Are you confused about the fundamental differences between subsonic frequencies and low bass sounds?
Is your home theater system producing strange notes and muffled thumps which seem to be coming from nowhere in particular?
Are you struggling to decide if it’s best to have a crossover at 80hz or 120hz for your subwoofer setup?
If so, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this blog post, we’ll know why having a proper crossover point is so important for achieving optimal sound quality.
This function is very handy for those who wish to personalize their music to their own personal preferences, as it allows them to do just that.
You may use the crossover on the subwoofer to ensure that certain sounds are emphasized while others are downplayed, giving you more control over the overall mix.
You are able to create the ideal listening experience for yourself by using the subwoofer crossover 80hz or 120hz frequencies function.
This feature enables you to adjust the sound to your own requirements.
Read on for insight that can help ensure top-notch audio performance with minimal interference!
80hz Vs. 120hz How Low Can The Speakers Go?
According to the widespread agreement, it is recommended to configure all loudspeakers to be tiny if your setup contains an activated sub and to maintain the frequency you feed to them at those exceeding 80Hz.
When you raise the crossover frequency above 80 Hz, there is a greater possibility that the audio signal that is being sent to the subwoofer will become concentrated on just that component.
According to certain studies, the frequency of 80 Hz is optimal for sound redirection because this is the frequency at which an individual’s hearing system starts to localize sounds.
Other studies support this theory.
Although not everyone is capable of doing so, an increasing number of people are able to recognize high frequencies of up to 200 Hz when those frequencies rise over 80 Hz.
By the way, commercial movie theatres employ the exact same method of bass management as is described here.
In addition to this, it has the backing of THX, which means that speakers that have been certified by them do not even have to reproduce the subwoofer crossover frequency of 80 Hz or 120 Hz in order to be acknowledged.
80hz VS 120hz: Which Is Best For Beginners?
Even though it has been proposed that the cross-overs be fixed at 80 Hz as an initial point, we believe that any graph generated using these would show that 120 Hz is a preferable choice.
Yet, it seems to us that the drop-off that began at about 50 Hz was mitigated by the 120 Hz crossover in comparison to when the crossover was modified to 80 Hz. This was the case when the crossover was set to 120 Hz.
We are still plagued by the issue of room-induced null that occurs anywhere between 30 and 45 Hz.
Because many smaller places have a room resonant at that organic dip where the woofer stops and the medium takes over, we always choose a 120 Hz crossover because it decreases standing waves.
This is because the dip is where the woofer terminates, and the medium takes over.
We are, however, in agreement over what seems to have the best sound.
According to our assessment, the higher cover will make certain that the system emits a smooth sound.
But decreasing the frequency to a lower one might make the sound better. A significant amount is dependent on the mixer.
I have the impression that 80 Hz is going to come out on top, but when I listen to music on my home theatre system with the subwoofer placed in the middle of my speakers, 120 Hz sounds much better.
According to the manufacturer, my car stereo system, which consists of premium 6.5 speakers, plays down cleanly to 80 Hz, which would make 80 Hz an ideal crossover point.
The speakers, however, only provide the impression of producing sound down to 200 hertz, despite the fact that there is a wide variety of acoustic equipment being utilized.
If I do not let the subwoofer handle it with a 120-hertz crossover, there is a significant loss of punch from a large dip around 120 hertz.
What Is The Best Crossover Frequency For A Subwoofer?
80 Hertz is the frequency that is generally recommended as the out-of-the-box standard for home theatre setups.
You have the option of adjusting the crossover of the network anywhere from 40 Hz to 250 Hz, depending on which choice provides the best sound quality for your system.
The Audyssey MultEQ software allows you to customize the inbuilt crossover, which is then replicated on your subwoofer after the configuration is complete.
Nonetheless, the following are some things to keep in mind when selecting the crossover frequency:
- Maintain a frequency below 200 Hz in order to avoid drawing undue attention to the location of the subwoofer. The range should be lower than 100 Hz, ideally.
- The housing of the majority of satellites will feature ventilation. Find out the frequency at which it resonates, and then make an attempt to sing at least an octave higher than that.
- If there is a choice of order option (6 dB/oct, 12 dB/Oct, etc.), you should experiment with the lowest level that still performs well.
