An external crossover that is inserted between preamplifier and multiple power amps, thereby replacing the passive filter networks inside the loudspeaker. Usually, active crossovers allow adjustments to the filter frequencies and slopes for in-room performance tuning. Certain manufacturers like Naim Audio offer an upgrade path that proceeds from internal passive to external active crossovers.
A device built with components, such as operational amplifiers and transistors, that requires an external power supply.
A device that takes a full-range audio signal and splits it into 2, 3, 4, or even 5 different segments. A simple 2-way crossover provides an output for the lows and an output for the highs. Usually a control is given which allows the user to select what the crossover point will be. The outputs then feed separate amplifiers and speakers. This method provides better crossover linearity and power usage. see also passive crossover
A component containing its own power source which shifts sound reproduction tasks from one speaker driver to another.
An electronic device which filters and selectively amplifies frequencies, separating the frequencies into sections or bands, and routing them to outputs designed to drive power amplifiers and in turn, speakers. The frequencies filtered depend on the electrical value of the component parts in the circuits of the device, but not on the source or load impedances connected to the device, except in the case where the crossover is actually a passive crossover designed for insertion in the medium-level signal lines of an audio system rather than in speaker lines.
This is installed in the signal path before the amplifier and basically does the same job as the passive crossover. This means you'll need more channels of amplification but there are benefits in terms of sonic performance, set-up flexibility and durability.
a dividing network that splits a full-range signal into two or more frequency groups and routes them to feed the various components (e.g., woofers and tweeters) in a speaker system. Active crossovers divide a line-level output signal from a mixer or other sound source and route the resulting signals to individual amplifiers that drive different speaker components. Passive crossovers usually are built inside speaker cabinets, where they divide an amplifier's output signal for routing to different speaker combinations. See Bi-Amp.
A single or group of electronic parts responsible for dividing or blocking a frequency range or ranges. Once the frequencies are divided or blocked they are routed to the correct amplifier(s). Active crossovers operate before the power amplifier(s) in a system.
A loudspeaker crossover (q.v.) incorporating active components (e.g. op-amps and digital processing).
A loudspeaker frequency divider requiring power to operate. Its outputs are fed into power amplifiers, with a 2-way crossover requiring 2 amps, a 3-way requiring 3 amps etc.
An active crossover is also referred to as an electronic crossover because it requires power and ground connections in order to do its job. It is installed between your receiver or equalizer and your amplifiers. An active crossover filters and directs the frequency bands in the low level signal before they reach the amplifiers. This saves your amps from doing unnecessary work, making your system more efficient. Active crossovers are usually adjustable, giving you more flexibility and letting you tweak the sound to meet the needs of your vehicle. They often have other features like bass boost and let you independently control the relative volume of different types of speakers.
An analog or digital device performing high-pass, low-pass and bandpass functions ahead of power amplifiers driving the transducers in a loudspeaker.
A powered electronic network that divides up the frequency constituents of an audio signal (bass, midrange, and treble) before it is amplified and sent to the various drivers in a speaker system. While active crossovers are often contained within subwoofer enclosures along with the bass driver(s), those that work with multi-way systems may also be outboard mounted.
A crossover that is driven by an external power source.
An electronic device that divides the signal from a source component into frequency bands (low, mid, high) before the signal is amplified; often used in multi-channel systems.
