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Active Floor Monitors

Shop active floor monitors and powered stage wedges for clear vocal, instrument and playback monitoring. Choose from compact 10-inch, versatile 12-inch and powerful 15-inch models for bands, venues, theatres, schools and live events.

Active Floor Monitors and Powered Stage Wedges

Active floor monitors are also known as active stage monitors, powered wedge monitors or foldback speakers. They allow performers to hear vocals, instruments and monitor mixes clearly during a performance. Each monitor has its own built-in amplifier, removing the need for a separate power amplifier and helping to simplify stage setup.

Our range includes active monitor speakers for singers, musicians, DJs, live bands, theatres, houses of worship, schools, rehearsal rooms, event production and permanent venue installations. Choose from professional models by Citronic, dB Technologies, FBT and Studiomaster, with options suitable for everything from compact stages and acoustic performances to louder bands and demanding live productions.

Why Use an Active Stage Monitor?

A stage monitor is positioned on the floor and angled towards the performer, directing sound where it is needed without unnecessarily increasing the volume heard by the audience. This allows singers to hear their vocals, musicians to follow the rest of the band and performers to stay in time with backing tracks or other instruments.

Because amplification is built into the cabinet, an active floor monitor can normally be connected directly to a suitable monitor output from a mixing desk. Many models also include onboard level controls, DSP presets, equalisation, limiters or high-pass filters, allowing their response to be adjusted for different performers and stage environments.

Selected powered wedge monitors offer additional mic and line inputs, Bluetooth playback, XLR link or mix outputs and headphone connections. Features vary between models, so check the individual product information when a particular connection or function is required.

Choosing the Right Active Floor Monitor

The best active stage monitor depends on the source being monitored, required sound pressure level, available stage space and how much low-frequency extension is needed.

10-Inch Active Monitors

A 10-inch active wedge monitor provides a compact and portable option for vocal monitoring, acoustic performers, presentations, rehearsals, keyboards and electronic instruments. Its smaller footprint can be particularly useful on crowded or shallow stages.

12-Inch Active Monitors

A 12-inch powered stage monitor offers a useful balance of output, low-frequency response and portability. This makes it a popular choice for singers, guitarists, keyboard players, live bands, theatres and general-purpose event production.

15-Inch Active Monitors

A 15-inch active floor monitor can provide greater low-frequency extension and additional impact for electronic drums, keyboards, bass-heavy backing tracks and louder stages. These models are generally larger and heavier, so their extra output should be balanced against portability and available floor space.

Amplifier wattage alone does not determine how loud or clear a monitor will be. Maximum SPL, driver efficiency, dispersion, cabinet design, DSP processing and resistance to feedback are also important considerations.

Coaxial and Two-Way Monitor Designs

Many dedicated stage wedges use a coaxial driver, placing the high-frequency driver at the centre of the main woofer. This arrangement helps create a focused point source with consistent sound across the monitoring area and can improve vocal clarity on stage.

Other monitors use a conventional two-way design with separate low and high-frequency drivers. Both formats can provide excellent results, so cabinet angle cabinet, dispersion, sound quality and available output should also be considered when comparing models.

Stage Monitoring for Vocals and Instruments

Active monitor speakers can be used for much more than vocals. Depending on the selected model and its inputs, they can provide monitoring for:

• Lead and backing vocals
• Keyboards and digital pianos
• Electronic drum kits
• Acoustic instruments
• Guitar and bass model processors
• Backing tracks and playback systems
• Speech, presentations and theatre productions
• DJ booths and live event control positions

For multi-performer systems, separate auxiliary outputs from a suitable mixing desk can provide each monitor or group of monitors with a dedicated mix.

Built for Live Performance and Regular Transport

Stage equipment must withstand frequent setup, transport and use. Active floor monitors are available with durable plywood, painted wooden or moulded polypropylene enclosures, together with protective steel grilles and integrated carrying handles.

Some models also have standard pole sockets, allowing them to be used as compact front-of-house PA speakers when required. Rigging points or optional mounting brackets may be available on selected monitors for suitable permanent installations.

Reducing Feedback from a Stage Monitor

Correct placement is essential for achieving sufficient monitoring volume without feedback. The wedge should be aimed towards the performer while considering the microphone’s pickup pattern and least-sensitive position.

Start with the monitor level turned down, build the mix gradually and avoid adding frequencies that are not required. DSP presets, equalisation and high-pass filters can help improve clarity and reduce unnecessary low-frequency energy, but careful microphone and speaker positioning remains important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an active floor monitor?

A: An active floor monitor is a wedge-shaped stage speaker with a built-in amplifier. It is positioned facing the performer so they can hear vocals, instruments or a dedicated monitor mix.

Q: What is the difference between active and passive stage monitors?

A: Active monitors contain their own amplification and connect to mains power. Passive monitors require a separate power amplifier but may be preferable in systems using centralised amplification.

Q: Do I need a mixing desk with an active stage monitor?

A: A mixing desk is normally used to create and control the monitor mix. Some active monitors can accept microphones, instruments or playback sources directly, but a mixer provides greater control when monitoring several performers or sound sources.

Q: Which size active monitor should I choose?

A: A 10-inch monitor is compact and well suited to vocals and smaller stages. A 12-inch model provides a versatile balance of output and portability, while a 15-inch monitor is useful when greater low-frequency extension is required.

Q: Can an active floor monitor be used as a PA speaker?

A: Some active wedge monitors have a pole socket and are designed to work as compact PA speakers as well as floor monitors. Check the individual model’s mounting options before using it in this way.

Q: Can multiple active monitors be connected together?

A: Many models have an XLR link, thru or mix output for passing the audio signal to another active monitor. Each powered monitor will still require its own mains connection.

Q: Are Bluetooth active stage monitors available?

A: Yes, selected active floor monitors include Bluetooth for playing music or backing tracks from a compatible device. Bluetooth is useful for playback, although a wired mixer connection is generally preferred for primary live monitoring.

As well as active floor monitors you can also see our full range of speakers in our main speakers category.