200 x 3 = 600 and 200 x 4 = 800. Hence, you’ll look for speakers totaling about 200 watts in output power and a sub-woofer of about 600-800 watts. For more information on this, please visit Crutchfield’s Live sound speakers buying guide they provide excellent information on important considerations for purchasing speakers and sub-woofers.
Miylani
