By: Jack Wylde
Submitted: 2010-02-01 18:26:15 | Word Count: 513
A high end audio system has a very essential integral part which is the crossover. This is used for maximum audio clarity. It can be done by filtering all audio signal by frequency and then they are directed to the correct amplifier and then to the speaker. There are two types of cross over. One is the active cross overs which gives a better clarity sound by proper adjustment and filtration of the audio signals. And the other is the passive cross over which is low adjustable and also produces low quality sounds. But how to set up active cross overs?
There are few steps with which the question can be answered. These active cross overs are generally used in a car audio system. These also find application in home theater systems and public announcement rigs. A tri amped audio system and a three way active cross over is required to accomplish this task.
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The first step in this task is to choose a location for the mounting of the active cross over some where in between the amplifier of the system and the stereo head unit. The cross over is then mounted in the chosen location. Keeping the cross overs behind the car s dash panel seems to be a good option in cases where you do not want to adjust the cross over later. Installing it in the trunk or under the seat would be a good option if you prefer to have direct controls on the cross over.
The active cross overs audio output is connected to the stereo unit s audio connections. The appropriate amplifier is chosen and then each cross overs output is connected to it. The necessary electrical connections are made initially. A 12 volt DC power is required for the cross over to run. The other essential thing is a power supply to the car s battery.
A link to the ground should be made to the car s chassis. To avoid drainage from the cross overs battery an electrical signal must be made to run. The low pass filter of the cross over can be set at 80 Hz. Only frequencies like bass and kick drum having a frequency of 80 Hz or below can pass through. This kind of filter setting is essential for using sub woofer routed from the output.
A high pass filter of the cross over can be set for 3000 Hz which allows frequencies like cymbals and acoustics harmonics to pass through. The frequencies below 80 Hz and above 3000 Hz are cut off.
The cross overs are adjusted based on the music and the taste of the listener. This is done to match the speakers and amplifiers. Moving one frequency range must be accompanied by adjusting the other accordingly. The mounting of the cross over must be made in an easily accessible area.
Cross overs can be used for increasing the quality and clarity of sound but the question how to set up active cross overs makes it look like a big task but by following these simple steps one can easily accomplish the task.
