How to crossover speakers and sub?

[jason4j]

I am really new to this subject. I noticed people here referencing to crossing a speaker and subs? How is this done?

 

[CraigV]

Most any receiver with surround capability will have a setup area which will allow the user to set a crossover point between the main speakers and the subwoofer. So, sound below a given frequency, say 80hz, will be piped to the subwoofer, and all other frequencies will be routed to the main speakers.

You may also have the option to set a speaker to “large” which will send all the frequencies to that speaker (if it’s capable of handling low bass notes) but most people find a good balance having frequencies below the 80hz threshold directed to the sub.

 

[jason4j]

Thanks for relpy

So, if its set to large, will it go to sub or not. Or should I set to small to go to sub?

 

[CraigV]

You would have to have a pretty hearty speaker, and beefy amplifier section to do justice to sending bass to the front left & right speaker, let alone a common center channel & surround speaker. The 80hz point was reached by much research being done by the folks who brought us THX sound labs. No reason though not to try both - as long as you don’t crank up the volume too much and do any damage.
You may find however the mids and highs are better defined by crossing over everything below 80hz to the sub.

 

[lsiberian]

I am really new to this subject. I noticed people here referencing to crossing a speaker and subs? How is this done?

While Craig likes the reference THX value. Craig also has pair of speakers capable of going that low with ease.

I suggest you take your speakers low frequency spec and multiply it by 2 if you are using a ported design. This will protect the speaker from being blown at high volumes. A higher crossover is usually a good idea also if your amp isn't 4 ohm stable. As much of the LFE range dips speakers to 4 ohms

Large and small are used to determine where the LFE goes for music. For example if you set your LR speakers to large then the sub won't play during stereo listening usually. If you set them to small then the sub will usually play.

Most receiver have separate settings for the crossover and large/small settings.