It is imperative that you do not minimize the relevance of the positioning of the subwoofer or, if necessary, the acoustical correction of your listening location.
Is 120hz Good For a Subwoofer?
The frequency response of most home subwoofers should be adequate, up to 120 Hz. However, the frequency response of many, if not most, will begin to roll off between 18 and 25 Hz (and beyond).
If you cross over your primary loudspeakers to your subwoofer at a frequency equal to or lower than 120 Hz, you won’t need your subwoofer to perform above that frequency.
It is possible that you will want to test your system with crossover points that are higher than “normal” for the smaller “satellite” speakers it contains.
In most configurations, 80 hertz provides the optimal performance due to a number of variables.
Yet, at frequencies significantly lower than 120 Hz or even 150 Hz, the sound produced by small loudspeakers frequently begins to become pinched or scratchy.
This is especially the case when the volume is turned up to a higher setting.
If you could get accurate readings of the frequency response of your loudspeakers, you could use that information to figure out how the crossover over arrangement should be set up.
This would be the ideal situation.
Is 80Hz Good For A Subwoofer?
For instance, a crossover set at 80 Hz functions more effectively for a sub than a crossover set at 100 Hz or 120 Hz.
The sound coming from the subwoofer is significantly less pointed and distinct, and it appears murkier or has deeper bass when the crossover frequency is higher than 80 Hz.
If there were only a crossover at 80 Hz, the bass tones between 80 and 120 hertz would not be as compact or sharp as they may be; however, the difference is not particularly important.
With the latter choice, the deeper and more mid-bass frequencies appear to be better regulated and resolved.
A great deal is dependent on the fronts that you possess.
If you have little bookcases for fronts, you will get the most out of the subwoofer by utilizing above 80 because they cannot grow down 80 very well.
Why Is 80 Hz The Best Crossover?
The majority of people are unable to hear bass sounds lower than 100 hertz.
Because it is set to 80 Hz, the crossover will prevent the majority of listeners from being able to identify the source of the deep bass.
A greater amount of crossover will, for the majority of people, result in a diminished sense of reality.
Even if they extend below 80Hz, many loudspeakers do not have a smooth response below that frequency; as a result, a deeper crossover is not required for the standard mid-fi setup.
Since the amount of energy required to produce a tone at 50 Hz is far more than the amount of energy required to produce a tone at 100 Hz, why not let the sub do what it was designed to do?
If you do this, the bass that is being produced by the loudspeakers may end up sounding crisper, which is in addition to the fact that it will reduce the likelihood of splitting at standard values.
It is also the best since it conforms to the criteria established by THX.
How To Set the Proper Crossover Frequency Of A Subwoofer?
The crossover frequency of your subwoofer is such a frequency at which your loudspeakers initialize to lose sound, and your subwoofer starts playing bass tones and low-frequency effects (LFEs).
The vast majority of modern audio-video (AV) speakers come equipped with an auto-EQ feature, which analyses the characteristics of your speakers to calculate the ideal crossover frequency and then applies it immediately.
In most cases, you should not change these settings because doing so is strongly advised.
In order to achieve the good possible outcomes when modifying the crossover frequencies in a two-channel or stereo audio system that makes use of an AV processor, preamp, or DSP subwoofer, the following are some pointers that can be followed.
It is helpful to conduct some attentive listening and testing in order to obtain the best-sounding results possible when using the bass management capabilities.
If you are aware of the frequency spectrum for your loudspeakers, you should adjust the crossover point to roughly 10 Hz.
This is much above the minimum frequency at which your loudspeakers will produce any audible effect.
The THX specification calls for a crossover frequency of 80 Hz, which is also the most common frequency used.
The following statistical information offers standard recommendations for speaker/subwoofer crossover frequencies.
- Little loudspeakers that are mounted on the wall or “satellites” mounted on the wall: 150–200 Hz.
- 100–120 Hz should be used for a bookshelf, a small middle, and surrounds.
- 80–100 Hz for a bookshelf, center channel, and surround speaker of medium size.
- 60–80 Hz should be used for the large center channel, surround, and bookshelf channels.
- 40 to 60 Hz should be heard in the large center, surround, and bookshelf channels.
- 60 Hz for tall loudspeakers with woofers between 4 and 6 inches in diameter.
