Crossover Networks Buying Guide

A crossover network divides an audio signal into frequency bands so that each driver receives only the frequencies it can reproduce well. It protects tweeters from low frequencies and keeps woofers from straining at high frequencies. This guide explains how to choose crossover networks for loudspeakers and systems.

Passive and active crossovers

• Passive crossovers: built from capacitors, inductors and resistors, placed after the power amplifier inside the loudspeaker
• Active crossovers: divide the signal before the amplifiers, so each driver has its own amplifier channel

Passive crossovers are simple and widely used in loudspeakers. Active crossovers give more precise control and efficient use of power, and they include DSP in modern systems. See our power amplifiers for the amplifier side of a multi-amplified system.

Crossover frequency

The crossover frequency is where the signal passes from one driver to the next. Choose it according to the frequency range and power handling of both drivers. A tweeter or compression driver has a minimum safe crossover frequency, shown in its data sheet. The woofer needs to be well-behaved up to the crossover point, without breakup or beaming. Place the crossover where both drivers perform well, and avoid sensitive regions such as the centre of the voice range.

Slope and filter type

Slope is how quickly the response falls beyond the crossover frequency, in decibels per octave: 6, 12, 18 or 24 dB. Steeper slopes give better protection and separation but can add phase shift and complexity. Common filter alignments include Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley. The Linkwitz-Riley 24 dB per octave alignment is popular in active systems because the outputs sum flat and in phase at the crossover point.

Number of ways

• Two-way: woofer and tweeter or horn driver, the most common design
• Three-way: adds a mid-range driver for better power handling and smoother coverage
• Subwoofer crossovers: split the low frequencies from the main cabinets in a system with subwoofers

Impedance, power and component quality

A passive crossover must match the nominal impedance of the drivers and handle the power of the amplifier. Inductors should have low resistance and avoid saturation, and capacitors should be of a type suited to audio. Higher quality components cost more but improve reliability and consistency. Check the stated power handling, and allow headroom, as a crossover that overheats changes its characteristics.

Active crossover and DSP features

• Adjustable crossover frequency, slope and filter type
• Delay for time alignment between drivers
• Parametric equalisation and limiting for driver protection
• Presets for particular loudspeakers
• Network control for installations, especially with preamps and processors

Choosing for your application

Replacing a crossover in an existing speaker

Match the original design: impedance, crossover frequencies, slope and level adjustment. Compare the driver data before changing values.

Building a new loudspeaker

Measure or use manufacturer data for the drivers in the chosen enclosure, then design or select the crossover for that combination.

Live and installed systems

Active crossovers or amplifiers with DSP provide flexible control and allow the loudspeaker to be tuned to the venue.

Testing and tuning

Check polarity and levels before fine-tuning. Measure the response of each driver on the actual cabinet, with a microphone and measurement software, and check the combined response through the crossover region. Adjust level matching between drivers so that the overall tonal balance is even, and use delay on active systems to align the acoustic centres of the drivers. Always change one setting at a time and listen with familiar material. Keep notes of each change so that you can return to an earlier setting.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Crossing a tweeter or horn driver too low, risking damage
• Ignoring the sensitivity difference between drivers and not adding level attenuation
• Wiring one driver with reversed polarity
• Using a crossover with the wrong impedance rating
• Placing crossover components near a magnet or the cabinet wall in a way that causes vibration
• Changing crossover settings without a test or measurement

Buying crossover networks at Shivansh Electronics

Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India supplies genuine products, exactly as the manufacturers build and specify them. Every product page has its specifications, so you can check frequency, slope, impedance and power rating before you decide. Our team can advise you on WhatsApp or by phone about crossovers for your loudspeakers.