A first order crossover on the low and mid drivers will start and stop both of them at the same time. Because of that, if they are different sizes (depth) and mounted flush on a 90 degree vertical baffle, the sound of each driver will arrive at your ears at a different time, creating more of phase shift problem. First order xovers look deceptively simple; but just take a look at Jim Thiel’s designs where he has about three dozen components for a first order three-way. Anything but simple.
Combination of 1st order and 2nd order crossover in 3 way box
I'm re-doing some old Sansui 3 way boxes. Is it crazy to use a 2nd order crossover between the mids and highs but a 1st order between mids and lows. I want to crossover at 375Hz and 3K Hz. With the response of the mid and high drivers I think they would be better served with a steeper slope at the 3k mark. Does anybody have a crossover designer to help me with this or am I going to cause more phasing problems that will negate the benefits?