Can powered speakers be used as passive speakers. Benefits of Passive Speakers Light-weighted .
Can powered speakers be used as passive speakers. Edit: You could potentially do an active biamp with an appropriate home theater receiver. In some cases, it may be better to use a dedicated passive speaker that is designed specifically for passive use. The other thing to consider is the level of sound production that you would do. These speakers require a separate power amplifier in order to produce sound. Learn how to connect a non-powered mixer to a powered mixer safely and efficiently, expanding your band's audio channels without buying more equipment. Aug 5, 2022 · There are a lot of reasons you might have active speakers. We focus on education, discussion, and sharing of entry and mid level separate & multi component audio systems. Jun 19, 2024 · Thankfully, there are several amplifier-free audio solutions available that allow you to enjoy the benefits of passive speakers without the need for a separate amplifier. Jul 24, 2024 · You can turn any pair of passive bookshelf speakers into computer speakers and improve your desktop audio setup. Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, have built-in amplifiers that power the speakers. Can You Connect Active Speakers To A Home Theater System? Active speakers are great to use as computer speakers because they don’t need a separate receiver or amp. I read online that I should use an unpowered/passive mixer with my active speakers so it does not interfere. Some devices, such as AV receivers and active mixers, have built-in amps, so you can connect speakers without needing an external device. Learn about passive vs. Sep 17, 2025 · You can power passive speakers without an amplifier by using a powered mixer or an AV receiver. Passive Speakers Passive speakers are those speakers that don’t have preinstalled amplification and usually build with a tweeter, a woofer (to adjust frequencies at high and low levels), and two drivers. On the other hand, active speakers have a built-in amplifier, so they can be powered directly. But can powered speakers be used as passive speakers? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of speakers Apr 9, 2021 · As the debate over powered speakers vs. Passive speakers do not have built-in amplification and need an external amplifier to power them. While all of them are designed to amplify music and sounds, each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Aug 18, 2025 · Many new stereo systems come with speakers that are designed to be used in concert with one another. in-wall or in-ceiling and many others. I read that powered have amps in there but you can use an external one and it'll bypass the one in the speakers I haven't seen powered monitors that allow you to bypass their internal amplifier before. Jul 16, 2024 · A powered subwoofer (active subwoofer) cannot act as the power source for speakers in your sound system. See Powered speakers § Differences between passive, powered and active speakers - Wikipedia. Oct 3, 2018 · You most likely cannot use a powered amp with a pair of powered speakers--the caveats being, if the receiver/amp has pre-outs, you can connect the powered speakers to that pre-out. Unlike active speakers, which have built-in amplifiers, passive speakers require an external amplifier to power them. Jul 20, 2022 · The best passive speakers to power a PC without an amp are small bookshelf speakers. Active vs Passive Speakers Like I said, there are two basic types of speakers when it comes to how they get their power: active and passive. On the other hand, passive speakers require an external amplifier to produce sound Feb 21, 2020 · Can powered speakers be used as passive speakers? Powered Speakers A powered speaker is technically one that has its own amplifier built into the speaker, and therefore plugs into a nearby outlet. To use passive speakers, you’ll need to buy a separate amplifier. Apr 10, 2025 · If you want to produce sound from passive speakers, you must get one powered amplifier, cables, and Separate crossovers for your laptop or Pc. Aug 27, 2025 · Active speakers can often provide better bass response compared to similarly priced passive speakers. To better understand the differences between active and passive speaker systems, we can compare them based on various factors. Explore their sound quality, power requirements, flexibility, cost, and recommended use cases. Active speakers can be more expensive than passive speakers of similar size, but part of that cost covers the amplifier and power supply hardware they contain. Active Speaker An active speaker has an amplifier built-in and accepts a line level (or sometimes a mic level) signal. active PA speakers to build your perfect setup. "It is generally unsafe to connect the outputs of a powered mixer to powered speakers. Sell the speakers, buy some 2nd hand. The only bad audio system, is the one you don't enjoy to the fullest. But if you have a passive output on your mixer, that is a safe option to use. Active speakers are typically more powerful than passive or