IMPROVE Sound PROTECT Speakers - How to set Crossovers - CarAudioFabrication

Crossovers are on nearly every car audio amplifier in existence along with a setting in head units and Digital Signal Processors. Component Speakers include them. But what is a crossover? What does high pass and low pass mean? Or what about band pass? What is butterworth and what is Linkwitz Riley? What is an active crossover and what is passive? In this video we learn all about crossovers and some tips for how to set them!
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Car Audio Fabrication - Master Car Audio - Design, Build, Install

[@sdrtech]

Thanks!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thank you for the Super Thanks! I've had this on for months and you are the first person to send one. I appreciate it as it really helps with the making of videos.

[@sdrtech]

@@CarAudioFabrication your welcome buddy maybe soon you could talk about the added mass method for vas... Is there a rule of thumb starting point? Should you keep added mass below the mms? I see a lot of comments on this topic.. Thanks for what you do.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

@@sdrtech Great idea for a video, thank you!

[@LasseHuhtala]

As a self proclaimed sound engineer of 20 years, I present to you my smashed up like-button.

[@jus1taj]

I had to pay a sound engineering school to get some of this knowledge. Y’all better listen. This is the goods right here.

[@beauplace8847]

And who exactly the f*** are you car audio f****** Jesus or what

[@BishjeBhai]

My head Hertz ..

[@Neoberidin]

bawhahaha!!! literally made me lol! and now my dog thinks i'm crazy...

[@MrHandsomeferny]

CaptainPooPyPantz lol, I see what you did there ☺️

[@lehlohonolonoge1793]

lol

[@Djmambo77]

lol

[@marioheredia6683]

Lol

[@ronaldomaynard4816]

I have seen the errors of my ways. And can't wait for morning to fix them

[@K4g4m1]

The knowledge of using two 24db slope crossovers to get a flat response made a huge improvement in my car stereo. I had it professionally installed but they did not set it up well at all. I thought the new speakers were at fault. Thanks so much for helping me salvage it.

[@stansuarez]

I'm actuaky going to try this out first thing tomorrow morning.

[@Hexa8]

​@@stansuarez any improvement you noticed and step by step guide will help me as well ...

[@jamesrutherford2338]

Excellent explanation 🎉 and thank you. Will definitely study this video.

[@El_TerribleVP]

I believe you, Mark (CAF), are the MOST PROFESSIONAL and INSTRUCTIVE tutorial video music maker on youtube!! You're teaching people how to build and, people like me, help me understand better, a true professional car music system. In 4 words: YOU're the BEST!

[@Latinsonido]

this has to the best informative vid i´ve seen in years about crossovers!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hobbitgottit]

+CarAudioFabrication I was about to say the same thing. I can now show this to people instead of having to explain all this every time. Thank you so much for your videos. I really enjoy all of your hard work.

[@BobAwesomeschannel]

And one of the easiest to understand. Great job!

[@travisgulley2652]

Noah Rieke some aftermarket car head units have a low pass filter that you can turn on in the audio settings of your aftermarket car head unit and never turn on the low pass filter for mids and highs because a low pass filter can damage your mids and highs low pass filter should only be used for subwoofers not mids and highs

[@gverhoeff39]

It's pretty simple , the problem is for a along time retail sales was only allowing sales of products if they installed it so not many individuals was exercising their knowledge and the saying is " use it or lose it " .

[@diegod6441]

i feel like i learn way more from you then i ever learned in high school. thank you.

[@sunnykapoor0000]

absolutely right..!!!!!

[@gwsmith76]

It's easy to learn when the information is applied to a subject you are interested in, impossible to learn when the subject is boring as f*ck.

[@cameronallen3550]

🤝agreed

[@AKEYFACTOR]

@@gwsmith76 this is the truth!!!

[@atorrasYT]

why would they teach you about car audio in high school

[@elirick09]

After ten years of no system in my car, I decided to dive head first into it. Used to be my hobby, but never got technical, just blew a lot of equipment until I got lucky. After spending way too much on equipment, thinking I knew what I was doing, I felt completely ignorant and overwhelmed. That’s when I found car audio fabrication, literally followed every video up until now for every aspect of the install. Now, today, I will be tuning and setting crossovers......not as nervous as I was before watching this video/the tuning video. Still kind of intimidated, but confident thanks to my guy at car audio fabrication! Thanks for making these extremely informative! Saved my install :)

[@remzsti]

watched this three times now and still learning ever time.

[@hermankangoo4744]

Word's cannot describe how good you are when it comes to your field, and the knowledge you have bro this is priceless info.

