Can you daisy chain powered speakers? The simple answer is yes, most powered speakers can be daisy chained. Daisy-chaining powered speakers is sometimes actually necessary if you have several loudspeakers that you want to produce sound with a similar input signal.
For example, this method is applicable if you have to distribute several monitors on stage or if ever you need to extend the number of subwoofers and active speakers for better sound dispersion.
This article gives you an overview of daisy chaining powered speakers, whether it is to power an entire arena or for your home audio.
What is a Daisy Chain?
Daisy chaining is a quite common practice in the audio realm. This is a very simple technique where the first element is fed in the chain and this element will then feed the rest. This principle applies to power and sound. For instance, it is not uncommon to see musicians plugging the first pedal into the power outlet and then daisy chaining from it.
How to Daisy Chain Powered Speakers
The process of daisy chaining your powered speakers is quite straightforward. The only thing you need to do is find the right connectors at the rear of the speaker and run the signal cables between them.
Many powered or active speakers have one or several Input plugs, typically ¼” or XLR phone jacks. These also come with the connected labeled Link Output, Mix Output, or Thru. The connector is the one you need to use for daisy chaining your powered speakers.
The active speaker internally has an electronic circuitry that receives and distributes the incoming signal to the internal amplifier and the Mix Output or Thru connector with no audio loss.
Here are the steps for daisy chaining your powered speakers:
- Position your speakers where you want them to before you connect any cables. You also need to set up all the monitors, if there are any, that you wish to daisy chain.
- See to it that everything is already in the Off position before you begin the setup.
- Find the main speakers and then run the cables from the mixer’s Main Output to them.
- This is the point where you should have the Right and Left speakers connected to your mixer.
- Start with the Left Side speaker and then look at the back for the Link Output, Mix Output, or Thru connection.
- Run the cable, typically an XLR, starting from the Thru connector towards the next speaker’s Input in the chain on the left side.
- Find the Right speaker and then run the cable starting from the Thru connector towards the next speaker’s Input in the speaker chain on the right side.
- Repeat the 6th and 7th steps for the number of speakers that you need to have on both sides. It is possible to run as many speakers as you like provided that the cable runs are not that long to prevent picking up any Hum noise.
- Make sure you set each speaker’s Volume knob to the same exact level. If the speakers come with an equalizer, see to it that the EQ is set to exactly the same value on every speaker to prevent any unbalanced sound tones. This is assuming that all the speakers are of the same model and brand.
- Once you have connected everything, turn On the power and then play some music for testing, making sure that it sounds just as how you want it to. You can make any necessary tweaks until you achieve a balanced and clean stereo sound.
The same steps are also applicable for daisy chaining monitors.
How Many Powered Speakers Can You Daisy Chain Together?
Provided that all the speakers are powered, which means that they have a built-in amplifier and have the output and input connections to do so, it is possible to daisy chain together as many speakers as you like.
On the other hand, if you have passive speakers, which means that they can only function with external amplifiers, you need to be familiar with the impedance of your amplifier.
Can You Daisy Chain Your Speakers to Your Subwoofers?
If the speakers involved are all feeding on a single audio source, the answer is yes, you can daisy chain speakers to subwoofers. Just remember if there is an internal crossover in the source for the lower frequencies, this might have its own subwoofer output.
Aside from this, this works just like other active speakers and you can even daisy chain a few subwoofers together. The perfect example of it is the front bottom of a large stage where all the subwoofers are found being fed by one audio source, which is the mixer console, and then daisy chained with one another.
Can You Daisy Chain Active Speakers to Passive Speakers?
Yes, it is possible to daisy chain all speakers with a through or an extension outlet on several models to passive speakers. When the specific model is compatible with the practice, all you have to do is run a cable from the connection to the next speaker’s input and you will feed power and audio to it.
Take note that you will be using a similar source of power for the two speakers and the first one’s volume will drop significantly for fueling the passive one. When the model is compatible with the practice, this will be indicated on the manual or the box.
The Bottom Line
Daisy chaining powered speakers can be a great solution for several problems. This knowledge is applicable for home use or in other venues. This can even help you save some cash from having to buy one powered and one passive speaker that you can daisy chain in your house, rehearsal room, or small venues.
With the help of daisy chaining, you will be able to enjoy listening to all your favorite songs and watching your favorite shows with the best and out-of-this-world sounds that you have never imagined before.