Speaker Crossover Calculator
Tell us more, and we'll get back to you.
Contact UsTell us more, and we'll get back to you.
Contact UsA speaker crossover is an electronic circuit that divides an audio signal into separate frequency ranges to be routed to the appropriate speaker drivers. This calculator helps design passive crossover networks for multi-way speaker systems.
Speaker crossovers are essential in multi-driver speaker systems because different drivers (tweeters, midrange, and woofers) are optimized for different frequency ranges. A well-designed crossover ensures:
Maximally flat frequency response in the passband. Most commonly used for their neutral sound and predictable behavior.
Provides -6dB at the crossover point when high-pass and low-pass outputs are summed. Excellent phase behavior and popular in professional audio.
Optimized for best phase response and minimal ringing. Often preferred for their natural sound quality despite less steep cutoff.
The order of a crossover filter determines its slope and characteristics:
When implementing a crossover design:
Transition | Frequency Range | Notes |
---|---|---|
Subwoofer to Woofer | 80-120 Hz | Best for room acoustics |
Woofer to Midrange | 250-500 Hz | Reduces intermodulation |
Midrange to Tweeter | 2,500-3,500 Hz | Optimal dispersion |
For best results when building crossovers:
A speaker crossover is a filter network that divides the audio signal into different frequency bands for specific drivers (tweeters, midrange, woofers). You need one in multi-driver speaker systems to ensure each driver handles only the frequencies it's designed for, improving sound quality and protecting the drivers from damage.
Choose crossover frequencies based on your drivers' specifications and their optimal operating ranges. Common points are 80-120 Hz for subwoofer/woofer, 250-500 Hz for woofer/midrange, and 2,500-3,500 Hz for midrange/tweeter transitions. Consider the manufacturer's recommendations and the drivers' frequency response curves.
Butterworth filters offer the flattest frequency response and are a good starting point. Linkwitz-Riley filters provide better phase coherence and are popular in professional systems. Bessel filters have the best transient response but less steep slopes. For most home projects, start with Butterworth and experiment from there.
Use high-quality components rated for audio applications. For capacitors, choose metallized polypropylene types. For inductors, use air-core types for high frequencies and iron-core for low frequencies. Consider power handling, DC resistance (DCR), and tolerance ratings. Component quality directly affects sound quality.
Component tolerances affect crossover performance. Use capacitors with ±5% or better tolerance and inductors with ±10% or better. When exact values aren't available, you can combine components in series or parallel. For critical applications, measure components before installation and match pairs for stereo systems.