Crossovers for Car Audio - Tune on HEAD UNIT or AMPLIFIER? Or combination?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

🔨 A big shout out to AudioControl for helping the community with a CAF FAN SPECIAL! AudioControl DM-RTA Pro Kit is currently on sale for a limited time. Use this tool kit to analyze and tune your system like a pro! To take advantage of this offer simply click the link below and you should be taken to the cart with the coupon code already applied. ✔️ www.audiocontrol.com/cafprokit (If the link doesn't work add the DM-RTA Pro Kit to cart and enter code "CAFPROKIT") Thank you to AudioControl for being a channel sponsor and helping our community with this offer! 🔊 Related videos for crossovers: ✅ Advanced Crossover Lesson: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHWufYypfN51jLc ✅ How to Protect Tweeters: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqTGfqiwm96rh5Y Thank you for watching!

[@tabiasprime]

I'm curious to know what your opinion is of tweeter/mids speaker combos that have a passive crossover. I bought some a while back and they have been good, but thats my opinion and it keeps my set up simple.

[@Me-dh4pm]

I suggested a video ago that it would be cool if you explain in more depth adjusting input gain on a DSP before the amplifier... You told me you weren't going to waste a 10 minute video explaining something everyone knows... Now were back to videos explaining crossovers!? Is this something you believe your viewers need a 2nd video explaining crossovers?

[@Silentjustin06]

I have a pioneer avh-x4800bs in network mode. Tweeters on front channel. Midrange on rear channel and subs on sub channel. Can I run the midrange on the FULL instead of HPF. As long as I have it crossover to the specification of the speaker. 155hz - 10khz

[@JasonAdank]

I really wish I could find a stereo installer thats as professional as what you guys show on this channel. Im blown away how many hack shops Ive encountered that dont go anywhere even close to this level of depth when installing stereos amps and subs. They always just slam the hardware together fiddle with the eq, generically set crossovers and they call that professional.

[@BenYouCrazy]

same

[@perspolis1818]

Beautifully explained. I was able to build a killer set that took me almost a month with your knowledge and it's mind blowing. Thanks for all you do

[@mcirone]

This is super helpful. Just installed a new subwoofer, speakers and wireless CarPlay head unit on my FJ cruiser. Thanks!

[@Ichabod_Jericho]

FYI wireless is terrible audio. Compare the same song on CD and Bluetooth, it’s night and day difference.

[@mcirone]

TheSynysterVyrus agreed on bluetooth. however, wireless CarPlay uses WiFi, so the audio is improved, or closer to the source. it’s convenient that I don’t always need the phone plugged in, however.

[@premefzee]

@@mcirone You mean to say that Wireless Carplay will play Hi-res lossless song without compressing the original quality when streaming from Apple Music App? I am searching this topic in many areas, but can’t find any solution

[@jonathanharris3049]

Nah it can’t. Needs a DAC that’s capable plus wired connection via usb3 apple camera adapter

[@garykokotiscaptainelectric6334]

I like the radio controls, a lot easier to adjust while listening in real time. Back up settings on amp is good insurance too. Good info.

[@HifiVega]

This will definitely help some people out! Excellent video as always.

[@YourSoundPath]

Hi Marc! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with others. I just want to add, that Pink Noise looks as flat line only if you using RTA Analyzers. If you use devices with true FFT, pink noise will roll off at higher frequencies. Because actually Pink Noise is a white noise with a 6 dB/Oct LPF applyed. It is important to know when using FFT analyzers

[@chevycorvette6251]

Thanks for putting this together! I had been wondering this very thing, some of my systems with aftermarket HUs and amps I wondered whether the radio or amp was the best place to use the crossover!

[@gregblau8082]

I recently got a head unit with pretty good crossover controls. I haven’t messed with the slope but it sounds a lot better with the filter accurately set than guessing with the amp knob

[@_N4VE_]

so to confirm, if I wanna use the LPF on my head unit, I turn the LPF on my AMP all the way up since it doesn’t have an “off” option? And for using the HPF on my head unit, I turn the HPF on the AMP all the way up as well?

