Making the crossover decision is always a huge headache as there are arguments left and right. Especially, in the low octaves such as 6dB and 12dB range.
So, how to choose between crossover 6db or 12db?
The 6-dB crossover does a 1/4th reflection sound output in a certain area. On the other hand, the 12-dB crossover spreads the sound more densely. This is with 1 of the 2 octaves output which suggests a steeper sound. The bass booms would be more audible with a 12 dB crossover point.
We would have to rely on your opinion about working with sound reflections. The right frequency levels deliver the most entertainment value.
Let us begin with the main topic of reflection where personal interests matter.
A Short Comparison of Crossover 6dB or 12dB
Here’s a quick chart of three different pass levels and how the two crossover behave on those-
| Crossover Frequencies | 6dB | 12dB |
| High Pass | Muffled air wave sound spread output with 1/4th coverage | Defined output with 50% air wave occupation |
| Low Pass | Missing some good bass audibility functions due to under phasing | Precise and steep bass audible sound reaching the correct 180 degrees level of output |
| Band Pass | Completely non-existent and non-audible as no frequency response is found on subwoofers | Supports more speaker addition with clarity in the sound output |
A stronger sound output requires higher crossover frequency response have more options. This means the 6dB carries lower varieties than the 12 dB.
More varieties mean better sound quality. This is how the loudness of the sound is defined. An increased volume in sound carries clean tonalities that higher decibels can generate.
What to Expect From 6dB and 12dB Crossovers
Both 6db and 12db sound volumes are low. The sound coming out from your speakers is going to sound like a whisper. Choosing between crossover 6db or 12db would depend on what you want.
Commonly, the 12db crossover is something that you need. Lower than that is less efficient.
Since we are not going above a 12-decibel crossover, it suits the home audio scene. This means you are looking for a nice chilled time to entertain yourself in your bedroom or living room.
In an attempt to detect speaker crossover frequency, you may feel confused. You are looking for expanded sound clarity in low volume. Experts say the higher the dB the better the sound.
Also, constantly listening at insanely high volume depreciates the speakers faster. Consider the wise approach to determining home speaker durability. Inner functions will last long with a constant 12db crossover frequency.
In a low surface volume spread scene, you should consider a 12db crossover. The reason? The sound will be steeper representing all elements that are put in the sound production.
Crossover Frequency Types
Crossover frequencies are of two types, active and passive. For home use, passive crossover speakers are most suited. Active speakers will be inefficient if not played really loud.
As mentioned before, for both active and passive, it should not go below 12dB crossover.
To demonstrate your chill times, the passive speakers are going to be your best friend. When dealing with speaker crossover settings, you would be dealing with some crossover filters.
The point is to make you enjoy the sound with all the sound elements being audible. The question would be how to make the speaker’s volume sound with steep clarity.
The best approach is to deal with speaker sensitivity. Make the subwoofer stand in the middle when the left and right speakers are positioned. Keep the speakers at least 3 feet away from the subwoofer. An equalizer will help you to set the right tone for high, low, and mid ranges.
The quality of sound is indicated by the speaker output. This is in terms of spreading the sound through the waves in the air. This is where the decibel octave scenario comes in the context of phasing.
As you can see in the graph, the half-octave crossover maintains a 90 degrees sound spread. This is the limit of the sound quality, it can’t go higher than this.
A 12db crossover is a full and complete 1-octave sound layer. This is baring 180 degrees of airwave phasing quality. It would make a 50% occupation of sound in the surrounding areas.
For the full sound occupation, you need the 2-octave, 24db crossover. Here, within the frame of comparison, you would be relying on a 12db scenario. This is for the best sound output.
A crystal clear sound output should make you stay aware of crossover filter types. To work with that, you will be needing some products:
- Hybrid Stereo Home Pre-Amplifier – Multi-channel output receiver
- Clarion Electronic Crossover – Assisting subwoofer channeled output
- Dynamat Xtreme Speaker Kit – Best audio enhancement options
The right products are going to help you achieve success with sound. With 12dB sound, you won’t miss out on the low bass notes. To work the best way with high, low, and mid sounds, consider the crossover filter aspects.
Winner: 12dB crossover.
High Pass:
To avoid any type of sensitivity flaring up in the speakers, a 12db crossover is more appropriate. Investigating such a scenario in detail is essential here.
