Power or Passive
- Thread starter DJ_BreakZ
- Start date
I'm with Don on that one... I use both systems depending on the application, however I do tend to favor the powered speakers just a little... I know how to use both and correctly configure a system depending on its setup.
This scenario is not unusual today. Powered sub cabs are available with onboard active crossover networks for the passive top cabs. Makes for a nice bi-amped system. The whole rig will fit in the back of your Jeep.
If you're doing a show where the sub isn't needed, simply load the tops and amp and run 'em full range.
If your using powered or unpowered... are you using a racked crossover like a drive rack? We have one on our setup at our school and I absolutely love it... The idea of being able to switch the configurations at any time is truly a time saver for me, so i can easily pull out "full range" on a setup where there only going to be a speaker, and no need to pull out a sub and not plug it in and have all tinny sounding.
All Powered
2 Mackie 1232s
2 Mackie 450s
2 Tapco by Mackie TH-15 "Thump"
3 (soon 4) Mackie SRS-1500 subwoofers
1 Mackie Fussion 1800 Subwoofer system 1 Powered 1 Slave
2 Mackie 1232s
2 Mackie 450s
2 Tapco by Mackie TH-15 "Thump"
3 (soon 4) Mackie SRS-1500 subwoofers
1 Mackie Fussion 1800 Subwoofer system 1 Powered 1 Slave
Passive - with an explanation.
My reasoning is this: First of all, I'm old school and damn proud of it.
Secondly, and probably most importantly, the couple of times I have put my passive bi or tri-amped system up against a powered system that was using
a combo of (2) EON-G2's for mids and highs and (2) B-52's and the second time against a system comprised of all Mackie powered components, I kept hearing the same comment:
"Damn, your system is so much cleaner than his"
Now that's not to say mine was better, just different. Both instances, I watched both jocks red-line the mixer. Granted, my system was a little more esoteric featuring dbx compression and Ashly EQ components, but the key in the mix, was that I wasn't running out of headroom due to red-lining.
I was running a very simple system with (2) Peavey 4C's in the bi-amped rig, the first time that powered (2) E.V. SX500's for mains and (2) E.V. Sb180 folded subs, and the same system the second time adding only a Yamaha P-2000 amp to run the subs and (2) Yamaha S112's into the mix for extended high end.
The one thing I really got off on both times, was that the bass from my subs hit so hard (but clean and tight), that you could literally feel it hit you in the chest, and reached so low, it felt like your guts were churning.
Just my thoughts........Merry Christmas all.
My reasoning is this: First of all, I'm old school and damn proud of it.
Secondly, and probably most importantly, the couple of times I have put my passive bi or tri-amped system up against a powered system that was using
a combo of (2) EON-G2's for mids and highs and (2) B-52's and the second time against a system comprised of all Mackie powered components, I kept hearing the same comment:
"Damn, your system is so much cleaner than his"
Now that's not to say mine was better, just different. Both instances, I watched both jocks red-line the mixer. Granted, my system was a little more esoteric featuring dbx compression and Ashly EQ components, but the key in the mix, was that I wasn't running out of headroom due to red-lining.
I was running a very simple system with (2) Peavey 4C's in the bi-amped rig, the first time that powered (2) E.V. SX500's for mains and (2) E.V. Sb180 folded subs, and the same system the second time adding only a Yamaha P-2000 amp to run the subs and (2) Yamaha S112's into the mix for extended high end.
The one thing I really got off on both times, was that the bass from my subs hit so hard (but clean and tight), that you could literally feel it hit you in the chest, and reached so low, it felt like your guts were churning.
Just my thoughts........Merry Christmas all.
I chose powered as I use the L-1 system for my wedding rig, HOWEVER I use passives in my concert rig.
Stagepas 300 for my ceremony rig.
Diana's rig in a passive Eon 1500's with Crown CE-2000.
Stagepas 300 for my ceremony rig.
Diana's rig in a passive Eon 1500's with Crown CE-2000.
I use both too. I run passive Yorkie LS 808 subs. Because the powerd subs weight is too much. Also Yorkville seems to be having trouble with their LS 800p. I drive my 808s with a peavey CS 3000. My bass hits like a jack hammer. My tops are QSC 153i I love the sound of a 3 way tri amped speaker. For my sound processor I use a DriveRack 260. No other dj in my area has a better sound system.
Don't know.... well, I do... I now have the Bose, but I still have my passive JBL's..... who knows how it will ultimately play out?
Powered... Its the only way to go if your mobel... The only passive system I would use are the perminate one put in at the clubs... I need to be in and out as fast as I can... I have pretty much perfected setup and take down to 15min flat... with minimal lighting of course
Thanks
Thanks
I like powered speakers, they sound rich and clear, but they're so darn heavy. A lot heavier than passive speakers aren't they? That seems to be a disadvantage to me. I'm trying to go as light as possible.
Stogie!
You are right BUT you have to take more things if you are passive(amps,crossover...)
I like to carrie less things and if they are havyer so be it.
You are right BUT you have to take more things if you are passive(amps,crossover...)
I like to carrie less things and if they are havyer so be it.