JL Audio CR-1 Active Crossover for Subwoofers

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

Balanced/unbalanced inputs/outputs

Q factor adjustable for filter damping

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

For those lucky few who have heard a really well-integrated subwoofer in a high-quality audio system, they know that the impact can be extraordinarily profound. Of course, one rightly expects an improvement in the low-frequency range, but most are even more amazed, even shocked, by the transformation that is taking place in the reproduction quality of the main loudspeakers. These open up enormously in terms of sound and deliver higher dynamics, better imaging and more details, especially at low volumes. Many describe this as the greatest speaker upgrade they've ever done.

Over the years we have calibrated many subwoofer systems in very critical listening environments and we have been frustrated by the limitations of the active crossovers we have been working with. We were fed up with dealing with 'blunt tools' and felt that a higher precision tool was needed. So we developed the active crossover CR-1. When positioned correctly, the CR-1 enables a listening experience in which the subwoofer and main speakers - regardless of manufacturer - become one and deliver a coherent and convincing reproduction.

The active subwoofer crossover CR-1 was developed by audiophiles for audiophiles. We think it's second to none, offering a powerful combination of subwoofer/satellite tuning capabilities and a total dedication to analog signal purity.

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

Another unique feature of the CR-1 is the roll-off of each filter bank. These attenuators greatly improve the summation 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: precision 1% resistors, operational amplifiers with JFET input, polypropylene film and film capacitors, and metallized polypropylene film capacitors, to name a few.

The CR-1's input/output design makes it equally adaptable to studio, mastering suite, or audiophile two-channel playback environments. To accommodate dual-mode systems, we also offer a bypass feature, allowing a pass-through from a dedicated 'managed bass input' on the rear panel to the CR-1's subwoofer outputs. This makes it easy to switch from two-channel to multi-channel mode.

execution

• Brushed aluminum front in silver, black body

Furnishing

• Crossover modes: Bypass or On, selectable via front panel switches
• Subwoofer output modes: Mono L+R or Stereo, selectable via front panel switches
• Crossover Frequency Range: 30Hz - 150Hz, variable with independent high pass and low pass filter frequency controls on front panel
• Subwoofer/Satellite Balance Control: +/- 12dB, fully variable via front panel knob
• Filter Dampening:
  Q: 0.3 - 1.4 @ 12dB/octave, via front panel knob
  Q: 0.16 - 4.0 @ 24dB/octave, via front panel knob
• Slope(s): 12dB/octave or 24dB/octave, Linkwitz-Riley selectable via front panel switch
• Output Mute: Independent for each output, via front panel push button switch
• Ground Lift: isolated/earthed, via rear panel switch
• Main stereo inputs, unbalanced L/R: (2x RCA/Cinch socket). Balanced L/R (2x XLR/TRS combo jack)
• Managed bass inputs, unbalanced L/R: (2x RCA/Cinch socket). Balanced L/R (2x XLR/TRS combo jack)
• Satellite outputs, unbalanced (2x RCA/cinch socket). Balanced (2x TRS socket, 2x 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 specifications

• Max. input voltage: 8V rms (+ 18dBv )
• Input impedance unbalanced: 50kO. Balanced: 20kO
• Max. output voltage: 8V rms (+ 18dBv )
• Output impedance unbalanced: 150O. Symmetric: 300O
• Distortion: < 0.002% at 8V rms / 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.
  Installation in a 19-inch rack is possible with the enclosed mounting brackets
• Weight: 10kg