The crossover point from 6 to 12 dB is 3khz of the audio signaling processing system. It can’t drop lower than an octave.
The sound would get sharper with sharpened low-range output. This is as the decibels turn from 6 to 12. In response, the frequency crossover will bounce between 73 Hz to 20 kHz.
You can attribute high pass crossovers to the lack of bass. The strong bass appearance can affect the speakers, which is why high pass settings are necessary.
Things are really sensitive with 6 to 12dB. The subwoofer plays an integral role in dealing with two channel input settings with subwoofers. The bass sound should be kept for the subwoofer.
The high pass frequency will be carried out by the speakers. This is by extending mid-range noise from the sound mixture. This is when the 12dB would receive colors.
The concentration goes on the treble sound which is a high-pitch frequency.
Winner: 12dB crossover settings is the ideal for most sound instruments.
Low Pass:
It is often required and recommended that the crossover slope is painted at 12dB. Lower than this makes the bass sound inaudible. This means the crossover frequency has to be phased at a 180-degree angle.
The DSP crossover settings would make life easier for the surrounding speakers. The low pass is all about the subwoofer. It specializes in the production of low bass sound.
The bass adds an ingredient to the sound mix that colors down the overall sound. The boomy noise is highly enjoyable. If you are adding more speakers, consider crossover phase alignment for louder noise.
The dB crossover can cross 24 numbers if you want to. However, let us keep the lower sound clarity scene alive. The low pass assists the two-way speaker’s system wondrously.
In case you want to choose between subwoofer crossover 80hz or 120hz, 80hz is better. This is to fit in with a 12dB crossover frequency. The low bass sound is going to kick in with clarity.
Band Pass:
12dB crossover is very appropriate here, in the triangular phasing out slope, less than 12dB cannot be imagined. This creates more options for the sound to receive the right output.
In the 2-way crossover frequency, the bandpass is not appropriate. It supports the 3-way speaker system. It works with the midrange ingredient to fill in the empty subwoofer spaces.
Bandpass notoriously filters out the gain approaches of high and low passes. The midranges are set from 180 degrees and above frequency responses. In such an area, it does not let the wild sound to spook out.
It is simply a tone balancer that ensures a mid-level system. This is to the high and low-pitched noises.
In the 3 way system, the sound will not be overly boomy or overly crunchy. It slopes down the shiny sound output by being warmer and transparent.
If you are adding more speakers to the system, keeping 12db will make work a bit. You need the right receivers or amps to equalize sound output. The process of the Audio EQ setting involving a bandpass filter is quite exciting.
Enhancement of sound performance is guaranteed with such approaches. All in all, the subwoofer performance has to be top-notch. The low frequency should flare up the treble and mid ranges.
Winner: 12dB crossover is again more appropriate and fulfilling in the band pass stage.
Tips on Setting the Perfect Subwoofer Crossover Frequency
Keeping the center channel speaker crossover frequency to 80hz, you need to improvise a bit. Some useful work with the subwoofer supports the sound system output.
Here are a few things you should do:
- Apply the settings to LFE (Low-Frequency Effect)
- Use a pre-amplifier to deeply equalize the sound settings
- The crossover point should be 10 Hz higher than the low output of the speaker tolerance range
- Manage the octave output ( 4 layers of high, mid, and low) to blend in adequately.
- Use high-quality cables and wires to connect speakers and subwoofers
- Do not place your subwoofers in between furniture
- Keeping free spaces around the sound system makes the sound reflect clearly
- This count in for the best acoustic treatment.
Building a cool stereo system is just a few steps away. Enjoy success with the best sound when it comes from a good source.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you determine the crossover point of a speaker?
The speakers reduced the volume with a 3db crossover point deduction. This is when the fluctuations in frequency happen when volume goes up and down.
How does a crossover improve sound quality?
Crossovers allow the sound to be broken down into layers. The layers of mid, high and low can be adjusted for the best clarity. This is in terms of proper sound output.
What causes crossover distortion?
If connected to an amplifier, the crossover distortion happens when the volume is low. The subwoofer is not able to blend in with the speakers sufficiently. With proper EQ adjusted, it can be resolved.
Conclusion
Choosing between the crossover 6db or 12db should not be a tough task anymore. Hopefully, this article has helped with enough insights for a pleasurable result.
Wishing you all the best, we are signing off.