[@ryhms8914]

You are a master of your craft. I appreciate the expertise and commitment to excellence that you exhibit in every video and every project you undertake.

[@shanesubashe787]

You cover absolutely everything in the highest of detail. You're the best of the best.

[@38Ghost]

Hey man I just wanted you to know that even 4 years later this video is helping me! I’ve been watching a lot of your videos lately and they have been very helpful!! Thank u a ton!

[@writerconnect1596]

This is by far the most detailed explanation I have heard

[@bebe85t97]

Wish u were in Miami so u can tune my system!! Great video 👏

[@wakter96]

I've watched your videos for over 2 years now and I finally pulled the trigger to build my system. You really got all your facts right and it has helped me loads in the last few weeks

[@acidium6]

dude..THANK YOU! finally somebody explains this clearly and articulately in a way that doesnt leave out information under what i presume to be an assumption that anyone seeking this info is not capable of absorbing the information.. I must have read and wached 50 explanations that failed to provide the knowledge! Much appreciated and well taught and thorough..stoked i found you...i'll be back cuz this is the groove that undulates without wrecking my needle !!!

[@IranleiToscano]

Man, you really know what you're talking about. Awsome video. Cheers from Brazil.

[@giorgosgeorgiou359]

I dont usually write comments on yt but Mark hats off man. You are the definition of professional. Too bad you dont live in my country. God bless!

[@vilkas1981]

Now i want this guy to install my car audio, seems like he is sooooooo passionate for what he does that makes him a ( SOUND HACKER)

[@envy425]

Your info is so organized. It makes it a lot easier to have a better understanding on this stuff.

[@maryjoanmontalvo9153]

I have seen so many videos about "subsonic" and none of them made sense. Thanks for clearing it out Mark!

[@SkarTisu]

Thank you! I’ve been wondering about this for years

[@stephenbartlett4833]

The amount of audio info that is stuffed into that brain of yours is amazing. WOW.

[@fullerman1982]

Thanks for the wealth of knowledge you give the community. Keep it up. Great work!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@imer4915]

i’m 16 and i installed subwoofers yesterday in my car. new to all this stuff, thank you for your knowledge.

[@rumblef1sh]

A VERY helpfuli video, thank you!! I'd long wondered why I couldn't/shouldn't set my sub and mid crossovers at the same point. You are the ONLY source I have found who not only suggests that it's entirely reasonable (according to system) but added the vital explanation about phase differences and roll off. Wow. So, I immediately went and set both to -24dB and voila! instant improvement, much cleaner eq settings as a result. Great stuff, keep up the excellent vids! :)

[@6980869]

Wow! Chocked up w/a LOT of useful information! When u said “I hope there was something that u learned from this(or similar)”, i thot to myself “What was it that i already knew, or thought i knew but didnt?”, instead! Thank you so much for this video, it answered quite a slew of questions that i had just been sitting on, not learning about. You made it easy for me to get interested in learning more about these factors, & not feel overwhelmed before even starting, when i finally choose to overhaul my system, &/or buy more gear, at the least. Keep up the great work and keep these types of vids coming! Aloha...

[@worksmagic89]

Not goin to lie the information is very useful but is also intimidating at the same time. I'll have to rewatch these videos right before I do any type of installing.

[@1Techoner1]

I couldn't have said it better than anyone. Mark is very, very informative and I can actually say thorough in the lessons. I've learned so much from him and wished there was a Mark close by that I can take my car to.

[@travisboaz2637]

Finally a clear detailed answer. Can't thank you enough brother

[@TheDarryledmonson]

My brain is geeking out with all this knowledge that you're spittin. I'm going to have to listen to this video and others and take notes. Thanks for the information. When I take my truck and get a system in, the installer or salesman won't be able to bullshit me.

[@babyjesus2025]

This guy is the man when it comes to car audio sound.🤘😎🤘... Thanks 420

[@thethoughtfield]

Awesome stuf Mark, thanks I teach basic car audio to friends and clients sometimes and this video made my day, just what I needed, you have a talent for explaining, I think nobody could have explained it more clearly.

[@ae86fiend]

Wow! I tried everyone else's advice and they failed to make my audio sound good. I tried setting my crossovers with your quick lesson in not only crossover, but knowing the use of speaker specifications to create the sound I'm listening for. I never knew about the speaker FS. It sounds awesome now.

[@u9Nails]

Fantastic training and information. I learned something new and laughed at your jokes! I deeply appreciate the efforts that you put into this and it truly paid off in quality. You're an asset to anyone who has a remote interest in learning something new about audio. (I'm leaving that in general, not specifically car audio, because I can really carry these teachings to home or other aspects of audio.)

