Simple Explanation

The point where a speaker system splits sound into different ranges for different drivers (like tweeters, woofers, etc.).

Concise Technical Definition

The frequency at which the crossover network in a loudspeaker or audio system divides the signal, sending high, mid, and low frequencies to their respective drivers; typically defined by the -3 dB point of the associated filter.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like traffic lights that direct different types of vehicles (bikes, cars, trucks) down different roads—each sound "vehicle" goes to the right speaker driver.

Industry Usage Summary

Used in speaker design, mixing consoles, car audio systems, and active or passive crossovers to separate sound by frequency. Crucial for avoiding distortion and ensuring each driver handles only its optimal range.

Engineering Shortcut

-3 dB point of a filter = crossover frequency; commonly used filter types include Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley, and Bessel.

Full Technical Explanation

Crossover frequency defines the transition point between drivers in a multiway speaker system. It is where the audio signal is divided using high-pass, low-pass, or band-pass filters to route appropriate frequencies to tweeters, midranges, and woofers. At the crossover point, filters typically reduce signal strength by 3 dB, ensuring smooth blending between drivers and minimal phase distortion or interference.