Crossover Unit question...
 

I have a Lanzar VIBE x6 3-way crossover that has a switch labled "PHASE." I have no idea what this does, but appears to be apart of the LOW PASS. The switch itself has two settings: one shows "0" (the number zero) and "180." In the manual, it reads for this function:
"PHASE INVERTER: Positioning the switch to the "180" position shifts the subwoofer output signals 180 degrees out-of-phase relative to the front and rear output signals."

What exactly does this switch do to my subwoofer output and sound?"

easiest way to describe is that is reverses the motions of the sub, it is used as an option in installation of subs via crossovers to see which sounds better to you. I wouldn't get hung up on it, but try it and see which sounds better to you! I cannot hurt the sub to try it... :cool:

Dave - should phase and polarity be considered the same thing?

Does his switch simply accomplish the same thing as reversing the pos. and neg. wires?

~HH

Well, I'll be finding out this Wednesday... I've run all my cables through my car successfully. I'm waiting on a subwoofer box (had to order one). Once I have that, I'll have something to mount my amps to and then wire everything together.

I don't know much about auto sound systems, but I do know a little about frequency. (I'm in the Military...that's what I do) I'm GUESSING that phase means the phase angle. In other words: Imagine a sound wave, as a matter of fact, image two. Now when both of them reach thier respective amplitudes at the same time (considering they are both at the same frequency) they are said to be "in phase". When one frequency hits it's amplitude, while the other is at baseline they are said to be "out of phase".

Polarity on the other hand MAY be associated with a positive and a negative, kinda like magnets. Changing this in turn COULD rearrange the frequency or alter it, but like I said, stereo's aren't my thing so I'm not sure exactly what they mean.

Sorry if it this doesn't help:dunno: