What crossover frequency should I use?

It depends on the drivers. Typical values: woofer to midrange 300-800 Hz, midrange to tweeter 2-5 kHz. The crossover point should be where both drivers operate comfortably — well within their usable frequency range, not at their limits.

What is the difference between 1st and 2nd order crossovers?

1st order (6 dB/octave) uses one component per driver (simple, phase-coherent). 2nd order (12 dB/octave) uses two components per driver (steeper rolloff, better driver protection, but more complex phase behaviour). Higher orders offer steeper slopes but add cost and complexity.

Why does impedance matter for crossover design?

Crossover component values are calculated based on the nominal impedance of the driver. If the actual impedance differs from nominal (it varies with frequency), the crossover frequency shifts. This is why passive crossover design is more complex than simply plugging in nominal impedance.

Are active crossovers better than passive?

Active crossovers (before amplification) offer more precise control, adjustable slopes and frequencies, no power loss, and better driver protection. Passive crossovers are simpler (no extra amplifiers needed) and are standard in most consumer and many PA speakers.

AudioCalcs

Crossover Calculator — Passive Speaker Crossover Design

Calculate crossover component values for passive speaker crossover networks.

Crossover Frequency

Desired crossover point in Hz

Speaker Impedance

Speaker impedance, typically 4 or 8 ohms

Crossover Order

Higher orders give steeper rolloff but add complexity

How We Calculate This

1st Order (Butterworth)

High-pass capacitor: C = 1 / (2πfZ) µF

Low-pass inductor: L = Z / (2πf) mH

2nd Order (Butterworth)

C = √2 / (2πfZ) µF

L = Z√2 / (2πf) mH

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard formulas. Always verify results for critical applications.