Software crossovers?

overclockedpc

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
436
So, I'm probably going to build my own speakers but I do have a question. My mobo has separate outs for LR, rears, and sub/center. My questions is, is there software that can filter the channels so that I can use the sub/center channel directly to an amp without needing an external crossover?

Basically, I need something that can set the sub out to work at say 120hz or below, and the fronts at 100hz and above. Anyone know of anything like this?
 
The subwoofer output should be under a crossover of some kind, and suitable to drive a subwoofer directly.
 
Windows has a bass redirection option for all HDAudio compatible sound cards (think it's called bass management). Not sure if it lets you adjust the crossover frequency though.
 
You might be right on the sub out being filtered already, I'm just not sure because it's sub/center. I feel like it should be configurable. Just not sure at the moment.
 
Ok, so I just tested the theory. The sub/center out is actually usable for my application. Apparently, the two channels are split, so there's , mono sub out and mono for the center channel.

I just wish there was a way to control the crossover point via software so I wouldn't need any hardware crossovers and I'd end up spending a lot less in hardware.
 
Yeah the lack of attention to this in the computer audio domain is pretty amazing considering how useful adjustable crossover is, in my opinion even crucial if you have any setup with a subwoofer.
 
If anyone out there is capable of writing something that would work, I'd be ultra happy as would lots and lots of people.

I'm guessing it would have to act as a sound device that is set as default and process all the crossover info prior to the audio being processed by the actual audio chip.
 
I do believe some on board audio solutions on certain motherboards allow this. I use an X-Fi out to a 2.1 setup with a dedicated sub and use bass redirection set at 80 Hz so it's certainly possible.
 
It looks like Windows 8's default HDAudio driver lets you adjust the crossover frequency.
 
I HIGHLY recommend the ToneBoosters Isone VST plugin. You can really get a very good dialed in setting for software crossover and it can help strengthen or overcome issues your cans might have with accurate channel separation.

I can't imagine listening to music without it now and it works wonders.
 
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