powered models. A better choice is to connect passive speakers to your amplifier or just use the powered speakers alone. In this guide, we will explore the various methods and devices that you can use to power passive speakers without an amp. But is it possible? Can you mix active and passive Nov 12, 2024 · A passive crossover, for example, can be found in both passive and powered speakers, and it splits the audio signal once it is powered by the amplifier. Aug 1, 2021 · 1. Sep 16, 2015 · 2x 8ohm 1000w (?) speakers I need to use for an outdoor area of party for light music or at times maybe rappers. Jan 31, 2024 · In this article, we will explore the differences between active and passive speakers, and provide insight into which type of speaker system may be best suited for different use cases. Medium/large venues – multiple passive speakers with power amplifiers. This subreddit is for the budget minded audiophile that wants to grow out of soundbars, boomboxes, mini systems, portable bluetooth, lifestyle speakers, and PC peripheral branded audio solutions. Studio monitors are ideal for music studios but also good for day-to-day listening. Additionally, active speakers may incorporate DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to enhance low-frequency Apr 13, 2004 · Sweetwater's expert content team walks you through the best way to connect powered speakers to your powered mixer — saving you and your gear some grief. Dec 15, 2023 · Yes, you can run passive speakers from powered speakers, but you need to make sure the powered speakers have an audio output specifically designed for passive speakers. But there are more differences between just a power cable. Powered speakers have built-in amplifiers that are specifically matched to the speaker drivers and optimized for their performance. A common question that arises is whether it is possible to use active speakers as passive speakers. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of audio connections and explore the possibilities and limitations of connecting a Sep 26, 2024 · Yes, some active speakers can power passive speakers, but only if the active speaker has a specific output for this. Apr 17, 2020 · I wouldn't bother. In comparison with active speakers, the passive speakers are less weighed and take fewer wires to connect, and the amplifier is upgradeable when you want. Consider adding subwoofers to boost low-end frequencies. Dec 8, 2023 · Discover the definition, differences, pros, and cons of active and passive speakers. You just need to plug in your audio device, and it will work without any other components. May 24, 2021 · There are two kinds of speakers, the passive speakers, and the powered speakers (active speakers). Jan 26, 2025 · Active Speakers: Understanding The Difference Passive and active speakers are two different types of speakers that require different powering methods. Apr 27, 2006 · It depends. Before sharing the tips on how you can combine active and passive speakers together, let us briefly discuss the differences between the two. Rather than buying a poweramp and a mixing board (prefer mixing board so I can use when not gigging for home recording) then running a dj controller or ipod type setup - can I get a powered mixer and power the passive speakers off that. Hope I explained it properly, youtube and Jan 31, 2023 · There are a bunch of use cases for powered stereo speakers, but what else sets them apart from passive models? Just the Right Amount of Power: Amplifiers can be tricky for the average user to set up, especially when it comes to dialing in the correct power rating. Another one that comes up frequently is passive speaker (s) vs. Aug 15, 2023 · Advice for powering some passive speakers? Acoustic Amplification Apr 1, 2025 · When it comes to live sound systems, one of the most critical connections is between the mixer and the speakers. However, you need to be careful and consider the power demands of the sub. The speakers connect directly to the turntable. Unlike active speakers, they do not have a built-in amplifier, which means they need to be connected to an amplifier to work. These are the traditional speakers used in home audio systems, professional setups, and concert halls. Either use them as designed, or sell them off and go for a real passive speaker. Off the shelf crossovers are next to useless as they cannot possibly know the characteristics of your speakers drive units. Is it possible to use the active speakers as passive ones? Would be a shame Jun 27, 2023 · Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, are self-contained audio systems with built-in amplifiers. Moreover, many active speakers use Bluetooth technology to allow you to connect to various audio sources wirelessly. Apr 24, 2025 · Passive speakers are a type of speaker that requires an external amplifier or receiver to provide power. This article will cover everything you need to know about how to combine active and passive speakers, what to watch out for, and where the ports are located. Technically, you could use this as a preamp and take the output to an