JL Audio CR-1 Active Crossover for Subwoofers

Low-/high-pass individually adjustable (30-150Hz)

Balanced/unbalanced inputs/outputs

Q-factor adjustable for filter attenuation

Slope selectable (12/24dB/octave)

High-precision Linkwitz-Riley filters

Ground lift and mute

Bypass mode for stereo and multichannel switching

The ultimate tool for subwoofer integration

The lucky few who have heard a really well-integrated subwoofer in a high-quality audio system know that its effect can be extraordinarily profound. Of course, you rightly expect an improvement in the bass range, but most are even more amazed, even shocked, by the transformation that takes place in the playback quality of the main speakers. These open up enormously in terms of sound and deliver greater dynamics, better imaging and more detail, especially at low volumes. Many describe this as the greatest upgrade they have ever made to their speakers.

Over the years we have calibrated many subwoofer systems in very critical listening environments and we were frustrated with the limitations of the active crossovers we were working with. We were tired of messing around with 'blunt tools' and felt a more precise tool was needed. So we developed the CR-1 active crossover. When set up correctly, the CR-1 enables a listening experience where the subwoofers and main speakers - regardless of manufacturer - become one unit and deliver a coherent and convincing reproduction.

The CR-1 active subwoofer crossover was designed by audiophiles for audiophiles. We believe it is unrivaled in its powerful combination of subwoofer/satellite tuning capabilities and its commitment to analog signal purity.

CR-1 is built around two sets of precise Linkwitz-Riley low-pass and high-pass filters. Multi-stage D/A converters with monolithic ratio matching are used to adjust the filter frequencies of the analog circuit. This provides superior tracking behavior and a far more precise balance between left and right channels compared to conventional approaches.

Another unique feature of the CR-1 is the attenuation of each filter bank. These attenuation controls greatly improve summing across the crossover range by compensating for the frequency response of each speaker system. In the center of the front panel, a single intuitive rotary control allows for quick adjustment of the relative level between the subwoofer(s) and the main speakers.

To minimize distortion and noise, the CR-1 uses premium components in its all-analog audio circuitry: 1% precision resistors, JFET input operational amplifiers, polypropylene film and foil capacitors, and metallized polypropylene film capacitors, to name a few.

The CR-1's input/output design makes it equally adaptable to the studio, mastering suite or audiophile two-channel playback environment. To accommodate dual-mode systems, we also provide a bypass function that allows a pass-through from a dedicated 'Managed Bass Input' on the rear panel to the CR-1's subwoofer outputs, allowing convenient switching from two-channel to multi-channel mode.

Execution

• Brushed aluminium front in silver, body black

equipment

• Crossover modes: Bypass or On, selectable via switch on the front panel
• Subwoofer output modes: Mono L+R or stereo, selectable via switch on the front panel
• Crossover frequency range: 30Hz - 150Hz, variable with independent high-pass and low-pass filter frequency controls on the front panel
• Subwoofer/satellite balance control: +/- 12dB, fully variable via a button on the front
• Filter attenuation:
  Q: 0.3 - 1.4 @ 12dB/octave, via rotary knob on the front panel
  Q: 0.16 - 4.0 @ 24dB/octave, via rotary knob on the front panel
• Slope(s): 12dB/octave or 24dB/octave, Linkwitz-Riley selectable via switch on the front panel
• Output Mute: independent for each output, via push button switch on the front panel
• Ground Lift: isolated/grounded, via switch on the rear
• Main stereo inputs, unbalanced L/R: (2x RCA/Cinch socket). Balanced L/R (2x XLR/TRS combo socket)
• Managed bass inputs, unbalanced L/R: (2x RCA/Cinch jack). Balanced L/R (2x XLR/TRS combo jack)
• Satellite outputs, unbalanced (2x RCA/Cinch socket). Balanced (2x TRS socket, 2 XLR socket)
• Satellite outputs, unbalanced (2x RCA/Cinch socket). Balanced (2x TRS socket, 2x XLR socket)
• Subwoofer line outputs, unbalanced: L/R: (2x RCA/Cinch socket). Balanced L/R: (2x TRS socket, 2x XLR socket)

Technical data

• Max. input voltage: 8V eff (+18dBv)
• Input impedance unbalanced: 50kO. Balanced: 20kO
• Max. output voltage: 8V eff (+18dBv)
• Output impedance unbalanced: 150O. Balanced: 300O
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.002% at 8V eff /10kO, 20Hz - 20kHz, 90kHz bandwidth
• Channel separation: >80dB at 1kHz
• Low-pass frequency response: +0/-1dB
• High pass frequency response: +0/-1dB
• Power consumption: 30W
• Dimensions: (H x W x D): 97 x 442 x 398mm.
  With the included mounting brackets, installation in a 19-inch rack is possible
• Weight: 10kg