[@maybaches]

9Nails I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve learned more from these vids than I think I could have done three books. Such a massive help to me learning the craft.

[@macarenacorral-quintero4153]

Thick chicks

[@patrikhejnar9495]

Just wanted to say that this helped me to set my car audio to another level. I am very thankful for your knowledge and that you are sharing all this with us. Thanks :)

[@Slicknick24-7]

Very informative, and appreciated.

[@williamjackson261]

Best car audio videos in the internets

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Appreciate that thank you

[@RAW_Reality]

@@CarAudioFabrication Hey Mark, I really hate asking via a response to someone else's comment, but I have a couple questions that, despite all my searching, I really can't seem to find a viable answer for... PORTS. When designing and tuning ports, if the volume of the ports are the same, does the shape and location of them have any effect on their sound/performance? As in, if 2 ports are the same tuning but at different locations/sizes, are they going to sound the same? Typically ports of longer boxes are placed along the extreme ends of lengths, but what if I wanted to get creative with my ports by making a taller box instead of a longer one, placing the ports near the top/bottom as to align the ports horizontally instead of the typical vertical positioning? If the ports were wider (to appear more the shape of a 3x5 card, as opposed to the typical "ruler"-shaped cutout), as long as the tuning was the same, would both port types produce the same sound? Would either port shaping be more prone to chuffing? I'm sure there's more that I'd like to ask on the topic, but I'm drawing a blank RN due to the over-analyzation I've been doing... lol. I'm currently in the process of designing my own 6th order bandpass box for a single 12" driver, and can't seem to find any videos on the matter of port shapes, sizing, placement, or relative output, so any help on the matter you could bring would be greatly appreciated.

[@macdee1337]

Thanks! When I was consulting my local audio shop, I felt extremely dumb trying to figure out what they were trying to communicate to me :) They did draw all these "things" (as I thought at that moment), but I had no clear idea what exactly it was, except for it looked very cool and very smart 🤣 Well now after watching several of your videos, I can finally have some meaningful conversation with them and finalize my setup actually knowing (or so I'd like to think, anyway) what I'm doing. Thanks man!

[@brs.l.bs.p5159]

1ST OFF LET ME START OFF BY SAYING THANK YOU FOR ALL TH EINFORMATION YOU MAKE AVAILABLE TO US WHO REALLY WANT TO LEARN. IVE WATCH NUMEROUS VIDEOS AND YOURS ARE BY FAR THE MOST EDUCATIONAL THUS FAR. WITH THAT BEING SAID I HAVE A MILLION AND 1 QUESTIONS. IM IN THE MIDDLE OF BUILDING MY OWN BOX AND I AM LIKING THE TRIANGLE SHAPED BOX BUT I HAVE MY OWN LITTLE FABRICATION GOING ON. SO IF YOU GET A CHANCE TO RESPOND ILL FILL YOU IN ON MY PROJECT AND HOPEFULLY JUST HOPEFULLY YOU HAVE THE TIME TO EDUCATE ME ON WHAT OR WHY OR IF I AM NOT THINKING RIGHT . AGAIN THANKS FOR THE EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS....

[@drm9979]

you definitely have the gift of teaching.

[@aantonio06]

I would like to see a more advance tutorial, how all this looks in real time, on an actual vehicle setup. Also how crossovers and slopes affect the sound through RTAs "I guess". And how this change in polarity looks and sounds like, cause that's the only part I'm still scratching my head about. Hope I'm not sounding like a kid on Christmas asking for all kinds of presents. But in all, you are the shisnet!

[@godfreydaniel2392]

Very educational! Thank you, so much for making this as plain as day. I now understand what I need to do to get the most out of my speakers, (which are still the stock speakers!) and keep them working great! Plus, when I do go for the upgrade, I will know how to tune them as well! Thanks again!

[@gagekirchgessner3596]

How?

[@fazzfoodjoint5380]

finally someone who explains hpf and lpf

[@georgesmith3721]

I really liked this video, ive watched so many that attempt to explain crossover values and they just confusedme more, but this one really helped. Thanks, and keep up the great videos!

[@CTSounds]

great video mark! i think it is about time for another how to box building video!

[@andrewelrose6872]

ill be waiting

[@PoppaTInstall]

Love to see one with a viewing window done.

