Dayton Audio DATS LA Loudspeaker Analyzer

DC-Biased Testing: A Breakthrough in Loudspeaker Measurement

Traditional impedance-based testing methods provide valuable information about a driver’s small-signal characteristics but fail to capture how parameters shift with cone displacement. The DATS LA introduces a unique approach to this problem with its patented DC-biased measurement technique, enabling precise evaluation of a driver’s non-linear electromechanical behavior as a function of excursion.

Using precisely controlled DC pulses to displace the voice coil and cone before performing impedance sweeps, DATS LA systematically captures the impact of excursion on key parameters. This results in highly accurate Bl(x) and Kms(x) curves, which illustrate motor and suspension symmetry across the driver’s operational range. By identifying non-linearities, mechanical limitations, and asymmetry, engineers can optimize motor structures, suspension designs, and excursion limits with unmatched precision.

100W AC/DC Amplifier: Real-World Large Signal Testing

A major limitation of conventional speaker analysis systems is their inability to perform high-power measurements. The DATS LA’s integrated 100-watt amplifier overcomes this by enabling both small- and large-signal testing, allowing you to observe how T/S parameters evolve under realistic operating conditions. By increasing test signal voltage, you can evaluate how a driver’s parameters shift as it is driven outside its linear range, exposing critical performance metrics such as: ✔ Motor force reduction due to flux modulation and coil offset ✔ Suspension stiffness variations impacting excursion limits ✔ Thermal compression and voice coil heating effects on resistance (Re) and sensitivity ✔ Bl degradation at higher outputs, limiting peak SPL capability

With this information, designers can accurately model power compression effects, excursion limits, and distortion characteristics, ensuring their systems perform consistently across a wide range of SPLs.

Precision Measurement: Comprehensive Speaker Analysis

At its core, the DATS LA is a high-precision impedance measurement system, leveraging advanced algorithms to extract key Thiele/Small parameters (Fs, Qts, Vas, etc.) with extreme accuracy. In addition, it functions as a highly accurate LCR meter, allowing precise measurement of:

- Resistance (Re): 0.002Ω – 10kΩ

- Inductance (L): 0.05mH – 100mH (with DC resistance)

- Capacitance (C): 0.002µF – 10,000µF (with ESR, dissipation factor, and Q)

This level of accuracy is essential not only for evaluating loudspeaker components but also for designing crossovers, passive networks, and other precision circuits used in audio applications.

Advanced Software: More Than Just an Impedance Tester

The DATS LA isn’t just hardware—it’s a complete loudspeaker analysis suite. The included software provides powerful tools for measurement, visualization, and analysis, including: ✔ DC-biased Bl(x) and Kms(x) symmetry curves to evaluate motor and suspension behavior ✔ Oscilloscope mode with dual trace capability for signal analysis ✔ Signal generator with customizable waveforms, frequency, and amplitude ✔ Measurement of Wright Model parameters (Kr, Xr, Ki, Xi) for enhanced driver simulations ✔ USB connectivity for seamless integration with PC-based workflows

With these features, the DATS LA not only replaces traditional speaker testers but also enhances your ability to analyze and optimize every aspect of loudspeaker performance.