Siegfried Linkwitz died – RIP

[Swerd]

One of the greats in the audio world, Siegfried Linkwitz, died today, age 82. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siegfried_Linkwitz

He, along with Russ Riley, invented the Linkwitz-Riley filter, widely used in audio crossovers. The term Linkwitz-Riley filter is often spoken of, but it's interesting to read why it became important. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linkwitz–Riley_filter

"Linkwitz-Riley filters are usually designed by cascading two Butterworth filters, each of which has −3 dB gain at the cut-off frequency. The resulting L-R filter has a −6 dB gain at the cutoff frequency. This means that summing the low-pass and high-pass outputs, the gain at the crossover frequency will be 0 dB, so the crossover behaves like an all-pass filter, having a flat amplitude response with a smoothly changing phase response."

The illustration shows the response from a 2nd order L-R crossover filter, but 4th order L-R crossovers (LR4) are probably today's most commonly used type of audio crossover. Dennis Murphy prefers using them. Perhaps he can comment more about why he so prefers the LR4.

 

[djreef]

Many of the architectural stallwarts are passing. I’m reading this while listening to an original EMI pressing of Let’s Dance and thanking the pioneers for this amazing 2 channel gift that I have the pleasure of enjoying with a glass of 12 year. RIP Dr. Linkwitz, and thank you.

DJ

 

[andyblackcat]

shocked saddened.
I use his L-R in my system and often browse at his website http://www.linkwitzlab.com/crossovers.htm a pioneer in his field.
RIP Dr. Linkwitz

 

[shadyJ]

Really a shame. His website has long been a treasure trove of real science for audio enthusiasts. I hope it stays up for a long time.

 

[fuzz092888]

Really a shame. His website has long been a treasure trove of real science for audio enthusiasts. I hope it stays up for a long time.

Should that issue ever come up, I hope that the audio community is given the chance to pitch in to keep it running.

 

[TLS Guy]

Should that issue ever come up, I hope that the audio community is given the chance to pitch in to keep it running.

I agree, that would be the best tribute in his memory. That site far too good and useful to let go into the space of digital time, and be lost for ever.

 

[Johnny2Bad]

I knew he has been ill for quite a while, for about the last year or so we've not been able to correspond via eMail. Truly a Legendary figure in audio. He will be missed but not forgotten.

 

[GranteedEV]

This was really saddening news. Maybe I will build a pluto clone sometime in his honour