[@Khans0120]

@@_N4VE_ yes indeed. Otherwise both sets of filters will essentially "fight" each other so you want one set of them to be set to the maximum to allow all the frequencies through that they're receiving.

[@_N4VE_]

@@Khans0120 so for HPF I set it to max as well? because in the video he had it set to the lowest correct?

[@Khans0120]

@@_N4VE_ yes, set both on the amp to the maximum if your headunit is doing the crossover work(max in this sense turns it "off"). Setting the amp to a lower setting when your headunit is already set to do that work will only make your amp work harder than it needs to and it can have an impact on sound quality. You'll be creating phase and signal degradation issues setting both sets of crossovers to the same settings.

[@_N4VE_]

@@Khans0120 so just to make sure I don’t misunderstand: LPF-Set AMP to Highest HZ value, Use head unit. HPF- Set AMP to Lowest Hz value, Use head unit. Correct?

[@DjCBlaq]

I’ve watched this a few times. I need a class in cross overs.

[@michaelzernie7092]

Glad I splurged and bought a Pioneer AVH-601EX. Love this unit.

[@It-b-Blair]

Michael Zernie me frickin too! Thing is boss!

[@anandshah71]

Please can u elaborate why it's good. I couldn't understand reading the specs.

[@charlesnickell7257]

Yea me to but I got the pioneer 4500nex and love it

[@Leeyac1]

Avh1550 nex . Can’t wait to optimize

[@ImDultra]

Those units looks so cool, but the only reason I still go with single din is the big volume knob, I don’t know if I could live without it haha

[@alanfrye2706]

Can you do a active vs passive video and how to set that up as well? Would love to see if I've been doing it correctly all these years.

[@EmilsanP]

Learn something new with every one of your videos.

[@gplusgplus2286]

I created a subsonic band pass using the LFE from the headunit and setting a low Hz HFE to the amp thats powering my subwoofers so I have dialed them quite well eliminating the super low Hz. Thanks for the video.

[@gronvall3364]

You really know what you're talking about, unlike many others on youtube, nice video!

[@jeromemaxwell143]

There's no need to fear!!! Marky Mark is here!!! 🎉🎊👍🎶👏🐱‍🏍

[@nidaldajani728]

Wow! Fantastic explanation. Im about to install a subwoofer in my vw golf. Now I know what all these buttons and knobs do. Thanks.

[@sethabadiah7889]

Your videos always help me, this one especially. I just installed a double din with a 10 band equalizer, next will be subwoofers and an amp once I save up.

[@javierguzmanreyna3295]

4 years later helping us out 🙏

[@DJMasterJ19]

great video mark was waiting for a clear video about crossover on amp or head unit since long time glad you made one keep it up full support

[@knightwolf200612]

Thanks for this video, very useful info despite I already knew a lot :) we always keep learning! My system uses a head unit with built in DSP and active crossover settings (Kenwood KIV-700), seperate amp for subwoofer (Raveland) and seperate 4-channel amp (DLS) for the speakers (DLS). The speakers itself in both front and rear uses their own passive pre-set crossover filters because they were a complete set. It works great, but after 15+ years of use I finally came across these video's and now I want find out if I can improve the crossover and gain settings :)

[@xyanide1986]

Cutoff slopes also tend to have a bump around the cut-off, depending on the filter design. Especially if you overlap those from the headunit and amplifier filters, you can get weird effects. Two filters chained doesn't always mean it filters harder.

