How to connect tweeters to speakers? (6 steps)
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By the end of this article, you will know how to quickly and efficiently connect tweeters to speakers.
While connecting a tweeter to a speaker seems simple, there are a few things to keep in mind. In the process of connecting a tweeter, you will have to figure out many things. For example, what should you install with a tweeter, crossover or bass blocker and where should you install them? In my article below, I will answer these questions and teach you everything I know.
In general, to connect a tweeter to a speaker:
- Gather the necessary tools.
- Disconnect your vehicle's battery.
- Pull out the speaker.
- Connect the wires from the speaker to the speaker.
- Install a tweeter.
- Connect the battery and check the tweeter.
I'll detail each step in my walkthrough below.
Crossover or bass blocker?
In truth, if the tweeter comes with a built-in crossover, you don't need to install a crossover or bass blocker with the tweeter. But sometimes you can get your hands on a separate tweeter. When this happens, be sure to install either a crossover or bass blocker. Otherwise, the tweeter will be damaged.
Quick-Tip: The bass blocker can stop the distortion created by the speakers (blocks low frequencies). On the other hand, a crossover can filter out different frequencies (high or low).
6 Step Guide to Connecting Tweeters to Speakers
Step 1 - Assemble the Necessary Tools and Speaker Parts
First of all, collect the following things.
- tweeter
- Tweeter mount
- Bass blocker/crossover (optional)
- Philips screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
- speaker wires
- Nippers
- For stripping wires
- Crimp Connectors/Insulating Tape
Step 2 - Disconnect the battery
Then open the front hood of the car and disconnect the battery. This is a mandatory step before starting the connection process.
Step 3 - Pull out the speaker
It would be better if you first brought the speaker wires out to connect the tweeter to the speaker. Most often, the speaker is located on the left side door. So you have to remove the door trim.
To do this, use a Philips screwdriver and a flat head screwdriver.
Be sure to disconnect the door switch wiring before separating the panel from the door. Otherwise, the wires will be damaged.
Now take a Philips screwdriver and loosen the screw that secures the speaker to the door. Then disconnect the positive and negative wires from the speaker.
Quick-Tip: Sometimes the speaker may be on the dashboard or elsewhere. You will have to change your approach depending on the location.
Step 4 - Connect the Wires
Next, you can proceed to the wiring part.
Take a roll of speaker wire and cut it to the required length. Strip two wires with a wire stripper (all four ends). Connect one wire to the negative end of the speaker. Then connect the other end of the wire to the negative end of the tweeter. Use 14 or 16 gauge speaker wires for this connection process.
Take another wire and connect it to the positive end of the speaker.
As I mentioned at the beginning, you will need a crossover or bass blocker for this connection. Here I am connecting a bass blocker between the speaker and the tweeter.
Quick-Tip: The bass blocker must be connected to the positive wire.
Use electrical tape or crimp connectors for each wire connection. This seals the wire connections to some extent.
Step 5 - Install the tweeter
After successfully connecting the tweeter to the speaker, you can now install the tweeter. Choose a suitable location for this, such as on the dashboard, door panel or just behind the rear seat.
*For this demo, I installed the tweeter behind the rear seat.
So, install the tweeter mount in the desired location and fix the tweeter on it.
Quick-Tip: Using a tweeter mount is the easiest and fastest way to install a tweeter.
Step 6 - Check the tweeter
Now attach the speaker and door panel to the door. Then connect the battery to your car.
Finally, test the tweeter with your car audio system.
A Few Things You Should Be Careful About During the Connection Process
Even though the 6-step guide above seems like a walk in the park, a lot of things can go wrong quickly. Here are some of them.
- Always check if your tweeter has a built-in crossover/bass blocker. Don't forget to install a crossover or bass blocker if it's a separate tweeter.
- Pay attention to the polarity of the wires when connecting the wires. Incorrect polarity will cause a humming sound.
- Secure the wire connection properly with electrical tape or crimp connectors. Otherwise, these connections may be damaged.
F.A.Q.
What is the purpose of a tweeter speaker?
You will need a tweeter to create and capture high-pitched sounds such as female voices. For example, most sounds, such as electric guitar notes, chimes, synthetic keyboard sounds, and some drum effects, reproduce high frequencies. (1)
What is the best wire size for a tweeter?
If the distance is less than 20 feet, you can use 14 or 16 gauge speaker wires. However, if the distance is more than 20 feet, the voltage drop will be much higher. Therefore, you may need to use thicker wires.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- Can I add wired speakers to the soundbar?
- How to connect speakers with 4 terminals
- How to cut wire without wire cutters
Recommendations
(1) female voices - https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-female-voice-actors/reference
(2) electric guitar - https://www.yamaha.com/en/musical_instrument_guide/
electric_guitar/mechanism/
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