Can I run a Mixer through PA Speakers?

[Yossarian]

I know this sounds like a stupid question... but can I use a Mixer and PA speakers as a PA... I mean, I am buying 2 cheap PA speakers and don't know if I need to get an amp to run it through, or can I use it through a Mixer? It's just for rehearsal, and it seems logical enough that I would be able to do it... I'd just rather seem like a complete moron on the internet than when I was talking to someone about buying a mixer.

[brandrum]

if they are active speakers, yes. if they are passive, no. If you go the passive route you will need a power amp unless you have a powered mixer.

[Yossarian]

Whats the difference between a powered mixer and non powered one?
and the speakers are not powered.

[brandrum]

Originally Posted by Yossarian

Whats the difference between a powered mixer and non powered one?
and the speakers are not powered.

a powered mixer has a built in power amp.

[Yossarian]

Well I guess that makes complete sense. Any suggestions on a good model? and would it just be better to buy a Power Mixer in the long run?

[Robert D]

Figure out how many watts the speakers you are buying can handle, and then find out how much a power amp with that wattage will cost you, how much the mixer that you want will cost, and how much a powered mixer with the same features and wattage will cost. You really are going to have to do your homework, and the things you need to figure out to make the purchase decision are things you'll need to know to use a PA anyway.
Good luck.

[Cyanide-Depende]

I do small club and outdoor shows with my pa, i use all QSC amps (with the exception of a crown and a backup peavy), because theyre decent and cheap. But your def better off getting a non-powered mixer, you have better flexability for upgrading.

My PA consists of:

1- Yamaha MG 24/14fx
3- QSC RMX 1450
1- Crown CE4000
1- Peavy PV-900
4- JBL JRX125 Dual 15" mains
2- B52 LX18V2 18" Folded Horn Subs
2- Celestion dual 15" Subs
3- alesis 3630 compressors
1- Alto Betaverb
1- DOD SR430QXLR Graphic EQ
1- 16 channel stage snake
1- 10 channel balanced TRS Snake
4- Furman RP-8L Power Conditioners

and alot of sm57 sm58's and audix om2's and TONS of cabling...

the point of that is, I started with a small board and the peavy amp, and it grew from there, if you ulimit yourself with a small powered board, your not going to have much room to grow before you replace your board. If you find you need more power, you have to replace your board, and spend more money, I just replaced the amps.

-C$