what does active mean

[erik67111 1]

when someone say they are going to switch their speakers to active what does that mean and does it effect anything at all?

[Duran 387]

Yes it changes a lot of things, you are removing passive crossovers from the speakers. Sending your amplifier and/or processor a full signal and running each speaker on it's own channel.

[erik67111 1]

Yes it changes a lot of things, you are removing passive crossovers from the speakers. Sending your amplifier and/or processor a full signal and running each speaker on it's own channel.

so pretty much running them on an amp instead of a headunit or actually removing the little bass blocker thats attached to the speaker

[Duran 387]

Most amplifiers cannot run a full active setup, they don't have the crossover capabilities. The Sundown SAX-100.4D can run a 2-way active front stage for example though.

[erik67111 1]

Most amplifiers cannot run a full active setup, they don't have the crossover capabilities. The Sundown SAX-100.4D can run a 2-way active front stage for example though.

ok thanks that clears alot up

[NB50 206]

Audio crossover - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[GlassWolf 5]

when someone say they are going to switch their speakers to active what does that mean and does it effect anything at all?

Running fully active means that each speaker has it's own amplifier channel, and an electronic signal processor is being used to control crossover points, cut/boost, and usually, the Q for each speaker.

This is superior to using components with crossover modules and passive filter networks because with digital signal processing, you have full control over time alignment, XO frequencies and slopes, and power to each speaker. You also avoid the issues of phase shift and the induction of noise into the system with passive filters. Active is also more efficient as you don't lose power across the filter networks. Active is really superior in every regard other than the cost and space required. You'll need an amp channel per speaker, adeqate power to do so, and the money and space for those amplifiers and signal processors.

[Impious 1,476]

You also avoid the issues of phase shift

Active crossovers experience phase shift as well.