- High-rise speaker system with woofers ranging from 8 to 10 inches and a frequency response of 40 Hz or large/full band (i.e., full-range).
If you are uncertain about the right frequency increases for your loudspeakers, you should make use of a Subwoofer Matching Analyzer.
It will advise you on the ideal crossover frequency for your speaker systems as well as recommend the SVS woofer that would work best with them.
Examine the difference in volume between the speakers and the subwoofer to ensure that it is consistent.
The mixing should be so good that you can’t tell where the bass is coming from, and everything should be in time with each other.
If you notice an increase in the bass at the crossover frequency, you should experiment with adjusting the volume slider such that it matches the performance of your primary loudspeakers.
Subwoofer Causing Cancellation At 120hz, What To Do?
Imagine that you reverse the order of your phases, and that results in a peak.
Adjust your sub when you aren’t getting the best reaction, and continue to modify it even after that.
Better further, obtain a secondary sub (or 4). It will be far simpler to transfer a second sub in my arrangement than this one, and considering that this particular subtype is currently on sale, it is possible that this will occur.
You could try starting over in Audessey from the beginning of the game where you are now at.
There is a possibility that an inaccurate subphase was the cause of the cancellation.
Concerns regarding placement can very easily have an effect on substitutes.
Suppose you are able to position the subwoofer next to where you are seated and play the “white” sound across it.
As you move throughout the house in search of prospective placement places, you should keep an ear out for the spots that produce the loudest sound with the least amount of cancellation.
Best Crossover Frequency For Live Sound
It is recommended that the crossover frequency for the primary speakers be set at 80 Hz (low pass).
Because of the crossover, the low-end sound that was potentially causing disruption in this frequency region has been eliminated.
This crossover frequency is the ideal point of balance between the middle bass and the full-range bass.
If you want to achieve a peak passage or bandpass, then 3.5 kHz is the optimal crossover frequency for tweeters and two-way speakers.
The quality of these speakers will be below average, below this frequency range.
It is recommended that the crossover frequency for midrange speakers and woofers be between 1-3.5 kHz (low pass).
Outside of this band, the majority of midrange and woofer loudspeakers are unable to produce acoustic signals of a high enough quality to be audible.
Thus, the addition of tweeters will assist them in having excellent bass.
The frequency spectrum from 500 Hz to 3.5 kHz is considered to be the best crossover frequency band for three-way speakers.
It is not possible for the midrange speakers in a three-way system to deliver an exceptional sound quality below 500 hertz.
Also Read: Will Installing A Subwoofer Void My Warranty? (Revealed)
How Do You Calculate A Crossover Subwoofer?
Using the crossover calculators, choose the number of loudspeakers that will be included in your plan.
While designing a crossover, decide whether to use two (a woofer and a tweeter) or three (a woofer, a midrange speaker, and a tweeter) loudspeakers.
Choose one speaker to go on each of the two additional circuits (Zobel and L-pad).
Choose the sorting you want to use after applying the filter.
It is important to note that a 2nd-order crossover filter offers a satisfactory compromise between ease of use and level of complexity.
Enter the impedance that you found on the specifications sheet that corresponds to each speaker here.
You should be able to find it there. More information regarding this property can be gleaned from the acoustic impedance tool.
Replace “in” with the crossover frequency (s).
When using a two-speaker system, select a wavelength that can be reproduced by any of the two loudspeakers by doing some study on the frequency reaction bands of the loudspeakers.
The findings section will now include the component numbers for the inductor and capacitor that you require for your active crossover investigation.
When configuring the subwoofer crossover, you want there to be just the right amount of overlap between the speakers and the subwoofer.
Subwoofers have the ability to take your system to the next level, but you won’t even notice that they’re there once they do.
Inconsistency is produced when there is not enough overlap, a peak is produced when there is too much overlap, and harmony is produced when there is just the right amount of overlap.
Tips for Proper Crossover Frequency
If you want to get the most out of your audio system, you need to make sure that the subwoofer crossover is set up properly.
This will allow you to get the most out of your system.
At the subwoofer crossover, the low and high bass notes of the audio signal are separated and delivered to different output channels.
This occurs because the subwoofer crossover is the point at which this occurs.
If the subwoofer crossover is not set up properly, the resulting sound won’t be balanced, and the listening experience won’t be as good as it could be.
