Passive Speaker Crossover Calculator
Calculate passive 2-way speaker crossover component values for 1st order (6dB/oct) and 2nd order Butterworth (12dB/oct) networks.
Formula
Reference: Dickason, "The Loudspeaker Design Cookbook" 7th ed.
How It Works
A speaker crossover network is an essential circuit in audio systems that divides audio signals between different speaker drivers (woofers, tweeters) to ensure optimal frequency reproduction. The crossover frequency determines where low and high-frequency signals are redirected, protecting speakers and maintaining sound quality by preventing drivers from reproducing frequencies they're not designed to handle.
Worked Example
Problem: Design a 1st-order crossover at 1 kHz for an 8-ohm speaker system Solution: 1. Calculate crossover frequency: fc = 1000 Hz 2. Calculate inductor: L = Z/ωc = 8 / (2π * 1000) = 1.27 mH 3. Calculate capacitor: C = 1/(Z * ωc) = 1 / (8 * 2π * 1000) = 20 µF 4. Verify components will effectively split signal at 1 kHz
Practical Tips
- ✓Use high-quality, low-tolerance components
- ✓Consider both electrical and acoustic crossover points
- ✓Measure actual speaker response after installation
- ✓Use metal film capacitors and air-core inductors for precision
Common Mistakes
- ✗Miscalculating impedance values
- ✗Ignoring component tolerances
- ✗Not accounting for speaker power handling
- ✗Failing to match phase characteristics
Frequently Asked Questions
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