Passive and Active Crossovers

**1D4LV** · September 22nd, 2004 09:34 AM

tanong lang....

what are the differences between the two? ano ba function nila?

sensha na... newbie audio guy here.

pa-explain in layman's terms ha?

**pajerokid** · September 22nd, 2004 10:04 AM

Active crossovers require DC power input and the cutoff freq are usually adjustable. More Expensive

Passive ones are like those found in seps kits and just connect directly to the HU or Amp and then directly to the speakers, requiring no power supply.

**1D4LV** · September 22nd, 2004 10:13 AM

thanks PK, but will the two output different sound qualities?

**ssaloon** · September 22nd, 2004 10:15 AM

A crossover network is used to select which frequency components of a signal are passed to the different speakers available. A crossover network may be:

- an active crossover network, or
- a passive crossover network.

A crossover network would typically select high frequencies to be passed to a tweeter, and low frequencies to be passed to a woofer. An important design goal for the crossover network is to ensure that the equal sound volume can be produced at all operating frequencies.

An active crossover network includes some form of amplification, as well as passive elements. An active crossover system is often located prior to power amplification, and so operates at low power. An active crossover may also incorporate the power amplifier. An active crossover network may be located within the speaker enclosure, or be housed separately.

A passive crossover network is a crossover network that consists of only passive elements, such as resistors, capacitors and inductors. A passive crossover network is commonly used inside a speaker system, since it does not require a power connection.

HTH

**pajerokid** · September 22nd, 2004 11:13 AM

jeff, mas ok siyempre ang active

passive kasi set in stone na yung settings so there's not much room to customize.

**1D4LV** · September 22nd, 2004 12:35 PM

hmmm. is it safe to say, it will create some improvements on a stock setup if ever i will install either any of the two?

**ssaloon** · September 22nd, 2004 12:40 PM

actually, some separates (if not most) come with crossovers na. and other HUs also come with a passive crossover already which lets you engage the HPF and LPF for better listening quality.

**1D4LV** · September 22nd, 2004 12:54 PM

ah ok. last question (na siguro to....hehehehe). what if assuming yung HU eh may passive Xover na, tapos lagyan mo pa ng additional passive or active xover, what will be the effect? i am still talking on stock mode ha?

sensha na mga bros...