Crossover Frequency - Words of the Day
/Crossover frequency
Also called x-over frequency, this refers to the frequency at which a speaker array reassigns sound from one type of speaker to the other. The boundary line that defines what range of frequencies any particular speaker cone will play.
Crossovers can also mean a piece of equipment that defines the crossover frequency.
In researching another post for this site I was looking at spec sheets for several lower-end PA systems and was baffled to find crossover frequency information was missing from all manufacturer published literature. That annoys me because...
Why it matters:
- Crossover frequency is a point where electronic wizardry happens that causes electricity (or signal in digital crossovers) to go from one place to another. Electrical engineers have gotten pretty good at making this a smooth transition these days but it is still hardly perfect.
- Speakers are really good at making a single tone really well, but once you start moving the frequency range from the sweet spot the speaker's overall frequency response becomes more of a result of compromises.
What to look out for:
- The specific frequency. If a crossover frequency happens at a critical point in the audio spectrum, like around the frequency of a snare drum, you stand a terrific chance of a crippling loss in fidelity on a fairly critical instrument in most modern music.
- A thing I call bleedover. Ready made multi speaker cabinets like the typical $200 PA packages use don't have this problem as much but when employing more complex multi cabinet setups, say normal PA's and subwoofers, the two speakers might start to infringe on each other's turf in a sonic sense. This is not only inefficient but can create unnatural spikes and dead spots in the sonic spectrum.
Have your own idea for a word of the day? Let me hear it! Toss in any fun stories you’ve got on the subject while you’re at it.