[@alejandromanzano3779]

Yeah I learned that when tuning my subwoofer I used the amps crossover and then the headunits

[@manuelgamertv5187]

hello I am from Mexico and there is no doubt that I am learning more and more with your videos, I am about to change my factory unit of a Honda Civic 2013 for a Pioneer DMH-A5450BT and my doubt was how to configure the frequency cuts in my Hertz media set in the stereo or amplifier jl audio JD400/4 audio but my doubt was clearer, I'll keep watching your videos, greetings

[@lobbyrobby]

Great stuff. I already knew most of this stuff but wasn't really sure if I should tune on the head unit or amp or both

[@seanmichael2777]

Ohhh, I love how mark changed his focal component set out😂

[@CarAudioFabrication]

I specifically said when building the boom box I would be using it to test speakers, hence the easily swappable adapter plates. 👍

[@seanmichael2777]

CarAudioFabrication I remember you saying that clearly in the video . But they look absolutely awesome !

[@Mr2SMOOTH24]

Gr8 tutorial video... That's a Gr8 Pioneer double din TV radio... Has awesome features and EQ settings...

[@jondoe6618]

This is why I bought the pioneer 80 prs. Great crossovers.

[@cfmechanic]

I have noticed setting my low pass at 200hz with 24 slope this gave me the most full sound from subs. I would normally use 65 or 80hz with 8 slope but there is alot of bass lost when I lower the frequency below 125hz.

[@_N4VE_]

what kind of sub do you have? I have a pair of DS18 6.5 subs and they recommend a 160hz LPF. Which is pretty high. I run it with DS18 6x9s in the doors and they recommend a 120hz HPF. So I’m wondering how to set up my crossovers? Rn I have the sub LPF 150hz -24db slope, and the 6x9s HPF 150hz -24db. Not sure if that’s optimal, but I’m only just learning about tuning and saw that -24db is best for when you set your x-overs at the same hz.

[@SnottyBoscarino]

EXACTLY what I was looking for!!

[@bryanCLXT]

I recently just put a new pioneer avh-2550nex. Alpine amp Kicker 10' gonna go tune it tomorrow in a secluded area. really pump it out !!! Thanks for the Video

[@nephiilim]

I dig your videos man. So informative and clear.

[@kingofkings852]

New subscriber here. Great stuff Mark. Watched a lot of your vids but catching up. Hands down best car audio channel I’ve seen.

[@cyrillb3712]

I just ended to build my new system. I mixed Head unit + amp crossovers because of multiple active amplification. Head unit: *Front, Hpf 80 Hz *rear, Hpf 80 Hz *Sub, Lpf 80 Hz Amp A: * Front tweeter, Hpf 4500 hz * Front medium, Band pass 200 Hz - 4500 Hz * Sub, Full pass ( I should protect more by using the Lpf with a little bit higher value to be safer) Amp B: * Front woofer, Lpf 200 Hz * Rear coax, Full pass I mixed because my Amp B is only able to filter with Lpf's, and because I use 6 channels from 2 different amps to amplify the Front 3 ways kit, thanks to just one Front RCA cable out of head unit and a pre in-out between amps to by pass the original front signal. Finally, I built a 9 channels system without external dsp (Cost compromise...). I can't align independentely each speaker, But I align per group FL, FR, RL, RR and Sub from Head unit's dsp.

[@derekscherban3952]

Pure gold.. Keep up the good work my man!

[@PoppaTInstall]

Yeah I use both so it will filter from the HU the filter at the amp then hit the speakers.

[@anthonymyers-35]

Well done Mark!

[@ronsimmaculatedetailing6335]

I literally googled this yesterday

[@phizzle24]

Google/Apple/Facebook are always listening 😬

[@LividLeon]

Great video I was waiting forever for this.

[@jayp9299]

Thanks for this you answered my question from the crossover video!

[@alphaomega8373]

Always knowledgeable Mark!

[@rackstargaming8131]

Just after 11 min mark you take about setting the crossover on the head unit and turning it down on the amp not all the way but some as an added protection incase something happens at the head unit. How much further away should the number be to work effectively? You have your head unit crossover set to 125 and the amp to 40, but what if you have it set to 80, do you keep it set to 40? Or will it effect the slop more?

