Crossover Networks for Loudspeakers

Most loudspeakers use multiple drivers and employ crossover networks to route the appropriate frequency ranges to the different drivers.

Click on any part of graphic for further detail.
Elements which make up crossover networks
Index

Sound reproduction concepts

Loudspeaker concepts

Reference
Cohen
Ch. 8
 
HyperPhysics***** Sound R Nave
Go Back








Crossover Elements

The capacitor has lower impedance for high frequencies. It acts to block low frequencies and let high frequencies through. High-pass filter.
The inductor has a lower impedance for low frequencies. It acts to block high frequencies and let low frequencies through. Low-pass filter.
A capacitor and inductor in series act to block both very high and very low frequencies. Band-pass filter.
Crossover networks
Index

Sound reproduction concepts

Loudspeaker concepts
 
HyperPhysics***** Sound R Nave
Go Back
















Two-Way Crossover

Combinations of capacitors, inductors, and resistors can direct high frequencies to the tweeter and low frequencies to the woofer. This amounts to filter action. A two-way crossover network divides the frequency range between two speakers.

Impedance of capacitorImpedance of inductor
Index

Sound reproduction concepts

Loudspeaker concepts
 
HyperPhysics***** Sound R Nave
Go Back








Three-Way Crossover

Combinations of capacitors, inductors, and resistors can direct high frequencies to the tweeter and low frequencies to the woofer. This amounts to filter action. A three-way crossover network divides the frequency range between three speakers.

A capacitor has lower impedance for high frequencies. In series with the high frequency speaker (tweeter), it acts to block low frequencies and let high frequencies through.

The inductor has a lower impedance for low frequencies. In series with the low-frequency speaker (woofer), it acts to block high frequencies and let low frequencies through.

Index

Sound reproduction concepts

Loudspeaker concepts
 
HyperPhysics***** Sound R Nave
Go Back