Loudspeaker Technology
Online calculators for crossovers and speaker crossovers - Calculate professional audio circuits
Crossover Design
Crossovers divide the audio signal into different frequency ranges to provide each speaker only with the frequencies optimal for it. The slope steepness (6dB, 12dB, 18dB per octave) determines how sharp the separation occurs.
Passive Crossovers
Crossover Technology
Operation
Crossovers use passive components (inductors, capacitors, resistors) to filter the audio signal frequency-dependently. Low-pass filters direct low frequencies to woofers, high-pass filters direct high frequencies to tweeters.
Crossover Orders:
- 6dB: Gentle separation, simple construction
- 12dB: Standard for HiFi applications
- 18dB: Steep separation for critical systems
- 24dB: Very steep separation (not implemented)
Practical Application
The choice of crossover order depends on the speakers used and the quality requirements. Higher orders offer better separation, but require more components and can cause phase problems.
Typical Crossover Frequencies:
Subwoofer: 80-120 Hz Woofer/Mid: 300-800 Hz Mid/Tweeter: 2-5 kHz Super-Tweeter: 10-15 kHzSpeaker Types
By Frequency Range:
🔊 Subwoofer (20-120 Hz) 🔊 Woofer (40-1000 Hz) 🔊 Midrange (200-7000 Hz) 🔊 Tweeter (2000-20000 Hz) 🔊 Full-range (80-15000 Hz)Impedance Matching
Standard Impedances:
4 Ohm (Car audio) 8 Ohm (HiFi) 16 Ohm (Pro audio) 100V (PA systems)Important Notes
- Calculated values are theoretical foundations - fine-tuning through measurements required
- Real speakers have complex, frequency-dependent impedances
- Consider phase response and delay times of speakers
- Component quality significantly affects sound quality