[@mildaudiophile3879]

Yes you want to set at low as possible so you have full range sound at the amp but you can make you cuts on the head unit but I’ve learned pick on other the other depending which one sound better I use the amp crossovers on bc it sounds better but it could also be bc they don’t have 80 on the audio control amp only 100 90 or 75 at 12db. The advantage of using the head unit is that it has the ability to adjust the slope

[@nateorius1]

Where would the best place to mount a external crossover for components? Closer to the speakers or would trunk mount be ok?

[@Ashquacks]

12:30 but Pioneer head units do have a 3-way mode with a band pass crossover.

[@johnkonertz8042]

Good info. I use Mosconi 6to8 dsp, but have the amp crossover set up as a fail safe. I have Focal K2 three way components, set up active, so the added protection is important

[@frankherrera0207]

Great video, very useful information, thanks a lot Mark.... 👊🏽😎

[@traviswolf6136]

Do you have any videos or could you make any videos on subwoofer systems that have boxes that lay down subwoofer side facing the bottom of the trunk, (the enclosure that you can put stuff on) and how that affects the “air space” everyone talks about

[@Roadshopaudio]

Great Video!

[@TheRyanlehr]

Is that a guitar pick to adjust the amp 🤔 omg im so doing that now

[@TLShaw]

Sometimes a passive crossover is just better. its kind of hard to find the exact caps and coils and you can't adjust it, but it's safer. If I do use an active crossover, I've always just used both the amp and head unit in tandem, setting both to the same frequency at 12Db per octave on the amp high pass and 6db on the head unit to essentially get an 18Db per octave curve (third order passive crossover equivalent).

[@r3d-1truth17]

Thanks! One question- active or passive? Choose your style. Cheers!

[@dandesouto6076]

Excellent That’s de video I was look for

[@sandeeps4799]

Dear sir help us we fit our Sony Hi-res XS-162ES 2WAY Component Speaker 🔊 SX-160ES 2way Coaxial Speaker 🔊 and XM-GS4 4 channel Stereo Amplifier.. and XS-AW8 20 cm under seat Subwoofer. Bud sound quality is not good and explain how to set amplifier satting

[@eddiegraham3241]

I have almost exactly the same equipment as you, all Sony, same models but maybe different amps (Sony also)

[@SBFlashlightGuy]

Finally a video like this 👍🏽

[@Hesbonful]

Cannon thanks for your rich explanations. Kindly advise, I have in my car a a mono block dedicated to the sub and another 6 channel amp dedicated to all other midrange and tweeters and lastly a an equalizer.I however do not still appreciate 20-30hz wavy/ air bass, can adding an aftermarket crossover cancel off the punchy bass and give me only the wavy bass of 20-30hz to the sub. (All equipment and speakers I have are from pioneer high end)

[@MrFixIt94]

So you are saying I should have the crossover lower on the amp vs the head unit?

[@Cen0byte]

Great video, thanks! My pioneer ts a2013i speaker frequency is 25-28.000. That means that if i set my high pass filter at 31.5 khz with 12db slope is ok?

[@rudymolinamiranda7807]

So, if I used passive crossover in my components speakers. I have to add 12 db (from the crossover) to the stereo crossover set up? I have a Pioneer wt3800nex unit. By the way Great Videos!!

[@matmichalke5734]

Great video, actually been on my mind for a while. Next to things I’m curious about is A)should I adjust my gain or crossover first? B)how to adjust time alignment on my head unit?

[@damienfrizzell9394]

Set crossovers to through then do the gains ..after that Crossover adjustment has headroom

[@marcuswebb3758]

So can you install a crossover for your highs & mids without installing amp?

[@vermili0138]

I use the crossovers on the DM-810 as I can see the crossover points clearly and I can use the EQ to flatten them as well. I don't use my sub sonic crossover as the DM-810 only goes down to 25Hz but I'v set it up with a 24dB roll-off for good measure.