amplifier and then connect the speakers to the amp. There are two main types of speakers: powered speakers and passive speakers. If I buy a powered sub with speaker inputs, can I use it as a passive sub, just leave it turned off and let the Onkyo power it? Or are those speaker inputs on powered subs only for their onboard amp bass Apr 18, 2022 · This in-depth guide will cover everything you need to know about powered speakers. Using passive audio mixer with active speakers? Newer DJ here and have a gig coming up! I am using active speakers (QSC K12s) and active subs. Passive speakers have an IN/OUT so you can daisy chain them, typically when used as a monitor. However, can they be used as passive speakers? Aug 23, 2025 · When it comes to sound systems, speakers are an essential component. You will not need a power amp to produce excellent audio quality. Apr 12, 2017 · Welcome to the forum, Converting active to passive would most likely be a downgrade in sound quality. If you are going to be running a pair of these 500W speakers you would need a 1000W amp. Can I use powered speakers with a mixing board used to power unpowered speakers? I’ll be hosting and running sound for the first time for an open mic next Saturday and I don’t have my own mixer but my friend has one for his unpowered speakers but I don’t want to blow my JBL powered speakers with it. (2) Powered speakers Speakers that contain an internal power amplifier can also be called "active speakers". Odds are pretty good that the speaker has some internal DSP going on that you would end up bypassing if you ran a separate amplifier directly to the speakers. External amplifiers come and many different shapes, sizes, and forms. They use what’s called a passive crossover network to pass an audio signal from the power amplifier to the various drivers in the speaker system. Here's how. One needs power, and one doesn’t. It is generally unsafe to connect the outputs of a powered mixer to powered speakers. May 18, 2023 · Powered speakers have the capability to produce sound on their own without requiring an external amplifier. Manufacturers can choose or design components to match and complement each other, meaning that hard work is already taken care of for you. Jul 27, 2023 · Passive Speakers with a Receiver: If your old speakers are passive speakers (i. Choosing the Powered Speakers If you want to have sound options, or have speakers that have been enhanced for music listening and enjoyment while also wanting a room filling sound powered speakers make for a great choice. (1) Passive speakers Speakers that only feature basic speaker functionality can be called "passive" speakers. Jul 22, 2020 · Powered and passive speakers each have pros and cons, here's how to decide which one is better for your home theater setup. The internal amplifier of an active speaker powers the connected passive speaker through a wired connection. A passive crossover is made out of high-power-rated resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Benefits of Passive Speakers More Customization Options Jul 12, 2018 · When you're shopping for speakers there's a myriad of criteria that you can use to evaluate the choices: bookshelf vs. Jul 31, 2025 · Powered speakers are designed to operate with specific amplifiers and settings, and using them as passive speakers can result in a loss of power and clarity. Users can add more speakers, subwoofers, or even connect multiple systems together, creating a more immersive and powerful audio setup. I do this with a topping A90 to a home built amplifier to a pair of passive speakers and an active sub. This post shows you two ways to connect a powered subwoofer to passive speakers in just a few minutes and only using a couple of cables. . This configuration offers several advantages and can be advantageous in various audio setups: Versatility: Active speakers with built-in amplification can be connected to passive mixers, expanding the possibilities for connecting and mixing audio sources. Would it be possible to use these monitors just running off the power from the Eons? Would they provide enough power without causing any damage Apr 1, 2025 · Got a brand new set of speakers, and need an amplifier to power them? Let Rob help you figure out how to impedance match your setup. Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, contain built-in amplifiers that eliminate the need for external amplification equipment. The already-amplified signal from the mixer could be too strong for the speakers to handle, causing severe damage to your equipment. I have two passive monitors that we used with our old PA system. Passive speakers, on the other hand, require an external amplifier to power them. The speakers have great sound quality but I would love to upgrade my setup with a vintage receiver. On the other hand, passive speakers do not have built-in amplifiers and require an external power source, such as an AV receiver or a separate amplifier, to function. Here at Aperion, we make both active and passive, our Daedalus and Bravus subwoofers are active, while our Novus, Verus and