Simulation and optimization of multiway loudspeaker systems using a personal computer

Simple methods for developing transfer function models of the sound pressure and impedance response individual loudspeaker drive units are described. The procedures make use of the graphics display facilities available in today's personal computers, and can be used to predict the summed acoustic output of individual loudspeaker drivers, driven through their filter networks, which comprise a multiway loudspeaker system. Present computer-aided crossover network optimization techniques using a personal computer have been applied only to one driver-filter combination at a time. An extension to current methods is presented, and it permits the optimization of crossover network components to achieve a target response corresponding to the summed acoustic magnitude response of a multiway loudspeaker system.