Do I want a powered or a passive monitor?
Choose powered if you want to carry fewer boxes. A powered (active) wedge has its amplifier and DSP built into the cabinet, so it needs only a signal cable and AC power at the wedge position. Choose passive if you already own amplifier racks, or you are driving several wedges from shared amplifier channels and want to keep the amps off the stage. Product titles say which is which: models labelled Active or Powered have onboard amplification.
What woofer size should I buy?
Size the wedge to the stage and the source, not to the size of the band. Smaller wedges are lighter and sit lower in the sightline. Larger wedges move more low end for drummers and bass players.
| Woofer | Typical use | Models we carry |
|---|---|---|
| 8 inch | Vocal wedges, corporate AV, tight stages and podium fills | LD Systems MON 8 A G3 (black and white) |
| 10 inch | Vocalists and small combos where floor space is limited | LD Systems MON 10 A G3, RCF NX10-SMA, Samson RSXM10A, Yamaha SM10V |
| 12 inch | The most common all round wedge for live bands and DJs | JBL JRX212, JBL PRX412M, DAS Audio ACTION-M512 and M512A, DAS Audio EVENT-M12A, dB Technologies FMX 12, LD Systems MON 12 A G3, Electro-Voice PXM-12MP, BASSBOSS CCM12-MK3, RCF NX12-SMA, RCF NX912-SMA, Yamaha SM12V |
| 15 inch | Drum fills, bass rigs and loud stages needing more low end | JBL PRX415M, JBL VRX915M, JBL STX815M, dB Technologies FMX 15, LD Systems MON 15 A G3, RCF NX15-SMA, RCF NX915-SMA, Yamaha SM15V |
| Dual driver | Wide coverage from a low cabinet profile | dB Technologies DVX DM 28 (2 x 8 inch), DAS Audio EVENT-M210A-115 |
What is a coaxial stage monitor, and does it matter?
A coaxial monitor puts the high frequency driver in the centre of the woofer so both arrive from one point in space. On a wedge sitting a few feet from the performer, that keeps the tone consistent as they move around the mic instead of shifting when they step off axis. The LD Systems MON G3 series, dB Technologies FMX series, DAS Audio EVENT-M12A, Electro-Voice PXM-12MP, BASSBOSS CCM12-MK3 and the RCF NX-SMA series are all coaxial designs.
Can I use a stage monitor as a main PA speaker?
Often yes. Many wedges here are dual angle cabinets with a pole socket, which lets the same box work as a floor monitor at one gig and a main on a pole at the next. Check the individual product page for a pole mount before you plan on it, since dedicated low profile wedges leave it out.
How many monitors does a stage need?
A useful starting point is one wedge per front line performer, plus one drum fill. A four piece band with three vocal positions is typically well served by four wedges. Mix positions matter more than raw count: two wedges on separate mixes usually beat four wedges all fed the same signal.
Ordering and support
If the site says an item is in stock, it is in stock. Our team can help you match wedges to your console, amplifier and mix count before you order. Call 1-800-700-4542 or reach us through our contact page.