The following are some helpful hints that will assist you in getting the most out of the crossover settings.
1- Consider The Ranges of The Subwoofer
When choosing a suitable crossover setting frequency for your loudspeaker system, it is essential to take into account the size of the subwoofer that you will be using.
This requires taking into consideration not only the maximum frequency but also the lowest frequency that the speakers are capable of reproducing.
Doing so will ensure that all sounds are transferred to the speaker crossover and that none of them are lost in the crossover.
In a similar vein, make sure that the frequency you choose is greater than the loudspeaker’s highest frequency.
This will prevent the loudspeaker from being forced to reproduce surround sounds that are beyond its capabilities.
2- Use A Test Tone to Check The 80Hz Crossover Is At The Correct Level
Utilizing a test tool is a wonderful way to confirm that the crossover frequency of your sub is adjusted appropriately.
This frequency allows the sub to transition from one frequency range to another.
This piece of advice will assist you in achieving the highest possible sound quality, making the most of the capability of your sound system, and keeping tabs on the date when you started the thread starter.
It is essential to make certain that the crossover frequency setting of your subwoofer is not adjusted to a level that is higher than what is advised.
If you use a test tool, you will be able to determine whether or not the crossover frequency has been set in an appropriate and precise manner.
If you want the greatest results, you should begin by adjusting the frequency setting to its lowest possible value and gradually raise it until you hear a tone that is crisp and audible.
After you have determined the ideal volume, you will be able to be certain that your subwoofer is correctly configured and that you are receiving the highest possible sound quality.
3- Use Filters with A Steep Slope to Avoid Frequency Overlap
When employing crossovers, it is essential to select a filter with a steep slope that will assist in preventing frequency overlap in order to produce the best possible results.
This can assist in ensuring that the signals of the various speakers that you are using are properly balanced, which in turn helps to ensure that the sound is clear and reduces the number of standing waves that are there.
Using a filter with a steep slope, such as a Linkwitz-Riley or Butterworth filter, can assist you in achieving the sound that is both the smoothest and cleanest transition possible.
4- Avoid Using Too High A Crossover Frequency To Avoid Distortion
The sound produced by your subwoofer can be drastically altered if you use a crossover frequency that is too high.
It is possible for the speakers to be damaged, as well as for the sound to become distorted and muffled.
The signal is divided between the high driver and the low driver at the crossover frequency. This frequency is referred to as the “crossover point.”
A decent crossover frequency should be set at a point where the low-frequency driver can still generate a clear, clean sound and the high driver can withstand higher sound outputs without distorting the music.
This point can be found by comparing the sound produced by the two drivers.
5- Verify The Crossover Frequency With A Spectrum Analyzer
Because it enables you to view the strength of each frequency over the whole frequency range, a spectrum analyzer is an excellent instrument for locating the frequency at which the crossover occurs.
Because of this, it is very simple to zero in on the specific frequency of the room response that is required for the crossover.
While using a spectrum analyzer to correctly test the crossover frequency, you should look for the frequency that is the loudest in the range without any bass bump.
Then, you should use that frequency as the crossover frequency.
Identifying The Best Crossover Point For Your System
Determining the best points for your system could look like a difficult process, but it really doesn’t have to be that difficult.
You can achieve the best potential performance from your subwoofer by locating the ideal crossover setting for it, which can be accomplished with just a few easy steps.
The first thing you have to do is figure out what kind of crossover point you’ll require.
The answer to this question will be determined by the size and nature of the system with which you are dealing.
If you have a more compact system, you should probably go for a higher point, as this will result in more accurate replication of the sound.
On larger systems, setting the point lower will ensure that each speaker receives the appropriate amount of power to operate to its full potential.
After you have determined the best crossover setting for your subwoofer, it is time to go to work on setting it up.
It is good to find the ideal crossover points for your audio system so that you can get the most out of its capabilities and get the most bang for your buck.
While you are configuring your crossovers, there are a few important things that you will need to take into consideration.
These include the power of your speakers, the LFE channel and amplifier, as well as the frequency response of the various speakers that you are utilizing.
In addition, you need to take into account any acoustic treatments that you may have installed in the space because these will have an effect on the sound produced by your system.