Theatrus Dec 12, 2018 · Small venues – two or more active speakers will suffice on a budget, or expand to passive + power amps if you want greater control over the sound (particularly for live music). Before we get to the steps, you need to first determine if you are working with a passive or powered speaker. active speaker (s). Let’s dive in! What’s the difference between a powered and unpowered speaker? First, let’s explain the differences between powered speaker systems and passive ones. By understanding the benefits Sep 10, 2016 · I have a Onkyo 5. This means that they can be connected directly to an audio source without the need for an external amplifier. However, it is essential to consider power matching, signal distribution, system integration, and proper wiring and connections to achieve optimal performance. In this article, we will explore the differences between active and … Can you use active speakers as Dec 30, 2021 · A power amplifier, as the name implies, is used to amplify the audio output coming out of your device and give them the correct amount of power supply. May 16, 2023 · Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, have an inbuilt amplifier and do not need a separate one to function. Jun 27, 2023 · In summary, it is possible to use active and passive speakers together in the same audio system. tower, cabinet vs. No - Not as you're describing. In comparison, passive speaker systems require an external amplifier to function. I would like too upgrade it but stay passive so my bass management stays in the avr. So, the idea of powered speakers is that you don't need an amplifier. You quickly discover that home theater receivers expect to power passive speakers, not connect to active ones. Power speakers are also sometimes called active speakers. Thus, if you’re dealing with small passive bookshelf speakers, this method can work for you. Benefits of Passive Speakers Light-weighted Can I use powered speakers with a mixing board used to power unpowered speakers? I’ll be hosting and running sound for the first time for an open mic next Saturday and I don’t have my own mixer but my friend has one for his unpowered speakers but I don’t want to blow my JBL powered speakers with it. Modern desktop amplifiers, such as the Audioengine N22, offer multiple input options, each with its own advantages. Better control, projection and longevity. Passive speakers require the power of the amplifier, while powered and active speakers use their own amplifier. Powered mixers typically only provide power to the microphones. Powered speakers use a lot of power, people often hook up passive speakers to powered speakers to conserve power supply. e. There are also what they call Z-matching transformers (Carver built them back in the 80's--probably others, as well) that basically takes speaker level signal and converts it to line-level, which is what you need to Readers often email me asking if they should choose passive or powered (active) speakers for their vinyl turntable or record player. Jul 22, 2025 · A powered speaker already has internal amplifiers, so we don’t advise interchanging them with passive speakers. This is because the built-in amplifiers in active speakers are specifically tailored to the speaker’s drivers, including the woofer. Oct 17, 2023 · Yes, it is entirely possible to use a passive mixer with active speakers. Passive speakers are commonly used in home audio systems and are often seen as the standard choice for most people. All you have to do is plug active speakers into a power source, and they are ready to work. For instance, many stereo receivers act as a The characteristics of each type is described below. Passive, powered, and active speakers are all three different types of speaker types. Some powered subs have speaker level inputs, so if you are powering passive speakers and wish to send a signal to the powered sub, that is possible. Jan 24, 2025 · Marco Alessi explains the differences between active, powered, and passive speakers and compares them in different applications. Sep 18, 2025 · Connecting a passive speaker to a mixer is often an important step in setting up a PA system. They may exist, but the idea seems unnecessary. Apr 26, 2022 · Passive speakers are speakers that are not amplified, meaning they need help from an external amplifier in order to produce sound. Regardless, you want to use them in your home theater. Recently picked up two JBL Eons powered PA speakers for mains, and a new mixing board. For a standard bar system or something like that, you could run a 4 channel amp and drive a sub and main on each side Mar 24, 2025 · Active speakers need a direct power source, which can be a limitation for certain setups. Jan 8, 2019 · Hello! My turntable setup exist of a Lenco turntable and a set of Edifiers Active Speakers. com Jun 27, 2023 · In general, powered speakers are not designed to be used as passive speakers. , they require an external amplifier to produce sound), you can connect them to a home theater receiver or stereo receiver that has speaker outputs. This is because passive speakers do