Using amp's HPF/LPF instead of separate crossover?

[tbirdsp]

I have a Crown XLS1500 for my top speakers and a Crown XLS2000 for subs. Speakers are Carvin PM12 tops and LS1801 subs. I have a rackmount Behringer crossover, but is there any reason the following wouldn't work? (I will probably run the XLS2000 bridged and the 1500 either bridged or "dual mono")

Run a full range signal from mixer to the XLR input(s) of the XLS1500. Set that amp for High Pass operation at say, 105 hz. Run 1/4" cable(s) from the "Link/Out" jack(s) (which are just parallel inputs as far as I can tell) to the I/4" inputs on the XLS200 for the sub. Set that amp for Low Pass (at the same freq? Or should I overlap some?)

PM12 specs:
- Voiced for mains FOH and monitor applications
- PM12 features a 2.5" LF voice coil
- 1.5" HF driver for pristine highs
- Asymmetrical wide dispersion horn for greater coverage
- Rugged Polypropylene injection-molded enclosure for extreme durability - drop tested to 8 ft.
- Integrated pole-mount cup for use with Speaker stands or pole mounted on top of a subwoofer
- Suspension points for permanent installation (requires 10mm X 1.5mm fly hardware - not included)
- Freq. Resp.: 57 Hz to 18 kHz ±3 dB
- Useable LF: 46 Hz (-10 dB)
- Sensitivity: 100 dB SPL, 1 Watt @ 1 meter
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Power Handling: 300w continuous, 600w program, 1200W peak
- Coverage Angles: 90° Horiz., 30°x45° Vert.
- Protection Circuits: Speaker Guard™
- Inputs: 1/4 inch and Speakon
- Enclosure Type: Vented
- Enlosure: Polypropylene
- Suspension mounts: Four points
- Dimensions: 16" wide x 13.125" deep x 24.375" high
- Weight: 29.6 lbs

LS1801 specs:
System Type: 18-inch Sub, bass-reflex
Frequency Response: 29 Hz - 265 Hz (-10DB)
35 Hz - 150 Hz (-3 dB)
Coverage Pattern: omni
Crossover: Low Pass
Crossover Frequency: 150 Hz
Power: Full Range 500w continuous /1000w program /1500w peak
Recommended Amplifier Power: 1200 - 2400w
Sensitivity (1w @ 1m): 98dB
Maximum SPL: 127dB
LF Driver: 18-inch woofer
Nominal Impedance Full Range: 8 ohms
Enclosure: 18mm Multi-Ply Hardwood
Suspension/Mounting: Top: 1-3/8-inch Pole Mount Cup
Finish: Black DuraTuff™
Transport: 2 Recessed Handles
Grill: Black Powder-Coated Steel
Connectors: Two NL-4 Neutrik Speakons, Two ¼ TS phone jacks
Dimensions: 600mm (23.5") high, 505mm (19.75") wide, 580mm (22.75") deep
Net Weight: 63 lbs

 

[Zooberwerx]

Yes, that will work (...one of the benefits of DSP and addressed in the manual) but I don't see it as being a major improvement over the Behringer xover. A/B the two different configurations and see which works better for your given situation.

Edit: 90-110 hz should be fine. I would not overlap. Haven't reviewed the manual recently but if the slopes are LR 24 (fairly steep), you'll be okay. This is pretty much the same set-up I use (Driverack for the xover, Carvin tops, Yorkville subs, Drivecore amps). Set the balance via amp attenuators and mixer EQ.

Riis

 

[tbirdsp]

Thanks - yes the XLS manual says they are LR 24 db per octave.

Just one less unit in the signal chain and in the rack.
I have some other Behringer stuff I think is OK, not so sure about this crossover though.

I recently picked up a pair of used LS1502 speakers for a great price. For bigger gigs I may use those for the top mains and use the PM12's for additional monitors.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Thanks - yes the XLS manual says they are LR 24 db per octave.

Just one less unit in the signal chain and in the rack.
I have some other Behringer stuff I think is OK, not so sure about this crossover though.

I recently picked up a pair of used LS1502 speakers for a great price. For bigger gigs I may use those for the top mains and use the PM12's for additional monitors.

Well, if the Behringer is questionable, you have the alternative. I'm more interested in hearing how the 1502's and PM12's stack up against one another....tonally. I have the 1503's.

Riis

 

[tbirdsp]

I'm more interested in hearing how the 1502's and PM12's stack up against one another....tonally. I have the 1503's.

Riis

Me too. I'll set the whole mess up in my garage and play with both sometime soon. I rarely need this much PA though. I'd rather have the 1503's, but these popped up on local CL for a great price. They are actually older LSx1502's, but from the spec sheet they look identical to the current LS1502. Pretty much mint condition.