Number of Ways / Bands
Number of ways counts the frequency bands in a crossover system; for an equalizer, this field counts adjustable bands.
Also called: Number of Ways
Frequency bands are different from audio channels, output sockets and physical drivers. The relevant count describes how the signal is divided or adjusted.
Number of Ways / Bands — Loudspeaker
For a loudspeaker, a two-way design divides reproduction into two bands, while a three-way design uses three. Several drivers can work together within one band.
Do not equate driver count with way count. A single full-range driver can be one-way without a crossover; a 2.5-way arrangement has overlapping driver roles and should retain that description rather than be rounded to an integer.
Number of Ways / Bands — Crossover
For an active crossover, ways are the output frequency bands for a channel or configured signal path. Stereo two-way and mono three-way operation describe different configurations.
Compare the band count within the stated configuration. Two stereo channels do not double the number of ways, and a choice of operating configurations is more informative than a single unexplained count.
Number of Ways / Bands — Equalizer
For an equalizer, the count refers to separately adjustable frequency bands. A stereo unit can have the stated number of bands on each channel.
Compare the per-channel basis and control type. Several selectable centre frequencies for one adjustable filter do not create several simultaneously adjustable bands, and band count alone does not describe bandwidth or adjustment range.