How to connect tweeters with a crossover to an amplifier?
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Technology has come a long way since my first tweeter was installed 15 years ago, and most modern tech tweeters now come with a built-in crossover. But you can find some without the crossover. In these cases, if you know the importance of the crossover, you know you will never install tweeters without them. Today I will focus on how to connect crossover tweeters to an amplifier.
In general, to connect a tweeter with a built-in crossover to an amplifier, follow these steps.
- First, connect the positive wire of the crossover to the positive terminal of the amplifier.
- Then connect the negative wire of the crossover to the negative terminal of the amplifier.
- Then connect the other ends of the crossover to the tweeter (positive and negative).
- Finally, connect other drivers such as woofers or subwoofers to the amplifier.
That's all. Now your car audio system will work perfectly.
Essential knowledge about tweeters and crossovers
Before we begin the connection process, it is necessary to have some knowledge about tweeters and crossovers.
What is a tweeter?
To reproduce high frequencies of 2000–20000 Hz, you will need a tweeter. These tweeters can convert electrical energy into sound waves. To do this, they use electromagnetism. Usually tweeters are smaller than woofers, subwoofers and midrange drivers.
woofers: Woofers are capable of reproducing frequencies from 40 Hz to 3000 Hz.
Subwoofers: Possibility of reproduction of frequencies from 20 Hz to 120 Hz.
Midrange Drivers: Possibility of reproduction of frequencies from 250 Hz to 3000 Hz.
As you can imagine, your car audio system needs at least two or more of the above drivers. Otherwise, it will not be able to catch certain frequencies.
What is a crossover?
Although component speaker drivers are designed to reproduce a specific frequency, these drivers cannot filter frequencies. For this you need a crossover.
In other words, the crossover helps the tweeter capture frequencies between 2000-20000 Hz.
How to connect tweeters to Built-in crossovers in the amplifier
Depending on your situation, you may need to take different approaches when connecting your tweeter. For example, some tweeters have built-in crossovers and some don't. So, in method 1, we are going to discuss built-in crossovers. We will focus on autonomous crossovers in methods 2, 3 and 4.
Method 1 - tweeter with built-in crossover
If the tweeter comes with a built-in crossover, you won't have any problems installing the tweeter and connecting it. Connect the positive tweeter lead to the positive end of the amplifier. Then connect the negative wire to the negative end.
Keep in mind: In this method, the crossover filters only the frequencies for the tweeter. It will not support other drivers such as woofers or subwoofers.
Method 2 - Connecting the Tweeter Directly to an Amplifier with a Crossover and a Full Range Speaker
In this method, you will need to connect the crossover directly to the amplifier. Then connect the other ends of the crossover to the tweeter. Next, we connect all the other drivers according to the above diagram.
This method is great for connecting a separate crossover to a tweeter. However, the crossover only supports the tweeter.
Method 3 - Connecting a tweeter along with a full-range speaker
First, connect the positive wire of the full range speaker to the amplifier.
Then follow the same process for the negative wire.
Then connect the positive and negative wires of the crossover to the positive and negative ends of the speaker.
Finally, connect the tweeter to the crossover. This is a great way to save some speaker wire.
Method 4 - separate connection for tweeter and subwoofer
If using a subwoofer with a tweeter, connect them separately to the amplifier. Otherwise, the high bass output may damage or explode the tweeter.
First, connect the positive wire of the crossover to the positive terminal of the amplifier.
Then connect the negative wire to the negative end. Then connect the tweeter to the crossover. Be sure to connect the wires according to the polarity.
Now connect the positive and negative wires of the subwoofer to another amplifier channel.
Some tips that can help the above processes
Modern car amplifiers have from 2 to 4 channels. These amplifiers can simultaneously drive a 4 ohm tweeter and a 4 ohm full range speaker (when connected in parallel).
Some amplifiers come with built-in crossovers. You can use these built-in crossovers without any problems. Always use a crossover tweeter. Also, never connect a tweeter and subwoofer.
For those looking for an upgrade, it's always better to replace the original crossover with a crossover with 2-way speakers.
What to pay attention to during wiring
Without proper wiring, you won't be able to connect tweeters, crossovers, or subwoofers properly. So, follow these guidelines for good results.
- Do not confuse the polarities of the wires. In the examples above, you may have to deal with 4 or 6 wires. So, identify the wires correctly and connect the wires accordingly. The red lines represent the positive wires and the black lines represent the negative wires.
- Use crimp connectors instead of electrical tape. They are the best options for such a wiring process.
- There are many different sizes of crimp connectors on the market. So be sure to buy the right one for your wires.
- Use 12 to 18 gauge wire. Depending on power and distance, gauge may vary.
- Use tools such as wire strippers and crimping tools during the connection process described above. Having such tools can make a big difference. For example, a wire stripper is a much better option than a utility knife. (1)
Where to install tweeters
If you're looking for a place to mount the tweeter, try placing it in the center of the passenger and driver seats.
Also, the car door or side pillars near the windshield are also good places to mount a tweeter. Most factory-installed tweeters are installed in these locations.
However, when installing the tweeters, be sure to choose a suitable location. For example, some people don't like to mount the tweeter in the center of the dashboard. Constant sound near the ears can irritate them. The car door is the perfect place for this situation. Also, when you install the tweeter on the car door; Drilling and installation processes are quite simple.
Can I use tweeters on a monoblock subwoofer?
A monoblock sub amp has only one channel and that channel is for bass reproduction. Monoblock amplifiers do not have high frequencies. Thus, you cannot install a tweeter on a monoblock amplifier.
However, if you are using a multi-channel amplifier with a low pass crossover, follow the steps below for optimum performance. (2)
- When using a multi-channel amplifier, always connect the tweeter to a full-range unused channel.
- If you are using speakers, connect the tweeter in parallel with the speakers.
- However, if there are no unused channels in the amplifier, you will not be able to connect to twitter.
Tip: Low-pass crossovers block higher frequencies and allow frequencies from 50 Hz to 250 Hz to be used.
Summing up
Whether you buy a tweeter with a built-in crossover or a separate crossover, you need to connect the tweeter and crossover to an amplifier. The best way to do this is to connect the tweeter to an unused channel.
On the other hand, if you are using a subwoofer with a tweeter, follow the above guidelines correctly.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to connect tweeters without a crossover
- How to connect multiple car audio batteries
- How to distinguish a negative wire from a positive one
Recommendations
(1) utility knife - https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-utility-knife/
(2) optimal performance - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-optimal-performance-rich-diviney
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