9.5 Frequency and Crossover Reference Charts

Tiny version

Learn where sounds live first, then learn where to hand one driver off to the next.

Builder version

This shelf links the “what range is this?” question to the “where should I cross it?” and “what slope or phase behavior should I expect?” questions.

Use it when

You need to set crossovers, understand overlap, or explain why one filter choice sounds safer or smoother than another.

The Frequency Spectrum in Context

Start here when you need plain-language labels for bass, mids, presence, and air.

• Range names that match what you hear
• Useful before choosing crossover points
• Good first page for new readers

Crossover Frequency Quick Reference

The quickest path from “driver type” to “reasonable starting crossover.”

• Sub-to-midbass and tweeter protection basics
• Safer first-pass settings
• Best companion to the spectrum page

Filter Slope Comparison Chart

Use when you need to know what 6, 12, 18, or 24 dB per octave really changes in practice.

• How fast the unwanted range falls away
• Protection vs overlap tradeoff
• Good follow-up after choosing Fc

Phase Shift Reference

Use when the levels look reasonable but the crossover handoff still feels wrong.

• What filter order does to timing relationship
• Why Linkwitz-Riley is common
• Pairs well with the slope chart

Translation box

• Frequency range tells you what part of the sound you are dealing with.
• Crossover point tells you where one driver hands off to the next.
• Slope tells you how fast that handoff fades the old driver out.
• Phase tells you whether both drivers push together or fight each other around the handoff.

Common mistake

People often change crossover frequency, slope, and polarity all at once. Change one thing at a time, or you will not know which move actually fixed the problem.