Passive and active loudspeakers divide frequencies in different places
A conventional passive loudspeaker receives one amplified signal and divides it internally with a passive crossover. In an active architecture, the processor divides the frequency bands before amplification so each driver or driver group receives its own dedicated amplifier channel.
That moves crossover slope, delay, polarity, level and equalisation into the DSP domain.
Active crossovers consume processor outputs quickly
A three-way LCR system can require nine processed outputs before surrounds, heights or subwoofers are counted. This is one reason high-channel-count processors can become necessary even when the nominal Atmos layout does not look extreme.
The correct processor count must therefore include active speaker ways, not only named immersive-audio channels.
The opportunity is driver-level alignment
A processor with appropriate tools can align time, level and phase between driver sections, then integrate the complete loudspeaker into the room calibration workflow.
This can be extremely powerful, but it also transfers responsibility from a loudspeaker manufacturer’s passive network into the system designer and calibrator.
Use active processing only when the system is designed for it
Active crossover capability is not automatically an upgrade over a well-designed passive loudspeaker. It is useful when the loudspeaker architecture, amplification and calibration workflow are intentionally designed around external DSP.
Treat it as a system topology, not as a feature to enable casually after installation.
Useful official references.
Product features and software capabilities can evolve. Check the current manufacturer documentation for a live project.