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Thinking of moving to a passive system from my PA system, advice?

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  • March 10, 2014 at 1:09 am #2009360
    DJ Soulphinger
    Participant

    Hey Brandon ,

    I have wondered the same thing before. I use a mixture of powered tops for mids and high (Behringer d212). Then I have a QSC 2450 (500 watts per channel) powering (2) 15″ jbl passive subs. Running the amp to a behringer crossover and bbe 482 maximizer (from controller/mixer to maximizer to crossover). And I’ve have people loving the sounds! But I’m now getting powered subs. For portability. You sound like you have a good system…you may need just a crossover with a powered sub. Also look into a BBE maximizer ..they do make a difference in your sound. But, if you like to invest in a passive system it’s up to you. It’s just more to carry with you when you gig. Peavey has a 18″ sub (pv118) for $289 per sub and the tops are peavey pv115 are $229 per. But your amps will run you $400 on up. So I hope that helps…and I like to know what others think too.

    Thanks

    March 10, 2014 at 5:41 am #2009401
    Yared Lee
    Participant

    Moving to passive systems also requires learning a bit more about Audio Processing equipment and more technicalities which most DJ’s dont really know about. Get a decent quality amp with minimal harmonic distortion (QSC amps are magic), and IMO stick with powered tops and passive subs. Less bother that way. Passive systems really only come into play with huge live sound guys, who know alot about audio processing equipment (Equalizers, Crossovers, Maximizers and the like) OR old-school sound-system owners (Mainly Jamaican Reggae/Dub systems). Do your research, and start small (Powered tops, passive subs as I said earlier) and then see if your application for them requires any more complexities.

    Remember, spend money good one time(and take care of the equipment) and rarely have to spend money again. So dont go cheap on your amps or your subs (Light-weight is rarely a good thing). You might also want to look into a small rack to carry all your stuff because I used to HATE having to carry an amp by hand (I had an American Audio V3000 plus, pretty hefty). So I guess to summarize:
    1. Switching to passive requires some extra kit and knowledge
    2. Start simple, then expand as you learn and your need changes.
    3. Do your research and dont be cheap (Seriously, dont be cheap)
    4. Always listen to the sound system in your heart 🙂 (My dad always said this)

    March 10, 2014 at 10:15 pm #2009554
    Terry_42
    Keymaster

    My guess is:
    They simply have better gear than you. It does not matter at all if your speakers are passive or active, the quality of the parts is what makes your system sound good or bad.
    The only thing passive speakers have going for it: Mostly people use them who know what they are doing, as you need to know a lot more to hook them up, resulting in those people buying higher quality gear -> better sound.
    But there is nothing wrong in buying high quality active speakers and have the same….

    For reference:
    http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/04/beginners-guide-to-pa-systems-part-1-basics/

    March 17, 2014 at 12:35 pm #2011343
    DJ Vintage
    Moderator

    I bought my two Mackie HD1221s and a few months later added the HD1801 sub. It’s a great sounding system and I am quite sure I will not get any passive system in the same price range to outshine it. It might have some more setting possibilities, but for me easy of use/setup and portability are way more important. I get compliments from customers and peers alike on the sound quality.

    It;s like Boom says, buy good once. The entire set (2x 12″ plus 1x 18″) had a retail price tag on it of close to 5.200 euro. Streetprice has gone done considerably (they have been around for a few years now and an upgraded model is expected to come out next) and is now around 2.700 for the set. Which is about what I paid for the set when it first came out (got a sweet deal 🙂 ).

    This is the Mackie high-end series and obviously not to be compared to Thumps or SRMs.

    I know they will last me for another 10 years and I will have enjoyed great sound from day one.

    Greetinx.

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