This article is all about active speakers and their use in home recording studios.
Starting out in a new home studio is not as easy as you think. The most confusing moment you face in this business is when you are going to choose the right hardware for your studio.
Speakers are one of them. And like other essential studio gear, speakers are a crucial part of a recording studio. If your choice would be wrong you can’t deliver the best output.
When it comes to studio speakers we always encounter two types of them – Active and Passive. Newbies always get confused with these terms and can’t make the right decision.
So, what are active and passive speakers? And which one you should use in your recording studio?
If you are finding answers to these questions, this article is for you.
Let begin…
First off…
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Table of Contents
What are Active Speakers or Active Studio Monitors?
If you’ve visited a recording studio, most probably you have encountered these types of speakers.
Active speakers have their in-built amp system to power up the drivers. The amplifiers used in active speakers are specially built to handle the driver provided in the box.
So, the output will be more precise and accurate as compared to the passive speakers.
On the other hand, passive speakers are just drivers fitted in a wooden box that you have to connect with an external amplifier to power up. In recording studios generally, active speakers are used.
How to choose the right type of active speaker
There are many different types of active speakers on the market, so how do you know which one is right for you?
The first step is to determine what your needs are.
Are you looking for a speaker to use for general listening?
Or do you need a speaker that can handle heavy bass for DJing or home theater use?
Once you know what you need, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect speaker for your needs.
If you’re looking for a general-purpose speaker, you’ll want to look for one with good sound quality and a reasonable price.
If you need a speaker that can handle heavy bass, you’ll want to look for one with a powerful subwoofer and a higher price tag.
And if you’re looking for a home theater speaker, you’ll want to look for one with surround sound capabilities and a higher price tag.
No matter what your needs, there’s an active speaker out there that’s perfect for you. Just take the time to do your research and find the one that fits your needs the best.
Let us see the benefits of using active speakers over passive ones in home studios.
Why Active Speakers are Used in Home Recording Studios?
Here are the benefits of using active speakers in home recording studios.
- They are compact and don’t need much space in the studio, So they are the best speakers for small home studios.
- The speakers and built-in amp system are tweaked together to deliver the precisely balanced output that helps you get the best mix out.
- Active speakers are power savers and save more energy than passive ones where external amplifiers are used.
- Generally, active speakers are built with a nearfield sounding feature so they are best for home studios where we don’t care a much about acoustics.
- You don’t need a junk cable. A single active speaker needs only a power cable and an input cable. So you can keep your studio more wire-free with active monitors.
Active VS Passive Speakers
The points given below will help you make the right decision about which type of speaker suits your needs.
- Active monitors are ideal for home studios whereas passive speakers are good for big studios and live sound.
- Active speakers don’t need an extra amp system where passive ones need them.
- Passive speakers perform well with high sound whereas active speakers perform well with low sound.
- If you want more precise sound then you should use active speakers but if you want more output always go for passive ones.
Best Active Speakers For Home Studios
Here are some of the best active speakers that always come under your pocket length.
If you want some more resources on active speakers/Monitors, read these articles.
- Best Budget Studio Monitors For Home Studios [Ultimate List 2021]
- 10 Best Studio Monitors Under 1000
Conclusion
Active speakers are a great choice for any audio setup. They’re convenient, they come in a wide range of sizes and styles, and they can provide good sound quality.
No matter what your needs, there’s an active speaker out there that’s perfect for you. Do your research and find the perfect pair of active speakers for your needs.
FAQs
What are the benefits of using active speakers?
There are several benefits to using active speakers. First, they’re more convenient than passive speakers since they don’t require an external amplifier. Second, they tend to be more powerful than passive speakers, so they can provide better sound quality. Finally, active speakers are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, so you’re sure to find a pair that fits your needs.
What are the different types of active speakers?
There are several different types of active speakers on the market. The most common type is the two-way speaker, which contains a woofer and a tweeter. Two-way speakers are great for general listening and can provide good sound quality.
If you need a speaker that can handle heavy bass, you’ll want to look for a subwoofer. Subwoofers are designed to reproduce low frequencies, so they’re perfect for home theater use or for DJing. Finally, if you’re looking for a home theater speaker, you’ll want to look for one with surround sound capabilities. These speakers typically have multiple drivers that allow them to produce a more immersive sound.
Do active speakers require an amplifier?
No, active speakers do not require an amplifier. They contain their own internal amplifiers, so all you need to do is plug them into a power outlet and they’re ready to go. This makes active speakers more convenient than passive speakers, which require an external amplifier in order to work.
How much do active speakers cost?
The first step is to determine what your needs are. Are you looking for a speaker to use for general listening? Or do you need a speaker that can handle heavy bass for DJing or home theater use? Once you know what you need, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect speaker for your needs.
If you’re looking for a general-purpose speaker, you’ll want to look for one with good sound quality and a reasonable price. If you need a speaker that can handle heavy bass, you’ll want to look for one with a powerful subwoofer and a higher price tag.
Active speakers are available in a wide range of prices, so you can find a pair that fits your budget. Generally speaking, the more expensive models will offer better sound quality and features, but there are some great affordable options out there as well.
Do active speakers come in different sizes?
Yes, active speakers are available in a wide range of sizes. You can find small desktop speakers, larger floor-standing models, and everything in between. There’s sure to be a size that’s perfect for your needs.
Are active speakers right for me?
Active speakers are a great choice for any audio setup. They’re convenient since they don’t require an external amplifier, they’re available in a wide range of sizes and styles, and they can provide good sound quality. No matter what your needs, there’s an active speaker out there that’s perfect for you.
Sharing is caring
If you like this article share it with others and also let me know in the comments which speaker you’ve chosen. Your comment will help others choose the right speakers for their home studio
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