help needed in building 2-way speaker crossover

[davidgale]

let's say i want to build 2-way system with two loudspeakers: mid-range 8ohms 84db sensitivity and tweeter 16ohms 90db sensitivity. do i have to equalize mismatch of impedance and sensitivity? if so, how?

[wintermute]

well probably the first question that needs to be answered is whether the sensitivity figures for the two drivers are measured at 1W/1M or 2.8V/1M This will make a difference. If they are based on voltage then you will have a 6dB difference and an LPAD would be required to tone down the tweeter. Note that this doesn't take into consideration any additional attenuation you may need if you decide to incorporate Baffle step compensation on the woofer.

If the figures are given at 1W/1M or one is 1W/1M and the other 2.8V/1M then you will need to do some calculations to convert to a comparible sensitivity (due to the difference in impedance of the two drivers).

Edit: if the mid is quotes 1W/1M and the tweeter 2.8V/1M then the figures for sensitivity will be comparible, but not if the other way around.

Tony.