What type of crossover is recommended for a subwoofer?

The recommended type of crossover for a subwoofer is a low-pass crossover set at around 120Hz. This allows bass frequencies to pass through to the subwoofer while filtering out higher frequencies that are typically handled by midrange speakers and tweeters.

Subwoofers are designed to reproduce low frequencies, usually in the range of about 20Hz to 200Hz. By using a low-pass crossover, the subwoofer plays only the frequencies within this range, ensuring that it does not attempt to reproduce sounds that it is not capable of handling effectively. Setting the crossover point at 120Hz strikes a good balance by allowing deeper bass tones to be played clearly while preventing distortion that could arise from higher frequencies that are outside of the subwoofer’s intended operational range.

Setting a high-pass crossover on a subwoofer, or using a band pass filter is not appropriate because these configurations either block low frequencies entirely or allow higher frequencies to output, which would compromise the sound quality and performance of the subwoofer. Hence, utilizing a low-pass crossover at the correct frequency is essential for optimal performance in a sound system that includes a subwoofer.