[@champspec]

Linkewitz-Riley crossover is the Best type of crossover. 2 way or 3 way. Speakers will never be out of phase.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Yep! Check out my video I made about crossovers here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHWufYypfN51jLc

[@Chimango91]

Does using two xovers mess with phase? As you know, the 6db/8ª slope rotates the phase in 90 degrees. 12db/8ª - 180 degrees. 24db/8ª - 360 degrees, which doesn't matter. And it goes on and on and on...

[@yonielihudelcamporamirez4066]

Eres mi idolo te voy a poner una veladora

[@MrBlurofflical]

Your vids are on point.

[@renejreeves]

I would like the equivalent of the EQS in a in dash version, I need 6ch inputs and equivalent on each channel, what do you recommend? audio control won't make me one 😤!

[@Domaudeo]

Please make a video that explain how crossover create phase shift and how to tune a system to compensate that shift.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Watch the related video I refer to in the description

[@Punkinspapa]

What is the "all pass" used for?

[@DharshanBusKingdomOfficial]

Does that door speaker equalizer only available for the speaker out in headunit [ means 15W×4 mode] or for RCA jack line out for front and rear door speakers?? Please explain??

[@iamluckyyy2067]

So if I’m using LPF on head unit, would I set amp for subwoofer on FULL RANGE or on LPF with dial maxed?

[@gilbertogutierrez1658]

Yes

[@mikehanson6212]

Is it possible to use the HPF in the head unit and the LPF in the amplifier in order to get a bandpass for mids?

[@kingdavid2018]

You should do a tabletop component system build for dummies.

[@lianwen33]

What if I'm using a passive crossover for a component system, how should I set the crossover on the amp or headunit?

[@jimmiebatts210]

That's exactly what I wanna know

[@catalyst470]

can you please do a budget build ?

[@yuotbeudntyblckme01]

Hello just came across your channel and I wanna say thanks for the info I have a question I just connected 2 tweeters 2 front 61/2 together with the rear and the tweeters alone on the front do I tune them individually disconnecting the amp for sun and the other front or rear depending on which I'll be starting on? Because they sound pretty good but are not giving me the power it should I now this donkey has a hard kick.

[@69charlie181]

Can you help with setting up my focal impulse 4ch and jbl mono.?

[@jasonperse8819]

What if you just have a pre amp? Can you show how to tune a pre amp please

[@djduffa]

Question, so my alpine unit doesn’t let me turn off the crossover for low pass, so as for my amp for my sub, should I turn its crossover up as far as it will go to effectively turn its crossover off there?

[@MrViralRc]

I have the same head unit you use in this video, and I have a Chevy Silverado 2003 that came with Bose speakers, I have a 2500w planet audio mono amp and 2 12" power acoustic subs from Walmart. What should I set me head unit crossovers to? Please help

[@sermac18]

Great video👍

[@irvingolivissr.3172]

@CarAudioFabrication What pioneer head unit is that

[@skatingcuziwant2]

Head unit has only high-pass, amp has a hi-low-off switch for the pass. Can I use both to attain a bandpass(with amp switch set to low-pass)?

[@ixionn563]

Yes you should be able to do that.

[@FaceYourFear.]

Hey, How about when we use a Smd CC1 on the amplifiers? Should we just turn off the setting on the HU ?

[@jeremiemummert989]

What about component speakers, when the tweeter is on the same channel as the mid bass, with inline crossover?

[@spec1923]

So with a 5 channel amp would you recommend using the head unit high level out to power the tweeters or the front amp channels?

[@Keeping-It-Real-55]

Thanks for taking the time to explain these crossovers. What happens when you have crossovers in your speakers too? I just picked up a set of Hertz Mille Legends 165.3's. I have crossovers on my JL Audio HD900/5 amp, and the Kenwood Head Unit DMX 907s is where Im doing most my crossover work. I've set the amp to 50hz 12db slope, head unit to 80hz 24db slope. The highs are 80hz 24 at the head unit, and 60hz 12 db at the amp. Then those huge speaker crossovers..... What do I do with those, they are spendy speakers and I don't want to do any damage. Any ideas?

