When it comes time to choose new studio monitors for your studio or home studio, you often face the following dilemma: should you mix on active or passive studio monitors?
Every sound engineer has their preferences — so I can already tell you that there is no single right answer.
And the context is of course very important.
In a home studio, typically, I would strongly recommend opting for active studio monitors…
…but I’m getting ahead of myself! Rather than making a simple statement without explaining it, I suggest we take the time, through this article, to look together at the difference between active and passive studio monitors. 🙂
To do this, I will first detail the technical differences between these two types of monitors, and then we will look at the advantages and disadvantages associated with the different technologies.
The Difference Between Passive and Active Studio Monitors
In reality, there are not two but three types of studio monitors:
- passive studio monitors;
- powered studio monitors;
- and active studio monitors.
Note that for the last two types, the term “active monitors” is often used for simplicity.
This is not very precise, but well: it’s a misuse of language…
Passive Studio Monitors
Passive studio monitors are distinguished by the fact that they contain no electronic amplification circuit.
This means they expect a high-level input signal, that is, one that has already been amplified by a power amplifier.
The signal emitted by the amplifier being wideband (it covers all frequencies), it is of course separated within the monitor so that the correct frequencies are played by the right speakers (the lows by the woofer, the highs by the tweeter…).
To separate this initial signal into multiple signals, we will therefore find a specific electronic circuit in the monitor: the crossover. The monitor itself being unpowered, this crossover is of course passive, meaning it does not require any electrical power to function.
Hence the name passive studio monitors.
Powered Studio Monitors
Powered studio monitors, on the other hand, are powered by an electrical current.
You will therefore find a socket at the back to plug them into the mains.
In practice, they are distinguished from passive studio monitors by the fact that the power amplifier is located in the cabinet. Or sometimes screwed to the back.
However, this amplifier will be found just after the jack or XLR input, but before the crossover circuit.
This means that:
- the cabinet expects a line-level input signal;
- and that the crossover is still completely passive: frequencies are separated without the use of electrical power.
Active Studio Monitors
Finally, active studio monitors (in the strict sense of the term) are also powered by an electrical outlet. This is probably why the term “active” is also used for the powered monitors I just mentioned.
On the other hand, they differ from other types of speakers in that they contain multiple power amplifiers within the cabinet.
Typically, there will be one for each speaker (or for each “way”, as it is sometimes called).
If you look at the technical specifications of the famous monitoring speakers Yamaha HS7, you will see that there is an amplifier for the tweeter (HF = High Frequency) and an amplifier for the woofer (LF = Low Frequency).
Advantages of Passive Monitoring Speakers
Having passive speakers rather than active ones in your studio or home studio certainly has several advantages.
First of all, there is the cost: since the speakers contain fewer electronic components, their cost will be lower.
Of course, you will still need to invest in a power amplifier, but you will always have the option to change speakers at a “lower cost”. Conversely, if your amplifier has a problem, you won’t need to change the speakers. It’s a win/win situation.
However, at the same price point between passive and active speakers, passive monitoring speakers will likely be of better quality: indeed, since there is no amplification circuit, the price will reflect that (an amplification circuit can be complex and expensive).
Next, the big advantage of passive speakers is related to the fact that the amplifier is located outside the cabinet. This will limit electromagnetic interference: you will thus have a potentially cleaner signal.
Finally, sound engineers often turn to passive speakers to pair them with the power amplifier of their choice.
It’s a bit like audiophiles, in fact: we seek to have equipment that works in the most harmonious way possible. Typically, by pairing speakers and amplifier according to their respective impedances.
The downside is that you need to be a bit “in the know” and there are always conjectures or approximations to determine if a particular amplifier model will match a model of monitoring speakers. Because let’s face it, a different amplifier will always imply a different sound.
Advantages of Active Monitoring Speakers
Now let’s look at what’s in store for active monitoring speakers.
First of all, they are distinguished by their “all-in-one” aspect. This means that you just have to plug them into the power and connect them properly to your audio interface to enjoy the sound.
This also means that in terms of electronic circuits, the amplification circuits contained within the speakers are perfectly matched to the speakers (in terms of impedance, power…). At least, they are supposed to be: it goes without saying that especially in low-end models, you might encounter some surprises.
Another advantage, but one that is somewhat debated: minimizing the length of the cable between the amplification circuit and the speaker. In theory, by minimizing this distance, we will also minimize the interference potentially picked up by the cable. In practice, the downside is that by placing the power supply within the cabinet, we may sometimes generate other types of interference.
You can guess: there are several schools of thought on this point! 🙂
Furthermore, it should also be noted that in active monitoring speakers, the fact that the crossover filter is powered will improve its performance, particularly in terms of distortion. At least, it will be a bit easier to achieve good distortion rates.
Finally, the downside of these various points is obvious:
- If you want to upgrade to a higher model, you have to change everything (meaning you don’t keep the power amplifier);
- Active speakers contain more components than passive speakers, and therefore cost more. As a result, especially in the lower or mid-range, you will often find average quality components rather than audiophile ones;
- Moreover, the technical constraints related to integrating the power amplifier into the cabinet will limit the possible circuit topologies. For example, tube amplification is out.
So, active or passive?
If you are working in a home studio, I can only recommend that you go for active speakers.
Simply because they take up less space and their “all-in-one” aspect allows for composing and mixing under good conditions, without having to worry about questions like “is the impedance of my power amplifier well suited for this or that model of speakers?”.
It’s simply a gain in simplicity, especially since we can’t say that passive monitoring speakers are better than active ones. Typically, the positioning of your speakers will have much more impact on the sound.
However, if you are working in a professional studio, and even though many sound engineers work with active speakers, I think it’s interesting to also look at passive models that will offer some flexibility and scalability.
In short, when in doubt, get active monitoring speakers! 🙂