VCB-100 VIRTUAL CROSSOVER BOX

Audio 4 Industry - Hobbyists - Home / Car Installation Specialists

TWEETER

MIDRANGE

3.9 3.3 0.5

3.3 4.7 2.7 3.9 0.35 0.8
PHASE
2.7 6.8 2.2 4.7 0.3 1.0

2.2 10 1.8 6.8 0.25

200 1.5 15 1.5 0.2

(ohm) (uF) (mH)
100 1.0 EXT 1.0 EXT 0.1 EXT
0 THRU OPEN
THRU
68
TW
(uF)
47 EXT
THRU

3.9 10 0.8
3.3 4.7 8.2 12 0.5 1.0
PHASE

2.2
2.7 6.8

10
6.8

4.7
15

22
0.35

0.3
WOOFER
1.5 15 3.9 33 0.25
(ohm) (uF) (mH)
1.0 EXT 3.3 EXT 0.2 EXT
0 THRU OPEN
THRU

INPUT MID

INPUT
1.5 15 3.9
1.2 2.1 12 22 3.3 4.7

8.2
1.0 2.5 10 33 2.7

0.8 3.0 8.2 47 2.2 15

0.5 3.5 6.8 1.5

(mH) (uF) (uF)
0.25 EXT 4.7 EXT 1.0 EXT
THRU OPEN 0
THRU
WF2 WF1

CROSSOVER BOX SPEAKER CABINET, IN-WALL SPEAKER,

CAR AUDIO, etc.
Fig. 1: Typical Set-up
has been modified. 5. Allowance for 1-way, 2-way, and 3-way sys-
COMMENTARY Dozens of different circuit topologies may tem crossover design with up to two woofers,
be created, and the nearly 100 components two midranges, and a tweeter.
An engineer designing a crossover network
allow you to choose your own filter type, cre- 6. The midrange and tweeter circuit also have
for a speaker system will typically design the ating Butterworth, Chebychev, or Bessel filter a switch to change their respective polarity in
crossover network on paper or with software, alignments where necessary. The crossover reference to the woofer(s).
using generally known design principles. He box is a must have companion for any speak- 7. The internal circuit uses quality 100V elec-
will then make a sample or samples of the er system design or analyzing software. trolytic capacitors (+/- 10%), ferrite core coils
crossover with the components required,
(0.8mm wire dia.), and cement type resistors
either using a breadboard or mock-up wiring.
Next, he inserts the crossover into the speak-
KEY FEATURES (3W). All values measured at 1KHz.
er system and checks to see if the crossover Ci: 47, 68, 100, 200uf, thru, ext. | R1 (TW): 1.0, 1.5, 2.2,
performs as expected, obtaining the desired Design, test, and modify crossovers in real- 2.7, 3.3, 3.9, 4.7, 6.8, 10, 15ohms, thru, ext. | C1(TW): 1.0,
sound (from the speaker system). time while listening (invaluable for A/B test- 1.5, 1.8, 2.2, 2.7, 3.3, 3.9, 4.7, 6.8uf, thru, ext. | L1(TW):
ing) or comparing software curves. 0.1, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0mH, open, ext. | R2 (MID):
If the crossover network does not perform as 1.0, 1.5, 2.2, 2.7, 3.3, 3.9, 4.7, 6.8, 10, 15ohms, thru, ext.
expected, the engineer must experiment with Eliminate countless hours of design and | C1(MID): 3.3, 3.9, 4.7, 6.8, 10, 12, 15, 22, 33uF, thru, ext.
mock-up building time. | L1(MID): 0.1, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0mH, open, ext.
other components and versions of the
A great tool for industry, hobbyists, or home | L3(WF): 0.25 (DCR<0.15ohms), 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5,
crossover. As a result, more time is spent / car installation specialists looking to “tune” 2.1, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5mH (DCR<0.55ohms), thru, ext. | C3(WF):
building, soldering, procuring, or placing the their systems.
4.7, 6.8, 8.2, 10, 12, 15, 22, 33, 47uF, open, ext. | R3 (WF):
1.0, 1.5, 2.2, 2.7, 3.3, 3.9, 4.7, 8.2, 15ohms, thru, ext. |
new components into the prototype system. Allows for any type of external components SW1;SW2: Polarity Rocker Switch.
Introducing the Virtual Crossover Box. This to be used via quick-connect push terminals,
unit is a self-contained, variable crossover or select from over 85 internal components 8. Using other component types such as
circuit (passive and analog) that allows com- using robust, long-life rotary switches. mylar capacitors, polyswitches, light-bulbs, or
ponents to be changed instantly by the use of Uses internal PCB (printed circuit board) any number of other component/driver com-
for tight tolerances and reliable performance. binations is obtainable by simply utilizing the
labeled rotary switches and pre-determined
Tough, injected molded plastic top panel external terminal connections.
network paths using a printed circuit board.
with silk-screened component values guaran- --
This box enables new crossover versions to
tees years of productive use. Vidsonix Design Works is an independent-
be created and modified instantaneously, in Streamlined dimensions: 14 1/4"(l) x 10 ly owned and operated U.S. company which
real-time, resulting in the elimination of multi- 1/4"(w) x 2 1/2"(h); fits into a standard brief- designs and manufactures its own line of
ple prototype testing/building. case. Weight: ~4lbs. home theater, marine, and professional
Ci R1 C1 PHASE
Procuring all the required parts and assem- speaker products and accessories, along
SW1
bling a similar circuit by hand would cost far with its exclusive line of Audio 4 Industry
INPUT L1 TW more in time and money than the cost of this products. Founded in 2000 by audio engi-
unit!! neer Charlie Miltenberger (Charlie has
R2 C2 PHASE
SW2
Full one-year function warranty. designed or assisted in the design and man-
ufacture of literally hundreds of speaker sys-
L2 EXT MID
COMPONENT LIST/SPECIFICATIONS tem models for major consumer electronic
companies over an 11 year period), Vidsonix
L3
The circuit allows for: is dedicated to bringing you the most
C3 R3
WF2 WF1 1. An overall high pass filter. ergonomic, aesthetic, great sounding, cost
2. A 2nd order network with a resistor for the effective audio products on the market today.
Fig. 2: Schematic tweeter section. In addition to the VCB-100, Vidsonix has a
3. A 2nd order network with a resistor for the whole line of crossover and system design
As a simple example, using the appropriate tools in development for the upcoming year...
midrange section, with the allowance for an
rotary switch in the tweeter section to change
the capacitor value from 1.5uF to 2.7uF will
external conjugate filter. M.S.R.P.: $299.95 Vidsonix Design Works
4. A 2nd order network with conjugate filter 28415 Industry Drive, Unit 510
lower the cut-off frequency of this high pass
on the woofer(s). [3rd and 4th order network Valencia, CA 91355
filter. As a result, the crossover points and (661) 775-2760
topologies may be added easily via the exter-
frequency response of the overall system (661) 775-4967 fax
nal connectors].