Car Audio Crossover : What is it?
| Car audio crossovers regulate the frequencies that reach car speakers, avoiding common problems such as distortion and sound duplication. They work by splitting music and audio signals into several smaller frequencies and distributing each signal to the speaker that can best handle them. In a typical crossover system, the low-frequency and bass signals are sent to the subwoofers, regular frequencies to the midrange speakers, and high-frequency signals to the tweeters. This also prevents tweeters from getting damage by receiving signals beyond their capacity. |
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Kinds of Car Audio Crossovers include the following: |
Passive Car Audio Crossovers
Passive crossovers, also called high level networks, have a series of inductor coils and capacitors. The inductors allow low frequencies to pass but block off high frequencies, and the capacitors let high frequencies pass while filtering low frequencies. They are installed between the amplifier and the speakers, receiving signals from the amplifier and splitting them before passing them on to the speakers. They can work with more speaker channels from a single amplifier, and can obtain maximum power efficiency by adjusting the resistance delivered to the amplifier. They are also prone to insertion loss, where the inductor loses up to 20% of the power that drives other speakers, resulting in weaker signals and lower volumes. Active Car Audio Crossovers
Active crossovers use solid state electronics, including transistors and integrated circuits, to split the signal before they are amplified. They are also called electronic crossovers. They are installed between the amplifier and the equalizer or head unit. They operate from external power and at lower frequencies, reducing the risk of signal distortion and power loss. They are used for audio systems using multiple amplifiers, with each amplifier handling a certain range of frequencies. Most models are fully adjustable, allowing users to change the crossover points or adjust each speaker individually. |
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Inductor type: If you are buying a passive crossover, choose one with air core conductors over iron core conductors. Air cores have higher resistance, but are less prone to distortion and physical damage. This is especially useful for crossovers that double as low-pass filters because low frequencies exert more pressure on the coils than high frequencies.
Frequency bands: Make sure your car audio crossovers have the right frequency splitters for your audio system. If you have multiple amplifiers, choose an active crossover with the corresponding number frequency bands for each amplifier. Bi-amplified systems require two-way crossovers, while tri-amplified systems work with three-way crossovers. If you have a large audio system, you can use multiple crossovers for separate groups of amplifiers. |
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