What is the difference between Bessel, Butterworth, and Linkwitz-Riley crossovers?
These are the names given to three different types or topologies of filters. They are most often applied in crossover networks. Each one has different characteristics, but there is no definitive answer as to which is the best to use. The choice of which one to use depends entirely on the filter characteristics of the transducer. It is entirely possible to have a crossover between two transducers where the LPF for the lower frequency transducer and the HPF for the higher frequency transducer each have different topologies, slopes, and cutoff frequencies. As filters, the Butterworth is considered the “gentlest”, The Bessell has the most interesting phase shifts and the Linkwitz-Riley the sharpest cut-off. Because there are phase issues associated with all filters, it is hard to describe the differences apart from specific applications.
