Crossovers Explained Simply

What is a Crossover?

Crossovers are essentially filters that separate or block frequencies and route them to the correct speaker. There are two common types of crossover, ”passive” and “active”.

Passive Crossovers

Passive crossovers are non-powered and are most commonly used with component systems in line with the speaker wires located between the amplifier or head unit/source and speakers. They are also used in full range speakers. Both two and three way speakers have passive crossovers to separate or block the frequencies for the mid and/or tweeters to ensure the appropriate frequencies are delivered to the respective driver.

Active Crossovers

Active crossovers are electronically powered units that are placed in line with the RCA signal lead between the head unit/source and the amplifier.
They will provide better signal separation and unlike passive crossover there is no power loss.

Crossover Filters

There are three main types of crossover filters: high-pass filter, low-pass filter, and a subsonic-filter.

High-Pass Crossover

A high pass crossover allows high frequency signals in the 5kHz-20kHz range (generally) to be passed to the speaker/tweeter while the lower frequency signal is blocked.

Low-Pass Crossover

A low-pass crossover allows the low frequency signal in the 50Hz-250Hz range (generally) to be passed to the speaker/sub with the higher frequencies blocked.

Subsonic Filter

A subsonic filter is essentially a high-pass crossover which blocks the frequency signal, generally, from 10Hz-40Hz. This signal often contains no music and its removal will improve woofer control and sound quality.