As soon as you’ve taken all of these considerations into account, you’ll be able to identify the ideal crossover option for your system.
This is the setting that will give you the best sound quality while also ensuring that your primary speakers are protected.
Characteristics Of Subwoofers For Mid Bass
Subwoofers are an important component of any sound system and contribute to a wide variety of system improvements.
They are renowned for their strength and punch, and they have an outstanding response on the low end.
The following is a list of some of the most important properties of subwoofers:
- Crafted to replicate sounds with frequencies ranging from 40 to 200 hertz. In general, this specific one is lower than the majority of speaker drivers; as a result, these subwoofers are able to produce bass that is both deep and booming.
- Because of their compact size, they are ideally suited for use in confined areas where there isn’t enough room for a huge, cumbersome subwoofer.
- Excellent for a track that calls for a sound that is more evenly balanced. The capacity of these speakers to reproduce midrange frequencies contributes to the creation of full-range speakers and a soundscape that is more realistic.
- They are famous for their tremendous power-handling capacities, which enable them to reproduce sound with a high level of accuracy and detail. Because of this, they are the best option for reproducing frequencies in the middle range.
FAQs
What Happens When The Crossover Frequency Is Too Low?
The sound quality of a speaker system is at risk of being degraded if the crossover frequency is set too low.
This can lead to a muddled mix, in which the bass and treble outputs are difficult to differentiate from one another, and as a consequence, the sound quality might be subpar.
In addition, let’s say the crossover frequency is significantly too low.
In that scenario, the speaker system will have a difficult time producing music that is free of sonic imperfections since the speaker cone will be subjected to signals that it was not intended to process.
This might cause the sound to become distorted as well as harsh and unpleasant.
How Can I Adjust The Crossover Frequency?
The first step is to play some music while simultaneously connecting a frequency analyzer to your audio system.
You’ll notice the output shifting in response as you make adjustments to the crossover frequency knob.
Listen to the in-room response to determine where the music sounds the best, then make any necessary adjustments.
You can quickly achieve the ideal sound quality for your system with only a little amount of effort and experimentation.
So, you should not be scared to experiment in order to locate the ideal frequency crossover for your subwoofer.
Should Car Subwoofer Crossover Be 80hz Or 120hz?
A crossover frequency for mid-range speakers that falls somewhere between 80 and 120 Hz is often considered to be excellent.
And the ideal frequency range for subwoofers, also known as low-frequency drivers, is often between 40 and 80 Hz.
These are, of course, merely suggestions; ultimately, it is up to you to explore and determine the crossover frequencies that provide the most pleasing sound in your car.
What Is The Best Hz For a Subwoofer?
The recommended refresh rate for home theatre systems is 80 Hz, which is also the frequency that is used by default when the system is first turned on.
On the other hand, you can adjust the channel’s crossover anywhere between 40 Hz and 250 Hz so that it produces the sound quality that is most suitable for your system.
What Happens If You Set Crossover Too High?
Too high of a setting has a number of potential negative effects, the most significant of which are that the stereo image may become distorted.
As the frequencies produced by the subwoofer enter the normal hearing range (meaning that you will be able to “localize” the subwoofer.
And identify it as a separate source from the primary speakers) and that the subwoofer may distort and/or roll-off higher frequencies than it is able to process.
What Crossover Setting Gives You the Most Bass?
The frequency of 80 hertz is suggested as the crossover point (low pass).
This is a great low-pass frequency that prevents any midrange sounds from being mixed in with the subwoofer bass, so ensuring that the bass is given priority.
It excels most prominently in the low-end bass.
Is a higher crossover frequency better?
It is common to practice detail, within the specifications, the rated low-frequency extension of each individual speaker.
The crossover frequency ought to be established at a point that is 10-15 Hz higher than the rated low-frequency extension.
This is a good rule of thumb.
Summary
The precise configuration of a subwoofer crossover at 80 Hz or 120 Hz might be difficult to achieve because the adjustment must regularly be made by ear.
Yet, there are a few features of bass control that could be of use to you in the process of configuring your audio system.
The frequency of the subwoofer crossover can be changed through dynamic subwoofer cross-overs, which allows for the bass and sub-bass frequency ranges to be blocked or increased.
It is recommended that a common crossover frequency for bass sounds fall anywhere between 60 and 80 Hz.
