Who runs an active system - who runs a passive?

[BillESC]

My shop is all active.  We stock a wide variety of active cabinets including original Mackie SA1521's, EV SxA250, SxA360. and ZXA5's plus a couple KV2 EX series systems.  Since we not only do on site production but also rent out systems, I find active cabinets to be much easier to explain to the clients and absolutely scalable.

What do you use?

[BigJD]

Half and Half active tops passive subs,half IEM's, Half active floor boxes.

[RoadRanger]

For smaller rooms (<=300 people?) active is the way to go for tops and subs for sure. Powered subs are still a bit pricey though. Most active floor monitors have volume and EQ controls on them - I don't really want anybody having local control of those .

[BillESC]

That would be hard to rent out.

My rural market is in the bible belt.  There are 52 churches in a ten mile circle, each trying to out do the other, business is consistant.  You add weddings, public events, market days, a few stock holders meetings and lots of local events, i.e., fish frys, clam bakes and crab any way you want it.  It's a good place to live, and I'm the only one here.     Don't tell anyone.

[abzurd]

All active FOH. 2 active, and 2 IEM's for monitoring.

[axisplayer]

All passive.

[RoadRanger]

Those of you running active monitors - how do you prevent the controls on them from being tweaked?

[BillESC]

Those of you running active monitors - how do you prevent the controls on them from being tweaked?

A gun.

[RoadRanger]

A gun.

Aside from the talent screwing with them, I'd be worried about the controls getting moved in transport - so you'd have to check them all every time you set up? Passive monitors just seem easier to deal with. I have a 17 lbs 4 channel 2U amp in its own case for them

Do you use them fancy cables that have both AC and XLR cables in them?

[Gorgon90]

Due to the band reforming at the moment, the PA is to be finalised but we used to use my ancient Carlsbro powered monitor with extension cab for vocals and acoustic guitar with front of house PA being a desk, power amp, and passive speakers.

This was for playing bars/small venues, anything too big for this we'd hire it in.

[RoadRanger]

Hey Bill, do you have any of the SB2A's?  Would two of those and two SB122 driven off them keep up with a pair of Peavey 12D's? I've really got a "thing" for keeping all my boxes under 50 lbs each and at 35 lbs those would be great if they could do the job .

[BillESC]

Quite easily IMHO.

[Keyguy]

I run all active. 2-FBT Maxx4a tops, 2-FBT Maxx9sa subs, and 5-FBT Maxx2a for monitors. And yes, you need to check the EQ's before every job because they do get moved in transport. I have resisted the power/xlr cables because of the cost, but I may be weakening. One downside to those cables is with the AC running inside it, I would hate for someone to put a high heel or something through the cable. The only problem in 5 years was one of the monitor amps went, but FBT promptly repaired it (reasonably priced). A couple of the pots are starting to get noisy, so I will have to address that soon. The system has a great sound and is pretty lightweight.

[monthlymixcd]

How are those FBTs?!? There's a used pair of Maxx4a cabs on the local CL for $1400 and a pair of Maxx6a cabs at GC for $1600. I've heard those 6s and they would be great DJ cabs for a simple SoS gig, but I prefer smaller drivers in tops for live SR.

FWIW - I run a mix of passive/active tops/monitors depending on the gig. I also use a powered sub... when needed. I'd really rather be all powered except my monitors I think.

[Keyguy]

I have been really pleased with the FBT's. I was originally reluctant because of the brand being relatively unknown. Like you, I prefer the 12's for the tops.