What is an assembled crossover?
The crossover in a speaker system plays a crucial role by ensuring that each driver receives only the frequencies for which it was designed. A two-way crossover uses a low-pass filter (LPF) for the woofer and a high-pass filter (HPF) for the tweeter. In a three-way system, another band-pass filter is often added for the mid-range woofer.
Active vs. passive crossovers
An important distinction in crossovers is between active and passive types. Active crossovers require an external power source and are known for their flexibility and precision in separating frequencies. Passive crossovers, which do not require an external power source, are installed directly in the speaker cabinet and are often cheaper and easier to use.
What are assembled crossovers?
Assembled crossovers are ready-to-use units that contain all the necessary crossover components. They offer the advantage of being pre-tuned, which saves time and reduces the complexity associated with assembling a crossover yourself.
Considerations when purchasing
When choosing an assembled passive crossover, it is important to consider a few factors:
Type of crossover: Determine whether a two-way or three-way crossover is appropriate for your speaker system.
Frequency range and impedance: Check the frequency range and impedance (ohm) specifications to make sure they match your speakers.
Physical size: Make sure the size of the crossover board fits the speaker enclosure. The size should be compatible with the space available in the enclosure.
For more detailed information on crossover components and how to choose them, check out our blog Basic knowledge of crossover components.