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DATS LA Loudspeaker Analyzer
Quick Overview
The Dayton Audio DATS LA (Digital Audio Test System Loudspeaker Analyzer) revolutionizes loudspeaker measurement with precision and affordability. This compact, computer-controlled system features a powerful 100W AC/DC amplifier allowing quick and easy small and large signal parameter testing. Its patented symmetry test method (U.S. Patent #11,272,301) uses multiple DC-biased sweeps to analyze non-linearity and asymmetry—capabilities once limited to high dollar test systems. With precise DC bias control and proprietary data processing, DATS LA offers unparalleled insights into driver performance, making it an essential tool for speaker designers, engineers, and audio professionals.Product Highlights
- A cutting-edge hardware and software suite capable of evaluating both linear and non-linear aspects of loudspeakers.
- Utilizes a patented technique (U.S. Patent #11,272,301) for measuring loudspeaker non-linearity and asymmetry through multiple DC biased sweeps
- By precisely controlling the DC bias and employing a unique data processing method, DATS LA provides insightful data for optimizing loudspeaker motors and suspensions
- A robust 100-watt AC/DC amplifier facilitates precise measurement of drivers' small or large signal parameters under varying input levels
- Compact and durable design can be easily transported and used anywhere, without sacrificing reliability or accuracy.
- Provides functionality equivalent to industry standard loudspeaker testing systems, but at a fraction of the cost
- A critical tool for speaker designers, engineers, and researchers looking to push the boundaries of driver development and performance
Product Manuals / Spec Sheets / Downloads
Dayton Audio DATS LA SetupDayton Audio DATS LA Quick Start Guide
Dayton Audio DATS LA Patent
Buying Options
Introducing the Dayton Audio DATS LA
Detailed driver measurement and analysis is now within reach
The Dayton Audio DATS LA (Digital Audio Test System Loudspeaker Analyzer) represents the next evolution in loudspeaker measurement, integrating cutting-edge hardware and proprietary data analysis to deliver unprecedented insights into driver performance. Designed for engineers, speaker designers, and audio professionals, the DATS LA goes beyond standard impedance measurements, offering an advanced DC-biased analysis (U.S. Patent #11,272,301) that reveals critical non-linearities in motor force (Bl) and suspension compliance (Kms).
With an integrated 100-watt AC/DC amplifier, precision impedance measurement, and advanced modeling capabilities, the DATS LA provides laboratory-grade analysis at a fraction of the cost of traditional industry standard test systems. Whether evaluating a driver’s small-signal behavior or large-signal limitations, this versatile system allows you to design, optimize, and validate loudspeakers with a level of detail previously inaccessible to most designers.
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 an industry-first 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.
Key Features:
• For professionals and hobbyists--design and optimize loudspeaker drivers and systems
• Accurate measurement of loudspeaker electromechanical parameters (Fs, Qts, Vas, and many more)
• Calculates Bl, Cms, Kms, and more at specific cone positions to produce symmetry curves
• Measures parameters using small (low power) or large (high power) signal analysis
• DC capable 100 watt amplifier allows the patented (U.S. Patent #11,272,301) biased measurements
• Measurement of advanced Wright Model parameters (Kr, Xr, Ki, Xi) for precision simulations
• Software signal generator with selectable waveform, frequency, and amplitude
• Oscilloscope software mode with dual traces, plus adjustable time and amplitude scales
• Advanced short circuit protection protects amplifier from accidents
• Connects to your PC via USB port
• Compact, portable, accurate, affordable
• Optional under desk mounting brackets to save desk space
Redefining Speaker Design and Measurement
The Dayton Audio DATS LA is more than just a speaker tester—it’s a revolutionary tool for loudspeaker development. Combining advanced DC-biased testing, high-power measurement capability, and precise impedance analysis, it provides speaker designers, engineers, and researchers with the comprehensive and detailed data for optimizing driver and system performance.
For those serious about pushing the boundaries of loudspeaker technology, the DATS LA delivers laboratory-grade precision at a cost-effective price, making it an essential addition to any audio development workflow.
Precision. Power. Performance. The DATS LA difference.
Small Signal T/S Parameters
Quickly determine a driver's T/S parameters by connecting the test leads directly to the driver's terminals and selecting "Measure Free-Air Parameters." This will display the impedance magnitude and provide precise measurements of Re, Fs, Qts, Qes, Qms, and Le. To assess mechanical parameters like Vas and Mms, either add mass to the cone or place the driver in an appropriate test box and select "Measure V(as)."
Large Signal T/S Parameters
DATS LA empowers users with the capability to adjust the output level of the 100-watt amplifier during free-air parameter measurements. This feature enables precise control over the measurement process, allowing users to observe the variation in driver parameters in response to multiple output levels.
Bl vs. Excursion
The Bl symmetry curve provides insight into the electromagnetic attributes of the motor through a driver's stroke. It illustrates the motor's effective strength as the voice coil moves through the magnetic gap. The inverted result, represented by a dashed line, enables a clear and straightforward assessment of the motor's symmetric behavior during the inwards and outwards motion of the coil. This powerful visual tool is essential for understanding and optimizing motor performance.
Kms vs. Excursion
The Kms symmetry curve is a tool for analyzing the behavior of a driver's mechanical suspension system. By examining the curve, you can understand the effective stiffness and restoring force at different positions throughout the cone’s stroke. The inclusion of an inverted result, depicted by a dashed line, allows for a straightforward assessment of the suspension's symmetry as the diaphragm oscillates inwards and outwards.
Le vs. Excursion
The Le symmetry curve make it easy to assess the inductance variation of a voice coil at different positions during a driver's stroke. By illustrating how inductance changes relative to the cone's position, this metric confidently supports the evaluation of components designed to reduce inductance, such as shorting rings, pole caps, and specialized voice coil windings. This enables a clear understanding and effective analysis of inductance controlling methods.
Excursion per Volt
The graph presented effectively illustrates the relative excursion as a function of input voltage, enabling the easy observation of the onset of compression characterized by motor force reduction and stiffer suspension. Additionally, the inverse relationship is clearly delineated using a dashed line, aiding in distinguishing the variance between the inward and outward strokes.
Specifications:
• Maximum Output Power: 1x 100 watts RMS @ 4ohms
• Frequency Response: 0.1 Hz - 20kHz
• Line Input/Data Connection: USB-B
• Line Output Connectors: Insulated banana jacks
• Power Input Voltage Range: 120 - 240 VAC
• Power consumption: 100W
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 1.8" H x 5.7" W x 10.8" D
• Net Weight: 3.8 lbs
| Model Number | DATS LA |
| Color | Black |
| Unit of Measure | Each |
| UPC | 848791010880 |
| Warranty - Parts | 5 Years |
| Warranty - Labor | 5 Years |