Guernica
Active member
Does anyone know if there is a benefit to using a passive monitor/ amp set-up to using an active set of monitors? Thanks much in advance.
Markd102
New member
The only real benefit I can think of is that if you want to change monitors it won't cost as much because you don't need a new amp. I also assume you could run multiple sets off one amp via a switching box.
MISTERQCUE
Not Just Anutha Brutha
With the exception(s) of proper impedence matching/clean signal
flow for accurate monitoring and amplification, the main diff is $$$$.
With passive's you need an amp! If ya' don't have one ya' gotta buy 1 !!!
flow for accurate monitoring and amplification, the main diff is $$$$.
With passive's you need an amp! If ya' don't have one ya' gotta buy 1 !!!
Markd102
New member
QQ
With ya all the way
I love my active Tannoys
With ya all the way
I love my active Tannoys
MISTERQCUE
Not Just Anutha Brutha
Rite on the money MarkD102!
Tannoys RUUUUUUUUUUULE!!!!!
Tannoys RUUUUUUUUUUULE!!!!!
L
Link
New member
Active monitors are generally better IMO. The monitors are matched exactly to the amp, no screwing around with leads from amp to monitor.
They really are becoming the standard methinks. They really do sound great tho
They really are becoming the standard methinks. They really do sound great tho
H
happy hour
New member
ACTIVE!!!!
All speakers have freq response curves, correct?
Amplifiers can be made to work with the freq. curves of the speakers and create more of a flat response than with a separate amp from who knows where.
I have heard a pair of $2000 active 2-way speakers with a 6.5" driver and 1" tweeter that would beat ANY speaker/amp combo of equal price hands down.
All speakers have freq response curves, correct?
Amplifiers can be made to work with the freq. curves of the speakers and create more of a flat response than with a separate amp from who knows where.
I have heard a pair of $2000 active 2-way speakers with a 6.5" driver and 1" tweeter that would beat ANY speaker/amp combo of equal price hands down.
M
MrJazzBass
New member
Active Vs. Passive Monitors
Back in the mid 70s when I fist started going into recording studios it cost hundreds of thousands of $$$ for what now cost under $10k. I remember when the akai 12trk analog recorders were ground breaking at $7k (Over 30 years ago). Monitoring has followed the same path. I agree with another author here who stated impedance matching as well as some other very important technical info. Two of the best sounding systems I've ever heard were passive systems. No.#1 was an ultra high end concentric 2-way in custom built cabinets built into the control room wall. No. #2 was a pair of Massive Multi-speaker 4-way JBL speakers Bi-Amped with Crown High Current Power amps. No passive system that I have heard ever to this day comes close to those systems; especially at high level play back.
But here's the trade off: these systems were put together by top notch sound Engineers with many years of design experience. Degrees in psycho-acoustics, electrical engineering, etc. When these engineers came into your studio to do a design, Blam $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Plus you have to purchase the system they designed! Now put all that experience into a compact powered monitor, get a relatively low cost computer modeling program, hook a mike up to your computer and you have 30 years engineering experience and sound molding behind you. So when you say active speakers sound better than passive speakers you have to put that into some kind of perspective, perspective being your budget, experience, type of control room, and it's intended purpose. There are many great sounding systems both active and passive, but for near field I do see active becoming the standard as they do cut out a very expensive middle man/woman and simplifying a lot of perplexing technical issues bringing what was once a very costly preposition to the working musician/engineer. Finally: A monitoring system is only as good as the person sitting in front of it.
Back in the mid 70s when I fist started going into recording studios it cost hundreds of thousands of $$$ for what now cost under $10k. I remember when the akai 12trk analog recorders were ground breaking at $7k (Over 30 years ago). Monitoring has followed the same path. I agree with another author here who stated impedance matching as well as some other very important technical info. Two of the best sounding systems I've ever heard were passive systems. No.#1 was an ultra high end concentric 2-way in custom built cabinets built into the control room wall. No. #2 was a pair of Massive Multi-speaker 4-way JBL speakers Bi-Amped with Crown High Current Power amps. No passive system that I have heard ever to this day comes close to those systems; especially at high level play back.
But here's the trade off: these systems were put together by top notch sound Engineers with many years of design experience. Degrees in psycho-acoustics, electrical engineering, etc. When these engineers came into your studio to do a design, Blam $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Plus you have to purchase the system they designed! Now put all that experience into a compact powered monitor, get a relatively low cost computer modeling program, hook a mike up to your computer and you have 30 years engineering experience and sound molding behind you. So when you say active speakers sound better than passive speakers you have to put that into some kind of perspective, perspective being your budget, experience, type of control room, and it's intended purpose. There are many great sounding systems both active and passive, but for near field I do see active becoming the standard as they do cut out a very expensive middle man/woman and simplifying a lot of perplexing technical issues bringing what was once a very costly preposition to the working musician/engineer. Finally: A monitoring system is only as good as the person sitting in front of it.
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D
dementedchord
Psychotic State alumni ch
YOU'LL NEED TO SPEAK UP.... they are back in 2001...
M
MrJazzBass
New member
Didn't notice the Date
I was so excited to make my first post and add my 2 cents! lol
I was so excited to make my first post and add my 2 cents! lol
R
robin watson
New member
Haha...I didn't notice the date either. Bullshit sure does have a long shelf life, though, it has to be said. Naturally, either topology can be good or bad, depending on the design.