[@Crawling_Chris]

+CarAudioFabrication do a 4th order box build

[@andrewelrose6872]

christian willbrandt​ YEESSSSSS I AGREE

[@travisgulley2652]

christian willbrandt some car head units have a protection circuit to protect the speakers because if you play frequencies that the car speakers can't handle the car head unit will shut off and actually jvc and pioneer and kenwood alpine head units have built in protection circuits to protect the speakers and it's aftermarket head units that have built in protection circuits to protect speakers

[@badbatch974]

Very informative and precise for a quick how it works video. I think the only thing missing was how the settings on the other equipment should be set, like not using the crossover on the head unit, amp, and external EQ at the same time. And why that's important. Otherwise great video keep it up.

[@persianchris2451]

7:37 - I love that you bring up this point. This is why I love Fab Filter, etc in that I could cut the slope by not only 6dB, 12dB, 24dB, but also 48dB, 96dB...Here's a thought and my theoretical process to mixing a track: I would first begin by dedicating each instrument to a specific frequency range and might even have a group of instruments dedicated to that range. I'd make sure instrument layers are not competing with their neighboring instruments in the same frequency range. I could achieve this in a clean manner by selecting instruments & notes that are specifically in the same frequency range and maybe even has the same fundamental frequency as one another but I'd decide which instruments would take priority / dominate the others (Maybe have a ranking system of what's the most important instrument to the least important instrument and then from there against eachother by simply having similar fundamental frequencies but I'd let one dominate by making pockets on the other (Cut the competing frequencies on one).

[@chopchop7938]

Chuckling...how's that working out for you? I don't recognize you so maybe you haven't been discovered yet.

[@chriswhite4596]

Great Video & Description !!!!! So many ppl Do not realize how Critical Settings are

[@ChrisWard64658]

I learned a lot thanks.

[@smileyi1]

WOW! .... I finally feel like i understand the basics of crossover tuning ...... wow wow wow, i've always felt a little bit lost when reading about this in the past which eventually led to boredom and then back to trial and error but this totally makes sense. I'm off to my boat now to go tune the s**t out of my Rockfords! ..... EXCITED!

[@curtisjohnson944]

Yeah, I’ve been using a very old Coustic crossover for many years with pretty good results even though I was pretty ignorant on this subject. Going to install in another vehicle right now and I’m pretty excited. I’m not even going to use the passive crossovers with my old Boston acoustics.

[@berkyberry]

Awesome teaching; was searching for a content like this for a long time..

[@chadlavender5267]

In depth. Thank You. I now understand about hp setting & what it allows to play & low pass setting and what it allows. I Neded to See & Hear this explained at the Same time. I have been unsure for years, getting mixed up all the time. I Saved this video so that I can watch until it's drilled into my thick skull, lol. Thanks

[@rrocky47]

Well that man.....that is epic video with lots of details ! Would love to see you tuning some DSP's !

[@lukejohnson2854]

Hey Mark, where did you learn this stuff? I'm barely comprehending this even as a non-practicing electrician.

[@xthumpx1]

Big BIG up to you and your video this is an essential training video thank you

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ]

I have loved my stereo since the early 80's. In all that time I didn't learn that much about how is all fits together. This video is a huge jump start. Thank you!

[@PoppaTInstall]

Excellent explanation of crossovers! I like how you done the last hand off chart. Made a lot of sense done that way.

[@andrewschmitt2631]

These videos are awesome dude, you've given me everything I need to feel like I can do anything in the car audio world. I feel like I want to explore this field and start doing projects for people. Using mine as my base and example of what I can do. Once it's finished I'll send you a video so you can give me your honest opinions on looks and functionality of my build! Keep up the great work buddy!!

[@kimcat5548]

i tri amped my complicated car audio n tweaked around the switches thinking i kno sound, since i saw ur vid i realised i dunno jack..thanx blowing me away with all the info, will be keepin a track trying to learn some.

[@wipatriot510]

Extremely technical, but easy to understand...thanks...

[@razhocarjr]

I had to watch this video ark East 4 times to understand this. But it’s coming around. Thanks for the knowledge. I appreciate it.

[@RajeshPunabaka]

Awesome 24db slope crossovers does fantastic job. I have invested a lot to upgrade my car audio, but doesn't get good sound quality. After watching this video and adjusted frequency settings and crossovers, now its working fine as I expected. Thanks a lot......!

[@guiguigodro]

Holy s*** I always wanted to learn these specific details and never could understand.... thank you so much

[@JonnyRocksAW]

7:10 - 11:48 crossover effects/polarity/db response/filtering -12db vs -24db slopes/phase. Just what I was looking for!

