What Are the Best Speakers for Me? |
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Without speakers, there’s no sound, no music and no show. But why is there even so much choice when it comes to speakers, and what should you look for in a speaker? To help you to find what you need, we’ve answered your most pressing questions in this Buyer’s Guide. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us! Speaker | Types | Active/Passive | Sub | Inch | Watt & SPL | Floor Monitors | 100V | Setting Up | More Info 1. What Is a Speaker?Simply put, a speaker, or loudspeaker, is a sound-reproducing cabinet that’s usually placed on stages and in studios. While they look rather straightforward, there’s actually a lot of advanced technology hiding behind the grille or speaker cloth. To make sure any reproduced sound is loud enough, speakers are driven by either an external or a built-in amplifier (more on this in Question 3). In most cases, speakers are equipped with a woofer (large component for the lower frequencies) and a tweeter (small component for the highest frequencies), but you can also find speakers packed with multiple woofers. The average ‘full-range’ speaker is able to produce solid bass frequencies but is often used in more extensive set-ups for the mids and highs while one or more subwoofers take care of the bass. Read on to learn more!
2. What Type of Speaker Do I Need?
Active and Passive Full-Range Speaker (PA Speakers)
3. Do I Need Active or Passive Speakers?The most important difference you’ll find with speakers is that they’re either active or passive. Since it’s the easiest way to go, most beginners start with a pair of active speakers, meaning that these already have an amplifier module built in and that you won’t need a separate one. Passive speakers, on the other hand, do require that external amplifier. A set of active speakers (or an active subwoofer driving two passive satellite speakers) is practical because these can be used on their own without the need for an extra amplifier. Sometimes, various sources such as one or more microphones and a media player can be connected. Don’t ever hook up any active speaker(s) to an amplifier, though! If you already have a suitable amplifier or an active subwoofer or speaker with one or more outputs for passive speakers, it’s worth considering investing in passive speakers. The benefits being that these are relatively lightweight and cheaper, although keep in mind that you’ll need an amplifier too if you don’t have one yet). More experienced users actually prefer personalised combinations of speakers and amplifiers so that they’re not dependent on any built-in amplifier module. Active and Passive Full-Range Speaker (PA Speakers)
4. What Is a Subwoofer?As said, subwoofers are used to optimally reproduce the lower frequencies and can be combined with one or more standard speakers. Subwoofers generally only feature a single speaker and, due to their size, usually come in a heavy and sturdy housing. Often-seen combinations include one subwoofer with two satellite (full-range) speakers or, for more power or symmetric audio, two subwoofers with two satellites. If you’re interested in such a combo pack, take a look at our complete speaker systems. Active Subwoofers (PA-speakers)
5. How Big Should a Speaker Be?The larger the diameter of the woofer is, the bigger the bass reproduction is. But, the larger the woofer is, the less ‘tight’ the sound gets. To choose the right size speaker, you have to keep in mind what you’ll be using it for and how large the room that it’s going to be in is. For the average home studio, a 5-inch speaker will do, while the typical stage monitor starts at 8 inches and is followed by 10, 12 and 15-inch models. To reproduce nothing but speech in an average-sized room, a 10-inch speaker is usually just fine but the deeper bass frequencies in EDM are better off with a 15-inch model. In large rooms or for extra deep bass, you’ll want to use one or more subwoofers in addition to full-range speakers so, if you’re a DJ that’s into insane kickrolls, an 18-inch sub is vital for your performances. If you’re not sure whether you need a subwoofer or not, start by checking out how a full-range speaker system holds up; subs can always be added later. If you’re aiming for an extensive or purpose-built set-up, it’s best to contact us so we can help you find exactly what you need. Active Speakers (PA): Up to 8 inches, 10 inch, 12 inch, 15 inch
6. How Much Power in Watts Should My Speakers Have?While a 200-Watt speaker is louder than a 100-Watt model, it’s not as simple as saying it’s twice as loud. As such, the wattage (power capacity) can be compared but not in a one-on-one manner, especially because it also goes hand in hand with the SPL (sound pressure level) of a speaker, which indicates its sensitivity. In general, the higher the number of Watts are, the higher the SPL is. To find out how loud a speaker can be, you’ll need to look at its SPL: more dBs (decibels) means more volume. Here are some rules of thumb that apply to picking out the right speakers for live use, taking into account RMS power capacity:
When you’re going for active speakers instead of passive, the amount of Watts is slightly less important, since the power capacity of passive speakers needs to match that one the amplifier. To calculate what you need, we’re happy to refer you to our Amplifier Gear Guide. Active Full-Range: 0 - 200W (PA Speakers) (PA-speakers)
7. What Is a Floor Monitor?Floors monitors are a special type of speakers that look largely similar to full-range speakers, with the exception of a slanted side that allows musicians and DJS to place them on the stage floor or in a DJ booth. This way, they can listen to a personalised mix and don’t have to depend on the often difficult-to-distinguish overall sound. In the floor monitor category, you’ll also find regular full-range speakers that can be used as a floor monitor due to their design. Floor Monitors
8. What Are 100-Volt Speakers?The odd duck is the 100-Volt speaker. As the name suggests, this type of speaker is used in 100V systems, meaning that a special amplifier that outputs 100 (or 70) Volts instead of Watts is required. This puts a lot more power at your disposal and allows you to use a multitude of speakers and enormously long cables without the audio signal becoming noticeably weaker. 100V systems are often used in restaurants, shops, train stations, department stores, event locations and other places that require a large spreading of speakers.
9. How Do I Connect My Speakers?Passive speakers and subwoofers are very straightforward in terms of connections. These often have lockable speaker inputs and outputs (called ‘Speakon connectors’ by well-known brand, Neutrik), 6.3mm jacks, or wire terminals (to which the copper core of the cable must be attached). Always make sure to use real speaker cables instead of regular signal cables. Active speakers and subwoofers often offer a variety of inputs and outputs. The most widely used ones include XLR, XLR/jack combo and out/link/thru-XLR. The first is used in combination with XLR cables, the second lets you choose between an XLR or 6.3mm jack cable, and the third lets you daisy-chain the (mono) signal to another speaker. In addition, you’ll find RCA, 3.5mm mini-jack, terminal-block and wireless connections on speakers. Tip: Use the filters in the speaker categories to find speakers with the inputs and outputs that meet your needs.
Links and More InformationProduct Categories Active and Passive Full-Range Speaker (PA Speakers) Studio Monitors Blogs & Buyer's Guides What Are The Best Studio Monitors For Me?
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