Getting a better experience from a car audio system requires proper crossover setup. The crossover frequency is an essential parameter of the car stereo. How to set crossover frequency for car audio systems?
Frequency range determination, crossover point identification, accessing crossover points and adjusting the crossover are the core steps to set up crossover frequency in car stereo.
In this guide, we will explain crossover frequency, the importance of proper crossover frequency setting for car audio, and the process of setting it, along with more related information. So, let’s jump into the next section.
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What Is Crossover Frequency?
Crossover frequency refers to the audio signal dividing point for specific car stereo drivers. In the crossover frequency point, an audio signal is divided into different frequency bands. Proper frequency setting helps to reproduce more accurate and balanced sound.
There is a specific crossover frequency at the AV receiver of each car audio speaker, which is redirected to the subwoofer through a low-frequency filter through a processor. This process is called digital frequency management. It ensures an awesome blend of sound quality between the speaker and subwoofers. Apart from digital bass management, the frequency setting up is possible manually.
Importance of Proper Crossover Frequency Setting for Car Audio
Many car audio enthusiasts asked do I need a crossover? The answer is yes you need to set it up. The role of proper crossover is incredible for a better audio experience in the car. Let’s look at some examples.
Some speakers are minimally sized and designed in the factory for aftermarket use. These are generally 3.5″, 4″, or 5.25″ in size. Since smaller speakers can’t play with maximum bass, you must play music with lower bass. In this case, the distortion will increase even if you try to adjust using EQ.
Prevent frequency reproduction beyond the capabilities. As a result, the audio signal gets free from ugly distortion, potential damage and muddiness. Besides, a crossover setting can help overcome the smaller speaker’s poor enclosure and weakness.
The Process of Crossover Frequency Setting
Having an AV receiver with an EQ program helps to set up the required crossover automatically. An AV receiver is a specially designed function of an audio system in a vehicle. However, not all vehicles come with an AV receiver and EQ feature.
If your car does not have an AV receiver like a modern one yet, you can set up a preferred crossover frequency. But manual crossover setting needs enough patience and time. It would help if you went through a lot of listening and tweaking to reach an ideal sound output. Here are the steps of the crossover setting.
Step 1: Determine speaker frequency range
Play some audio with dynamic frequency range, like bass, mid, and high-range music. Listen to those audios for a while and make sure in which range you are hearing best. Different types of audio ranges will help you determine the perfect frequency range.
Step 2: Set up the crossover point
Set up crossover at 10 Hz because it is the lowest frequency point. Your speaker can produce this frequency without any distortion. Note that car subwoofer crossover 80hz or 120 hz is the most common frequency for crossover settings.
Step 3: Adjust the crossover frequency
Play some audio and start hearing. Then, gradually turn up the receiver’s volume until you hear any cracking or distortion. Once you hear any distortion, turn down the volume a bit and note the volume level. This volume is considered as the volume threshold of the receiver.
Step 4: Subwoofer gain set-up
How to set crossover frequency on amp? set up the subwoofer amp gain at the most possible lowest value. It would be at a full counterclockwise position. Then start the low pass filter and set it as higher, clockwise.
Step 5: Adjust the sound between the subwoofer and the speaker
Play some audio again and hear until you get a smoother transition between speaker and subwoofer. In this case, take time and patiently observe several times and make sure about the ideal sound transition.
Step 6: Matches subwoofer frequency with the main speaker
If you hear a bass bump when setting up the frequency for the subwoofer, adjust the volume with the main speaker. So, threshold the receiver volume at its highest distortion-free point. Then, gradually turn up the gain of the sub amp until you get a balanced audio output.
How Many Types of Crossover Frequencies for Car Audio?
Three types of crossover frequencies are used for car audio systems.
Active Crossover
Active or electronic crossovers use solid-state components often made in amplifiers. Electrical power is required to operate this type of crossover.
Passive Crossover
Passive crossover can work without power like an active crossover. The passive crossover frequency comes with built-in car speakers. It stays between the speaker and amplifier and prevents unwanted frequencies.
Digital Crossover
Digital or software crossover works to play digital music. Generally, the digital crossover is applied to the software code of the car stereo. This type of crossover frequency works for all types of vehicles.
What Is the Recommended Crossover Frequency for Car Audio?
There are some recommended frequencies for car audio. However, crossover frequency will match based on the types of car speakers. Let’s know the good car audio crossover frequencies that suit most of the conditions.
Subwoofer range
Keep the subwoofer at 70 to 80 Hz low pass. This filter will help to block the midrange sounds.
Main speaker
Set the car main speaker at 50-60 Hz. This range will block the low-end bass frequencies.
2-way speakers
Set up your 2-way speaker with 3-3.5 kHz high pass frequency.
Midrange
The recommended crossover frequency for midrange is 1-3.5 kHz
3-way system
There is a recommended crossover frequency for 3-way speakers. So, Use 300 Hz and 3.5 kHz for a 3-way system.
Final Words
At the end of this guide, we hope you got the answer to your question, “How to set crossover frequency for car audio systems? It is essential to follow some steps to set up the ideal crossover frequency for car audio.
We have already mentioned some easier steps for the crossover setting above. However, if your car is designed with a built-in AV receiver and EQ settings, then the manual crossover setting is no hassle. Otherwise, you can follow our mentioned steps.
Moreover, we describe some recommended crossover frequency parameters that work for almost all situations.
