Outboard electronic x-over in high end system?

[Jodi]

I'm debating whether to add a seperate x-over to my system. I've heard and read what seems to be all the pros and cons of external x-overs. For you guys running high end systems, what's your thoughts. Thanks.

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[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

What exactly would you be using it for?

 

[JAZN 5,000+ posts]

steeper slopes?

 

[Jodi]

Well my Nak MB-100 lacks a dedicated sub out. I am using their remote bass controller for the sub amp(I'm one that likes the RBC) but it's control is alittle small and actually cheap looking. So, my main purpose would be to have a better RBC unit along with the convenience of remote x-over adjustments(again, the Nak lacks any HU x-over controls). I was thinking about the Audio Control three.1. Btw, I'm running the Nak MB-100, Nak PA-2004 and PA-2002 amps, CDT 07.4x 4-ways, and 2 ES-10SQ subs.

 

[Hernan 10+ year member]

Not high-end user but same question here.

Reason why?

1- Add control to the system.

2- I don't like the actual crossover points for the install.

3- 3 way mixed speaker brands. (midbass)

4- Using power better.

Are this enought reasons for going active?

 

[jrouter76 10+ year member]

I like outboard x-overs becuase they give you more flexibility(steeper slopes) you can change x-over points at will...myself I`m using a Phoenix Gold MXi3 avery nice x-over

 

[yischrax 10+ year member]

personaly I like external active X overs better than passive x overs though there is a big factor here. if you go active X over to be as good and in my opinion better you should go with a digital X the only digital x over I know if is the audiocontrol digital line between that and a deck with time alignment and a good 4 channel amp you will have a amazing frontstage that is just me. as for using it to run your entire system thats cool to it is easyer to crank the gain on the amp or set them to full pass and let the active X over do all the work then you know your x over points match up too. The other benifit is the built in line driver many active X overs have that can help out alot depending on where you mount the X over. though if you want to take advantage of the higher voltage preouts you need to mount it in the dash some place so the higher voltage can do its job in keeping out unwanted interference in the audio signal (RCA's) the only reason the digital active is better is because it can actualy code and decode the signal into digital from analog faster than the passive x over can. Also this way if you use it to run to each indivdual driver directly to amp (bi amping and such) you will actualy get full power of your amp to your speaker and it is not being wasted threw a passive x over like how a 12db x over takes out how much power like 25% how a 24db X over cuts out almost 50% passive where active it is done before the amp so you take full potential of the power from the amp. this can provide extra headroom for cleaner signal or maybe just alow you to have less power draw from the electrical system and use a class A in a high end setup.