Hey guys, can anyone here me understand how to tune or setup an active crossover please? I have some basic questions I would like to ask or if anyone can refer me to an appropriate source for this would be nice, thx.
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How to tune a crossover please?
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Thx. I got a basic understanding from this article here short while ago please a YouTube video on the subject but I still have a few questions if you guys won't mind please:
https://jlaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-us...bile_site=true
Using the Ashly XR1001 as an example and a 2 way speaker system [sub and 2way full range speaker]
https://i.postimg.cc/fTx7rGgt/Screen...1-21-45-AM.png
Since right side is for bass, that right side's Frequency Response knob would be set at 80 and the left side which is for the Mids/Highs it's Frequency Response knob would also be also set at 80? If yes, when running in 3 way mode, which frequency setting would be used for the Mids speakers please something like 800 so then the 3 knobs would be set at 80, 800 and 1khz?
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The Ashly XR1001 is a 2 channel analog active crossover, so if you are using it for a typical "stereo" PA setup with left and right stacks CH1 of the crossover is for the left and CH2 is for the right.
Each channel of the crossover has 1 input and 2 outputs.. low and high.
For stereo 2-way operation first set the Mode switch to Stereo 2-way, and the Range switches on each channel in the out position so the crossovers can be set in the 40-800hz range.
Start with the Input and Output level controls at the U position, set the Crossover Frequency control to the position marked 1k(that is actually 100hz now), and the Response control to 6.
Do this for both channels.
On the back of the crossover..
The mixer main L and R outputs connect to Ch1 and CH2 inputs respectively
The Low outputs connect to the amplifier powering the subs
The High outputs connect to the amplifier power the mains.
Power everything up and play some music at a comfortable SPL, adjust the relative balance between the subs and mains with the low and high gain controls. In general we like it when the bass level is a little higher then everything else, but try to end up with these controls somewhere close tot he U positions.. +/- 30% for example
Move the Crossover Frequency control up and down just to hear the effect it has, the common sub/main crossover is in the 80-120hz range which is a bit hard to precisely set on an analog crossover like this, but because it's a logarithmic scale it will be in the range between the two tic marks either side if the 1K position.Paul O
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In 3 way mode this unit is only capable of mono operation... just so you know.
The settings you use will depend on the speakers connected to each output, 80hz and 800hz could be good numbers but they could also lead to blown drivers.
What speakers are you using in this system?
Paul O
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I am not referring to any particular system, just trying to understand what I am seeing in the DIY article mentioned earlier.
https://i.postimg.cc/c6G4WBwc/Screen...8-24-59-AM.png
Sorry the screenshots are not uploading directly into my posts.
So that article is showing 3 filters, my question is if I should have 3 separate speakers, one sub, one mid woofer and one horn, which frequency settings would I be using for each of the 3 frequency response knobs on any active crossover please?
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OK I understand your confusion now, the article describes 3 crossover filters which would be used when building a passive crossover. Analog active crossovers do it a little differently, those 3 filters are combined together in such a way that there are only 2 crossover frequencies in a 3-way setup. The upper crossover for the LOW band and the lower crossover for the MID are at the same frequency, and the upper crossover for the Mid and low crossover for the HI are at the same frequency, that is why there are only 2 frequency controls on a unit like the Ashly xr1001.Paul O
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Originally posted by frustrated View Postif I should have 3 separate speakers, one sub, one mid woofer and one horn, which frequency settings would I be using for each of the 3 frequency response knobs on any active crossover please?
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Originally posted by Paul O View PostOK I understand your confusion now, the article describes 3 crossover filters which would be used when building a passive crossover. .
I think I got a better handle now. I had thought that each separate speaker would require it's own frequency knob and setting so for example a 5 way setup would have required 5 frequency knobs with each having their own settings but from this screenshot I can see that in 3 way mode there are only 2 frequency knobs with each one sharing the Mids frequencies:
https://i.postimg.cc/JzYjfm8x/Screen...2-17-32-PM.png.
So this tells me guys that both frequency knows should not be set to the same exact setting, that it would depend on each speaker's frequency response requirements, is this correct please?
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Originally posted by frustrated View PostI think I got a better handle now. I had thought that each separate speaker would require it's own frequency knob and setting so for example a 5 way setup would have required 5 frequency knobs with each having their own settings
With a digital crossover it is often possible to set each filter individually allowing for more complex configurations.
Maybe a few definitions relative to audio applications would help.
Filter: An electronic circuit or algorithm(in the digital realm) that affects the frequency response of a signal. Filters come in many flavors, they can boost or cut a range of frequencies like an EQ control, or they can roll off or boost frequencies above or below a certain corner frequency.
Crossover: A pair of roll off filters that when ganged together produce a smooth acoustic "crossover" from one speaker driver to another.
Originally posted by frustrated View PostSo this tells me guys that both frequency knobs should not be set to the same exact setting, that it would depend on each speaker's frequency response requirements, is this correct please?Paul O
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Users of my horn loaded subs routinely set the low pass frequency lower than the high pass frequency of the mains What matters is the summed response of sub and main, with horn loaded subs this is usually the best way to get flat summed response, as they have higher sensitivity with increasing frequency.
I had thought it was referring to an active crossover.
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Great, making a lot of progress. Reading up on and watching videos of DB and slope settings:
The slope is the rate at which the signal rolls off or attenuates past the crossover's frequency. Slopes are set in 6 dB increments with 12 dB, 24 dB and 48 dB slopes being the most common and used in many amplifiers with variable or set crossovers. Higher end DSP tuning processors such as the TwK™ 88 and TwK™ D8 include 6 dB, 18 dB and 36 dB slopes for more advanced tuning. The higher the decibel, the steeper the slope on the crossover.
Also I am having trouble understanding how the slope or roll off translates into the sound you hear, can you guys explain this aspect for me please? Meaning if I should set a digital processor to 12db then try another setting at 48, how would that affect the sound I am hearing or what should be the difference I should pay attention to in what's coming from the speakers?
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Analog active crossovers have adjustable frequency but not slope. The advantage to higher slopes is better protection for high frequency devices and less pass band overlap of the driver outputs. This site explains how crossovers work very well. It speaks specifically to passives, but again, actives do the same thing, except being located before the amps they don't affect the speaker impedance. http://www.bcae1.com/xoorder.htm
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