PA loudspeakers are one of the most important components for live performances. Depending on the size and location of an event it is important to choose the right speakers that deliver enough power without distorting the sound. Of course it doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on huge speakers that fill half the room or maybe even don't fit through the door.
Which loudspeaker should I choose? - Active versus passive
In a small hall or room, such as a bar, café, gallery, or when DJing at a birthday or wedding party, one pair of active PA speakers is quite sufficient. This simplifies the setup of your equipment because you don't need a preamplifier.
Passive PA speakers are used for larger events, such as a concert or festival. You can also integrate them into your setup if you want to have a more complex sound system.
Do I need PA subwoofers at all?
The purchase of a PA subwoofer is advisable in any case. PA subwoofers take over the low frequencies during audio output, which relieves the other speakers and makes the sound even better. A professional setup consists of passive PA speakers and their corresponding subwoofers.
Stage Monitors
When choosing monitor speakers to be used on stage, you again have the choice between active and passive (monitor) speakers. Here, too, active monitor loudspeakers follow the favourable "plug & play" principle, while passive monitor loudspeakers require an additional amplifier.
If you want to take into account the existing instruments and the frequency response of your monitor speakers, it is advisable to choose a 12" or 15" monitor speaker, also advantageous if you want to play bass and drum kits. Many monitor speakers are trapezoidal in shape and can be placed at an angle or slant.