[@robr5180]

this is the question i came here looking for answers to as well. off to keep searching........

[@gilbertogutierrez1658]

Set the crossovers on the head unit to 100 hz (both the lpf and hpf). On the amp turn them off if possible or set the hpf to the lowest setting and the lpf to its highest setting. The passive crossovers that come with your speakers are doing something else. They’re filtering the door speakers from the tweeter. Those don’t have adjustments and are just wired according to the instruction manual.

[@ty27tp]

So my head unit is limited to 3 low pass filters, 80, 100 and 120hz @ 8dB, i can’t turn it off. If i was to use the low pass on the amp too, (80hz @ 12dB) would it become a 20dB slope?

[@phizzle24]

Yes

[@ty27tp]

Phil Moore thanks, got it 👍

[@dragonfly-f6x]

How to optimize the listening experience for more seated positions in car ?

[@NelsonCartierGaming]

hi i need help my amp says LOW PASS FILTER 50-250 is this a good or bad amp? and can it hit below 50hz? this is a 4000 watt planet audio? some amps says 20hz or 30hz LPF ... please explain detailed, i guess what im really asking is can this amp hit 30hz or 35hz ?

[@_N4VE_]

Your sub will still hit those low frequencies. You just can’t tune your LPF below 50hz. Which you wouldn’t do anyways. Many Subs are tuned from 80-100hz but that doesn’t mean it WONT play lower hz. If you set it to 50hz, your basically beginning the cut-off at 50hz, so you’d actually get less bass out of your sub from anything higher than 50hz. Don’t worry, your amp is fine for a subwoofer. Most commonly, subs tune from 80hz-100hz.

[@Handlehandlebars]

So quick question.. with a speaker like a 6x9 or 6.5 mid with built in tweater...they only have 2 terminals so that means I'm only adjusting there frequency as a unit and not individually ? I'm a little lost on that.. like I'm setting my eq for better lows for my mid is that also giving the built in tweater more lows?

[@brandonlaielli878]

That radio has network mode and it will give you bandpass on the rear channels and rear pre outs and tweeter freq highpass on the front channels and pre outs, than rear low pass for the sub pre outs.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

I know, but this video is meant to be focused on a broad topic, not the performance of this specific head unit.

[@brandonlaielli878]

CarAudioFabrication figured you knew!

[@BIGTAGGART]

So if i just use my headunit to set crossover and my slope do i set my amp to flat and not use hp or lp

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Watch the video

[@pauldavis501]

Thank you..... 💪💪👏👏

[@tmsmusiqtmsrecords189]

What does it mean if my crossover makes my speakers screech then it turns off does mean it broke, because the wiring is okay.?

[@ngaudio9143]

I think you guys need to explain this a little more. What is the difference when tuning with White Noise vs Pink Noise?

[@J1SMOKES]

I have infinity 2 way speakers up front. Unfortunately I just hooked them up to my amp and its way to much power for them more than double. Gain is set with oscope would I adjust the power with the gain? And do I set 2 ways to full range or hpf?

[@Hrzg069]

Nice one

[@1sthawaiian11]

Quick question my man if I have 15inch sub than can range up to 100 hz in a 40 hz ported box . Would I set my lpf above its tuning range or below it??🤦🏾‍♂️🙏🏽

[@squeaky61]

What type of crossover would you use on a regular coaxial speaker, 2way 6x8 with 100rms going to it? Thank you for any help!

[@patrykskuta7520]

Hello, which the cheapest head unit has that many audio settings as in your video? Please send me some recommendations. Might be Pioneer or anything else that is good for audio settings and output. Thank you very much.

[@bigjon.6258]

Thanks!