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 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.

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.

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.

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:

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 B2) 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

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.