When installing a modern stereo system in a car, the owner must choose the right crossover. This choice is quite simple if you know and understand what it is and what it is intended for, as well as in which system this device will work. So, let's figure out what a crossover is for acoustics.
Characteristic, purpose
Crossover is a special piece of equipment in a speaker system, the main function of which is to prepare the desired frequency range for each speaker. As you know, any speaker system is designed for a specific range of operating frequencies. If the speaker signal is out of range, the sound may be distorted.
So, if you apply a frequency too low to the speaker, then the sound picture will turn out to be distorted. If the frequency is too high, then the owner of the system will be able to face not only distorted sound, but also the failure of the high-frequency speaker. The latter simply cannotwithstand this mode of operation.
Under normal circumstances, the function of the tweeters is to reproduce sounds only at high frequencies. Low-frequency acoustic systems work separately. Sometimes they are even installed in different places in the cabin. The same applies to midrange sounds. They are fed only to the speaker that outputs the mids.
Therefore, for high-quality playback of music tracks in a car, it is necessary to allocate certain frequencies and apply them strictly to specific speakers. For this, a crossover for acoustics is needed.
How it works
The design of the device is quite simple. These are two frequency filters that work according to the following principle. So, when the crossover frequency is 1000 Hz, one of the two filters will pick out frequencies that are below this value. The second filter will work with a frequency band above the mark. Filters have their own names. Low-pass is designed to work with low frequencies up to 1000 Hz. The high pass will only process frequencies above 1000 Hz.
By this principle, two-way devices operate. However, there is also a three-way crossover on the modern market. The main difference here is another filter capable of handling mid frequencies between 600 and 1000 Hz.
More channels of audio frequency filtering and feeding them to the speakers corresponding to these frequencies leads to better sound quality in the car interior.
Technical features of crossovers
Mostmodern devices are inductors and capacitors. Depending on the number and quality of manufacturing of these elements, the cost of the product is formed.
Why is a capacitor and a coil included in a crossover for acoustics? These are the simplest reactive parts. They are cost-effectively capable of processing various audio frequencies.
A capacitor can isolate and process a high frequency, while an inductor works with low frequencies. Manufacturers make good use of these properties and produce structurally simple but effective devices.
The number of reactive parts affects the length of the filters: 1 - one element is used, 2 - two elements. Depending on the number of reactive parts, as well as the crossover circuitry, the system filters differently those frequencies that are not suitable for specific channels. It can be assumed that the more reactive elements in the circuit, the better the speaker crossovers will filter the signal. Filtration schemes have a certain characteristic. This is the so-called "slope slope". In other words, it's sensitivity. Depending on the level of “slope of the recession”, all products on the market can be divided into models of the first, second, third and fourth class.
Active and passive equipment
Passive crossover for acoustics is the most common solution. It can often be found in the modern market. As the name implies, this device does not require additionalfood. Therefore, it will be much faster and easier for the car owner to install sound equipment. The disadvantage of this group of devices is that simplicity is not always a guarantee of quality.
Due to the passive circuit, the system takes part of the energy to ensure the operation of the filter. At the same time, the reactive parts change the phase shift. Naturally, this is far from the most serious drawback. However, you will not be able to perform the most subtle equalization.
An active crossover does not have such a disadvantage. The fact is that despite the more complex design, the flow of audio frequencies in them is filtered much better. Due to the presence in the circuit of not only several coils and capacitors, but also semiconductors, developers create high-quality devices with more compact dimensions. An active crossover is rarely found as a separate module. However, any amplifier has such active filters.
How to set up the device correctly?
In order to get the highest quality sound in the car, you need to choose the right frequency at which all unnecessary will be cut off. In the case of an active device designed for three bands, you need to find two cutoff points. The first will mark the edge in the range between low and medium frequencies. The second is the difference between medium and high frequencies.
How to calculate with your own hands?
Crossover calculation for acoustics is an important process. No manufacturer has yet been able to produce an ideal speaker system that couldreproduce sound quality in a different range. Subwoofers are used for low frequencies. For mids, midrange speakers are used. But when this whole complex begins to sound, a certain confusion may arise. That's what a crossover is for in acoustics - so that only a certain frequency goes to a specific speaker system.
To obtain a two-pole system or any other, a device that divides the signal is connected to the first channel of the amplifier. This is the filter. Complete with acoustic systems there are already passive crossovers made and calculated by manufacturers.
But what if you need to separate the sound into frequencies according to a different principle? You don’t have to count anything manually - in our high-tech time, there is software for even the simplest operations. So for these calculations there is a program, for example Crossover Elements Calculator.
First of all, the resistance of the bass and treble speakers is introduced into the program, which is often 4 ohms. Next, enter the frequency that the device should separate. The order of the crossover is also introduced here. Then they press the button and wait for the program to give the result. As a result, it will issue a diagram where the necessary capacitors and coils for the entered parameters will be indicated.
Features of choice
The market offers a large selection of devices that differ in quality, cost, specific manufacturers. Choosing a crossover for acoustics is not easy - you can’t just take and buy what you like. The choice is made undercertain speakers.
Let's imagine that you have a subwoofer that produces a low frequency in the range from 18 to 200 Hz, a mid-range speaker reproduces frequencies from 200 to 1000 Hz, and a tweeter from 1000 to 16,000 Hz. At the same time, the amplifier does not have a built-in filter and reproduces frequencies in the range from 18 to 20,000 Hz. In this particular case, you need a three-way crossover capable of filtering in these ranges.
Also, when choosing, pay attention to the number of lanes. Another important parameter is the frequency range. Be sure to consider throughput. Multi-level devices with high sensitivity can greatly improve the sound quality.
Conclusion
So, we found out what a crossover is and what functions it performs. As you can see, this is quite an important element in the car's sound system.
