July 16, 2026 · AudioWatt Team
Choosing a PA Speaker
The right PA speaker depends on three questions: how many people, what kind of music, and who's carrying the gear.
Powered vs passive
Powered (active) speakers like the Mackie Thump series have the amp built in and matched, one cable from the mixer and you're live. Passive speakers need an external power amplifier, which pros use for bigger, permanent rigs. For bands, DJs, and mobile events, powered wins on simplicity.
Size and coverage
A pair of 12" powered tops covers roughly 100–150 people; 15" tops add low-end punch for DJs and fuller rooms. Speech only? Even 10" works. For dance music, add a PA subwoofer instead of pushing tops into distortion.
Placement basics
Get tops on poles above head height, angled at the back of the crowd, bodies absorb treble. Keep speakers in front of microphones or feedback finds you. Subs live on the floor; corners add boom.
Watts, honestly
Ignore peak-watt marketing. Compare continuous (RMS) output and max SPL. A speaker that does 126 dB clean beats one shouting 1400W peak.