not use a direct power source and rely on an amplifier, AV receiver, active subwoofer, or powered mixer to work. Aug 26, 2024 · To use passive speakers, you need to connect your audio device to the amplifier. This scalability makes passive speakers a versatile choice for both small and large venues. Pros: Active speakers are much easier to set up than passive ones. Using this feature, you can stream music from your mobile phone, laptop, or personal computer wirelessly. Mar 13, 2024 · Powered speakers, also known as active speakers, have built-in amplifiers that power the speakers directly. If you want to use the phono preamplifier, which you will need if your record player doesn't have one built in (Judging by the cables it's an older record player so it probably doens't) you can connect your active speakers to the tape out. They rely on the built-in amplifiers to receive line-level signals and power the speakers. After answering your question, we must give you a brief rundown of what amplifiers, XLR cables, and active and passive speakers mean. With the increasing popularity of powered speakers, many sound engineers and musicians wonder if they can connect a powered mixer to powered speakers. In this article, we will discuss how you can connect a passive speaker to a mixer as quickly and easily as possible. What Are Passive Speakers? Passive speakers require an external amplifier to produce sound. But you can run them in parallel. Fortunately, powered speakers are designed to work right out of the box. May 9, 2023 · The passive speakers are going to need a speaker-level signal (from a power amp). Split the output from the mixing board: one line goes to the powered speakers; the other line goes to the amplifier and then to the passive speakers. If it is a powered sub, possibly. Jul 25, 2023 · These speakers feature a built-in power amplifier. Sep 18, 2025 · However, it would be ill-advised to do so because you may damage your equipment. If your receiver has RCA pre-outs, either full or just L/R, then you should be able to connect your two speakers to those and it would work. The general cue is to use passive speakers with your powered mixer because a passive speaker doesn’t have everything built in. What’s everyone’s opinions on the debate between amps + passive speakers versus powered speakers? It came up in discussion with some of the other guys I work with doing live band/theater production. Jan 6, 2024 · You can combine and connect passive speakers with powered speakers using the standard connection (Red/Black) or bi-wiring using the appropriate double wires. Whether you’re a musician, DJ, or simply someone who loves to host parties, having a reliable and high-quality speaker system is a must. Personally, I see benefits of both depending on what they’ll be used for. You need to run and amp between the mixer and speakers. Mar 24, 2025 · Active speakers need a direct power source, which can be a limitation for certain setups. This allows for expanded sound coverage, enhanced bass reproduction, and personalized sound reinforcement. We have two passive wedges we’d like to use for monitoring in order to save money on the rental, but most of what I’m finding available to rent is an active speaker situation (unpowered mixer w powered mains, additional powered speakers available to rent for monitoring). They’re manufactured in a way that you can easily use at any height, such as on a table or rack or shelf, etc. So you cannot daisy-chain powered and passive speakers. 1 home theater with a passive sub. When connecting passive speakers to your PC, a desktop amplifier is the first essential component. While a powered subwoofer has a built-in amplifier and does not rely on an additional power source for itself, the equipment does not have a speaker input/output capacity to supply power. They may have come from a computer desktop system, some active monitors, or maybe some of the high-end ones sold by KEF. All the analysis can easily apply to a passive speaker, but most people opt for powered speakers as they are simpler to set up than passive speakers that require an external power amplifier. Dec 9, 2023 · Expandability: Passive speaker systems can be easily expanded or upgraded to accommodate evolving audio needs. What are studio Sep 3, 2022 · A powered mixer will send an amplified signal to an already amplified signal that the speaker is producing which could potentially ruin the speakers and decline its lifespan. Feb 1, 2024 · Understanding Active And Passive Speakers: What Sets Them Apart When it comes to audio systems, understanding the difference between active and passive speakers is essential. Sep 26, 2022 · For the same reason, powered speakers can sound better than a similar passive speaker setup, especially if the passive speakers and amplifier are poorly matched. Learn about their pros, cons, and ideal uses to make an informed decision. See full list on stampsound. passive speakers continues, let's explore the difference between active and passive speakers. Like the Pioneer SX-300. 3t bq7yi 6xhk hxg0eim nzhzw 9vq 8vy oxqzk hwzkdjt ogvjv