What is an Audio Crossover for?

Audio crossover is a type of filter used to boost sound. If you have this filter you can get clearer sounds without distortion. For this very reason, the audio crossover is chosen by sound and car audio fans. The sound obtained will give you an extremely enriching experience. In this post, we tell you everything you need to know to consider purchasing this great component. 

What is an Audio crossover?

An audio crossover is a component chosen mostly because it offers a high-fidelity sound experience. It works by separating an audio input signal into different frequency bands, with the goal of reproducing each band efficiently. Its operation is based on dividing the input signal into two or more outputs of different frequency ranges. In this way, the rest of the components such as tweeters, speakers and subwoofers will correspond to the frequency range for which they were designed. 

Thanks to the crossover, the rest of the frequencies that escape each designated range are attenuated or blocked. In this way, a defined and specific sound is achieved at a certain sound range. Speaker systems need a particular crossover, so component sets come from the factory with separate external crossovers with tweeter level selectors. Coaxial full-range speakers, with a tweeter connected in front of the woofer cone, have a small crossover network built in. 

The crossovers are connected between the receiver and the amplifier, and they also allow you to cut unwanted frequencies before the amplifier picks them up. This way, the amplifier will focus on reproducing the frequencies it should amplify. 

Functions of an audio crossover 

As we saw previously, a crossover is a device that allows an input signal to be divided into two or more outputs with different frequency ranges. However, we can identify two types of them and at the same time, different functions. 

Let's see what they are:

1. Passive type crossover: this type of crossover does not use electrical power and is generally an internal component of the speakers. In addition, they are made up of other electronic elements such as capacitors, coils and resistors. 
2. Active type crossover: they require electrical power and are used between the audio player and the amplifiers. 

For the active type system, you need a more sophisticated crossover. This is because in an active sound system, each of the drivers, the tweeter, woofer, subwoofer, have their own amplification channel. 

In this way, the available power, dynamic range and control are drastically increased. 

However, most amplifiers come with a built-in filter that can serve as crossovers in a component system. These filters are usually high and low pass, but are usually part of the added features of amplifiers. 

The built-in components by default are often more imprecise and less faithful than a separate crossover. Keep in mind that the crossover points do not apply equally to all car audio equipment. This depends on the speakers used and the acoustic properties of the car. 

However, most crossovers will allow you to choose between several crossover points and this is their great value. 

Conclusions 

Audio crossovers are extremely functional for processing sound in a professional way. They are components that, although not essential, will help you enhance the sound experience. Many of them even incorporate various sound processing functions such as equalization to adjust it according to your personal desires and tastes. 

At Genius Audio, we have the best components so you can get the best sound experience in car audio. Here you can see our online catalog and thus choose the best equipment for you.