When most people think of speakers and home audio systems, they tend to think about power, watts, ohms and output levels. Rarely does the topic of a crossover come into anyone’s mind, but this small little device is as important as ever in all modern day home stereo and audio equipment. Generally, most audio systems will have several different types of speakers that they are sending signals to. There are three common speaker types that receive signals: subwoofers, tweeters and mid-range drivers. And all receive a different type of a signal that is created just for that individual speaker to optimize the final audio output.

The Main Function of Crossovers

A crossover has two sets of primary functions. The first set is that of a number of signal filters, which determine what signal is sent to what speaker, otherwise there would be far less clarity in the sound emitted, and in some cases, speakers may not work at all, or may even become damaged during the signal transfer. The crossover filters divide the sound signals into segments and sends those segments to the appropriate speaker drivers. The second set of functions for the all important crossover is that of eliminating discrepancies in all of the drivers, assuring that all of the drivers in a system are working properly and will deliver the best signal strength and clarity simultaneously.

Types of Crossovers

There are several different types of crossovers that can perform various functions for an audio system, such as two-way crossovers and three-way crossovers. The real difference between these different varying types of crossovers is how they split or divide the signal strength and send that signal strength to the drivers. For example, a two-way crossover will split the signal strength into two parts, consisting of the low and the high frequencies and then send those signals to the drivers. Whereas a more expensive, three-way crossover will split the signal thrice: low, mid and hi, and send those signals to the drivers.

Learn more about crossovers

A Speaker and Wiring Expert Catches us up to Speed

This speaker and wiring expert demonstrates with great detail exactly what a crossover is and why it is such a crucial portion of any modern day speaker system. Watch and learn as one of the best there is in this field explains, a step at a time, what the importance and functions of a crossover are and why they are necessary with all modern audio electronics and components.