Crossovers

[YourBigEvent 0]

I need an easy to explain description, and what are the advantages of having a crossover in your system please.

 

We have two powerful amps (1500w and 1400w) and 4 x 300w speakers.

[norty303 0]

I take it you're talking about an active crossover? (goes before the amplifier in the signal chain rather than after = 'passive')

 

Basically a crossover takes the audio signal and splits it into separate frequency bands (depending on how its configured, some are fixed, some can be changed by the user)

 

It then sends each of these bands to a separate set of outputs. This allows you to connect to an amp and only send it a specific frequency range

 

e.g. most commonly you'll use an active crossover to run mid/top cabs and subs. The x-over splits the signal so that everything below 150hz goes to one set of outputs (connected to the sub amp) and everything above 150hz goes to the mid/top amp.

 

Systems like this are much more efficient as the speaker is only trying to play frequencies it was designed for.

 

 

There is a lot more to it than that, x-over filter types and slopes, hi-pass and lo-pass filters, delay, etc but its not so important. Let me know if you want the detail.

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

having a crosss over will give you more controll over the levels and overall the sound will be better.

 

amps will not work as hard as they only have part of the frequencies to amplify,

 

inderpendant control of the gain to each amp, so no clipping ever again if set up right.

 

install one and listen, its like having your ears washed out and finding you missed out on so much http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif

[Kingy 0]

Adding an active (electronic) crossover basically means that the signal leaves your mixer and goes into the crossover where, dependant on the selected frequency, it is split. This split signal is then sent from the crossover to your amplifiers, then on to the speakers. It is usual to have two types of speakers, Bass Bins and Midtop packs, with one amp driving the bins and one the top packs.

 

So, if you want a two way split to feed the two amplifiers, the bass, say up to about 140hz goes to the amp for the bass and then to the bass drivers. Everything above the crossover frequency ( in this case 140hz) goes to the other amp and on to the top cabs. You select the crossover frequency that you like the sound of.

 

However Andy, if you are using just the HZ top cabs, there will be no significant advantage, as these cabs have a passive crossover built in. Passive crossovers use up to 30% of your output power to work!!

 

Hope this helps. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/patriot.gif

 

[YourBigEvent 0]

So Chris, how much can I buy a crossover for ?

[eswmartin 0]

Behringer Super X pro plus tech. should cost about £12 if you buy a broken one

[YourBigEvent 0]

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wallbash.gif

[norty303 0]

Hiya, can you just clarify what your 4 x 300w cabs are?

 

If they're all mid/top or full range then there's no use in getting an active crossover.

[YourBigEvent 0]

2 x bins

2 x tops

[Gary 0]

QUOTE (ADS Entertainments @ Feb 14 2005, 09:42 AM)

So Chris, how much can I buy a crossover for ?

According to Behringers site and Recommended Retail Prices, it'll be £101 for a straight-forward Behringer Crossover...

 

However, £195 will get you one of these.. A crossover, and all sorts of other useful bits in and all-in-one package.

Edited February 16, 2005 by Gary

[Dynamicdiscos 0]

I have just purchased a Behringer Super X Pro CX2310 Frequency Crossover.

 

Haven't had a chance to play with it yet but I will let you know.

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

I paid £62 plus vat for mine