Passive speakers require an external power amplification unit.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThere are benefits and drawbacks of both speaker types, but, cards on the table, DJs generally prefer to use active over passive. Let\u2019s discuss why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Passive speakers are often preferred by audiophiles, as the modularity of the setup gives them more control over the speaker output. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If they wanted to experiment with a different sound, rather than buy a whole new sound system, they could just switch out the external power amp and see where it takes them \u2014 pretty cool, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, more gear isn\u2019t always a good idea. The drawbacks are four-fold: You\u2019ll be spending more, you\u2019ll have to do more product research, you\u2019ll have to lug more around with you, and setup takes longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With active speakers, all the components you need are tucked neatly into the speaker enclosure itself, giving you plug-n-play functionality \u2014 a convenience cherished by the DJ community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s more, the amplification unit and audio processing in an active speaker have been chosen specifically to compliment the drivers. In other words, when you go active, you get a fully realized, fully optimized sound system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, that\u2019s not to say you shouldn\u2019t choose a passive setup, as the extra control they provide can help you shape the audio output to the environment, but if this will be your very first DJ speaker(s) purchase, it\u2019s best to play it safe and choose active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which Is Best For Me?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWell, as we mentioned at the beginning, this depends on your specific circumstance and environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most DJs will mix at home in order to practice, or some DJs don\u2019t perform at venues but simply perform in their house for their friends, or they go to other parties and houses in order to perform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this circumstance, you need your own speaker to take to these independent parties. Comparatively, if you are DJing in a club or venue unless specified, it\u2019s very likely they will have their own sound system, and probably mixing gear, that you will be required to use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So there\u2019s no need to think of sourcing speakers for that situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although, in the event that you are mixing at home, you should find the best fit for your environment. Some things to consider are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How large the environment is<\/li>
- The shape of the environment<\/li>
- How many people will be in the environment<\/li>
- How much noise you are allowed to make.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you are simply in your bedroom, consider the shape of your room, but ultimately you should only buy a speaker system that is loud enough for your room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having separate left and right speakers is a must in this situation, and a separate subwoofer is ideal. This means you can change the direction of the left and right to the particular shape of your room and where you and others will be when listening to the mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to consider that no matter how many people will be in that room, the environment’s size will not change, so what you hear while you\u2019re on your own will be almost the same as having the room full. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main thing to look for in this environment is separated speakers and subwoofer, this gives you the best flexibility and value for money, anything beyond left and right and a subwoofer would purely be a game of wattage and volume which isn\u2019t necessary to bother within that circumstance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are hosting your own event, maybe in your garden or a remote location. You may need to consider what speakers will work best in that venue. When mixing outside, you will generally need louder speakers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, in an outside location, the audience will move around more and could potentially grow more than you expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This means you need to optimize your speakers for a specific area which is usually the \u2018dancefloor\u2019, you should prioritize this specific area rather than trying to create a great sound for a general outside area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obviously, in this situation, more people means you might need more volume and potentially more units based on the numbers in the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our Final Say<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSpeakers can differ greatly, and each manufacturer claims that theirs have the best sound, but the fit of the speaker to your specific situation is much more important than the \u2018quality\u2019 of the speaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, if you have venue-level speakers and put them in your bedroom, you wouldn\u2019t be able to appreciate the \u2018quality\u2019 of those speakers as they are fit for a specific environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In simple terms, we believe that the fundamental things you will need in a speaker to mix are a subwoofer in some form and separate left and right units. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will cover most indoor situations, and you can use this setup to fit your specific environment and adapt it as your circumstances change.<\/p>\n\n\n