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 and speakers.
Passive crossovers are also used in full range speakers. Both two and three way full range speakers have passive crossovers to separate or block the frequencies for the mid and/or tweeter. This ensures the appropriate frequencies are delivered to the respective speaker.
high frequencies - delivered to tweeters
mid and low frequencies - delivered to speakers/woofers
Active Crossovers
Active crossovers are electronically powered units that are placed in-line with the RCA signal lead between the head unit and the amplifier. They will provide better signal separation than passive crossovers, which means clearer sound. Unlike passive crossovers, there is no power loss with an active crossover
Crossover Types
There are three main types of crossover filters; high-pass, low-pass, 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 and 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 and the higher frequencies are blocked.
Subsonic Filter
A subsonic filter is essentially a high-pass crossover which blocks the frequency signal from 10Hz - 40Hz (generally) this signal often contains no music and its removal will improve subwoofer control and sound quality.
FUSION Encounter and Reactor full range speakers feature internal passive 2-way and 3-way crossovers
All FUSION component speakers and PowerPlant full range speakers feature external passive 2-way crossovers