[@gilbertos1984]

I still didn't get which is better 24 or 12 db slope

[@JonnyRocksAW]

@@gilbertos1984 24 keeps the crossover EQ flat, 12 creates an EQ bump/boost at the point/hz of crossover. EDIT: Just watch from 10:15 to see... Speakers in phase @ 24db slope = flat (the purist mentality--I do this for accuracy and let me deck EQ the frequencies how I want) Speakers out of phase @ 12db slope = boost (might muddy the sound but adds low bump) Speakers in phase @ 12db slope = notch (dip in EQ at crossover point. Idk who would do this but maybe it clears up the sound for some people)

[@jeramymincey3887]

Wow this seriously just answered so many questions. Well done sir, please keep it coming.

[@alexkennedy5324]

Very thorough explanation for a beginner like myself. Thanks so much CAF. So happy to be a subscriber.

[@jasonc6016]

Really answered my questions. I just got a new subwoofer, and I didn't understand the crossover controls on the amp and what that setting meant on my head unit. Very technical and informative. Thanks, man.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

You're welcome, enjoy the new sub

[@gizmoochi]

I've been learning from your videos for a while and I think this one was your best yet. Keep up the good work Mark.

[@jmaslin]

you should do a box design on a shallow style, like for instance... I have a F250 4-door truck, the box can only go behind the seat. Keep up the good work!!!

[@lolllllll]

I respect the hell put of you Mark, you have a vast amount of knowledge concerning car audio. It feels great to see you with the same components I have in my vehicle!

[@randyrusk5843]

BEST and most informative video you've ever made hands down!!!!! I'd love to dive deeper into this if you have something. Love seeing it in writing.

[@romank1099]

Still waiting on the advance video to this... like how to combine and effects on overall response of different types of crossovers

[@natureslogic7074]

Me too 🤣

[@andreapastore4009]

Following you from Italy, always a good job Mark!

[@ashtonyoung6570]

u should cover everything and really reach ppl everywhere u teach better then most teachers I know and I would pay for ur teaching

[@ThePalikka85]

thanks for these videos, they really gonna help me to build my new sound system to my new car. its gonna be mutch better then my old one 👍👍

[@bkrgls]

This was a great refresher video! I surely didn't feel like getting my books out. 👍

[@ShortyJenkans]

Very helpful Mark!! Im always appreciative of the amount of effort you put in these informational videos!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@martinallott572]

Thanks for this clear description of crossovers

[@jcnunny]

Super helpful... thank you for your tutorials and sharing your knowledge in a straightforward and practical manner.

[@Kevin-nn8jl]

Hi Mark, Any chance of doing a follow-up video that goes into the more advanced details of crossovers? Things like what to do when speakers cancel each other out, making phase adjustments, whether to use a 12 or 24db slope, how far to set crossovers apart etc. Learned loads so many thanks for the videos so far.

[@elginanolifant207]

Thank you was very resourceful i missed the video where you indicate how i get to my box volume taking details from my sub woofer. thanks again.

[@casanova0191]

Amazing video about crossovers! Even shared it on my Facebook page for others to learn about. Exo had a video for this page and after the first video I'm hooked! Keep up the great work!

[@PANTYEATR1]

I'm keeping this video in my watch list! I have a sony XEC-700 that I will need to tune on in the future and your video will be a great help. thanks Mark

[@ryansizemore324]

Thank you for this video! I have a 3x crossover in my deck and I was totally lost until you explained it!

[@anupamkakkar]

After looking at your video I feel like a pro! Amazing video and very informative. Thanks!

[@michaelcraig9744]

Thank you so much! This explained tons in an easy to understand way. If I can find an oscilloscope to set my gains, I'll be in business.

[@razorworks9942]

Wow....just having dropped a bundle on my new system, this information is definitely appreciated!!!

[@barefootjer]

Was this a thing in the 90's? I remember putting capacitors in line of the speaker and cranking it up! Now I'm midlife and am having a crisis with all the adjustments available with the new stuff! Thanks for your knowledge.

[@theriver8524]

Very well edited and informative video, thank you so much!

[@CBIRBIGS]

Great Video, thanks for putting together all these videos...they area really outstanding to learn the basics and more advanced car audio information.

[@nebu7777]

You're videos are so great. I keep rewatching them as I plan my very first car system. Thanks so much.

[@willygikaru4492]

Very well presented.Very educative,look foward to more productions

[@NORVAheelhook]

awesome information....love your videos...your are very detailed on your videos and do not make it boring either...thank you

[@TheTherealdarkhorse]

Great explanation. You are great at explaining in layman's terms.

[@spec1923]

Great video I blew so many speakers over the years in the 80's. Was purchasing almost weekly for Radio Shack leaf tweeters. Then in the early 90's the crossover came along but mostly for subwoofers. I still blew many 6x9 's