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A crossover is a device that passes only certain frequencies. It consists of filters that block either below or above a set point. A two way crossover will have a crossover point and will have two outputs. Above and below the set frequency. Three ways will also have a bandpass which is below one frequency and above another which is called a band. They are used to send speakers only the frequencies that they do best. If you send a sub a high frequency or a tweeter a low frequency they will not sound very good since they are not made for those frequencies. Also something that is common to see with a crossover is its slope. At the frequency that it is set to filter either above or below the power does not just drop off but it slopes down. So the power of 6 dB per octave crossover will drop 6 dB for every octave you go from the crossover point. 24 dB's will drop 24 dB's for every octave you go over. High slope numbers are usually better but may not always be the best for your setup. This is why a lot of work is done designing crossovers for components. They have to find what crossover frequency and what slopes sound best for the speakers.
There are two types of crossovers: passive and electronic. Passive ones connect between an amp and the speaker and are found with all components systems and some coaxials. Electronic crossovers are placed between a source and amp. They can be either inside the headunit or amp or can be a separate device connected in between the interconnects.
An equalizer is a device that can boost or cut certain frequencies. They are used when someone feels that a certain frequency is lacking or too loud. They can then change the loudness of that frequency with an equalizer. Eq's have a certain number of frequency bands that they control from only a few up to 31 or even 60. A 31 band Eq will give the greatest amount of frequencies to control but they are also harder to setup correctly.
Posts: 327 | From: Pleasanton & Sacramento Ca | Registered: Dec 2001
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