Simple Explanation

A device or circuit that splits audio into frequency ranges—like bass, mid, and treble—and sends each to the speaker best suited to handle it.

Concise Technical Definition

A passive or active electrical network that uses filters (high-pass, low-pass, and bandpass) to divide the audio signal into distinct frequency ranges and route them to the appropriate loudspeaker drivers (woofer, midrange, tweeter).

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like a traffic cop at an intersection, directing large trucks (bass) down one road, small cars (mids) down another, and bikes (treble) on a third—each on the path where they function best.

Industry Usage Summary

Used in virtually all multidriver loudspeakers and home theater systems to ensure each driver receives only the frequencies it’s designed to reproduce. Found in passive speaker systems (post-amplification), active studio monitors (pre-amplification), subwoofer setups, car audio, and theater processors. Different crossover “orders” (e.g., 1st, 3rd) define how sharply frequencies are filtered between ranges.

Engineering Shortcut

1st-order = 6 dB/octave, 2nd-order = 12 dB/oct, 3rd-order = 18 dB/oct, Brick-wall ≈ 50 dB/oct. Set crossover frequency at -3 dB point (e.g., 80 Hz for subwoofers); match crossover design to driver response and system goals.

Full Technical Explanation

A crossover is a device or network that divides the full-range audio signal into multiple bands—typically lows, mids, and highs—and routes them to the appropriate speaker drivers. In passive systems, the crossover handles already-amplified signals; in active systems, it operates at line level before amplification. Common implementations include first-order filters (6 dB/octave) to steep brick-wall filters (50 dB/oct). In home theaters, crossover settings determine what frequencies are sent to subwoofers. Proper crossover implementation improves efficiency, sound clarity, and reduces driver strain by ensuring each operates within its optimal range.