New Dayton Audio KABD Series Amp Boards
The Next Level of DSP Amplification
All-in-one KABD Amp Boards with DSP & Bluetooth from Dayton Audio in 2-ch and 4-ch versions
The new Dayton Audio KABD series of boards leverage the convenience of Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD streaming along with the powerful Analog Devices ADAU1701 DSP chip to allow for almost limitless possibilities for sound customization and still have the convenience of high-quality Bluetooth streaming.
Replacing Previous Dayton Audio DSPB Amplifier Boards
KABD-230
2 x 30W
KABD-250
2 x 50W
KABD-430
4 x 30W
KABD-4100
4 x 100W
What's New:
- All new versions: 2 x 30W, 2 x 50W, 4 x 30W, 4 x 100W
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD for high quality and long range streaming
- Optimized for low power consumption for battery-powered projects
- External potentiometer ports allow easy integration of volume, tone control, filters, and more for any project
Other Included Features
- Reliable and power efficient Class D amplification
- Easy to use plug-and-play solderless configuration
- Integrated ADAU1701 DSP chip for ultimate signal control and customization via the free SigmaStudio software
- Requires KPX or ICP1 programming interface for SigmaStudio control
- DSP controlled line level output for connecting powered subwoofers or external amplifiers
- Only available with 2-channel versions: KABD-230 and KABD-250
- Bluetooth 5.0 or line-level AUX input accommodates wireless and wired audio connection
Adding optional potentiometer controls has never been easier
- Completely customizable with SigmaStudio, external potentiometers can be programmed for on the fly adjustment of volume control, tone controls, high and low pass filters and so much more
- Set limits on max volume to prevent accidental overloads to your speakers
- Can’t decide on one fixed treble level for your portable speaker? Put a treble knob on it and adjust it on the spot
- Love the bass during the day, but want to tone it down at night? Add a bass knob!
- Set high/low pass variable frequency filters to fine tune your sound
- Potentiometers headers can also be configured for toggle switches or push buttons for toggling presets or custom sound modes
Bass Optimization
Low pass and infrasonic (high pass) filters offer total control over the range your woofers play, and precise PEQ can optimize the bass response of the woofer to your tastes. EQ could even be used to apply room equalization to improve the accuracy of your speaker’s bass performance inside of a specific room.
Dynamic Bass Enhancement increases the proportion of bass at lower volumes, while decreasing the proportion of bass at higher volumes. Common practice in commercial Bluetooth speakers, this allows for a full, bass heavy sound from small drivers or exciters at lower volumes, but protects them from being overdriven at higher volumes.
SuperBass algorithm uses principles of psychoacoustics to increase perception of bass by generating harmonics above the chosen crossover frequency. This can be especially useful when using small drivers or exciters.
Prototyping speakers has NEVER been faster
At Dayton Audio, we love building speakers. We love the process of designing a crossover, ordering capacitors and inductors, assembling crossovers and hearing our creations for the first time. However, we also know this process is time consuming, and not to mention expensive if you have multiple iterations of a crossover.
With the new 4 channel KABD amplifiers with an integrated ADAU1701 DSP, the entire crossover design and execution process can be completed in minutes. Simply pick your crossover slope, type in your crossover point or even just click and drag. The crossover window will even show you the simulated response of your crossover. You can test multiple crossover points and slopes in the time it would take you just to open your package full of inductors and capacitors (not to mention the time it takes to assemble a crossover circuit!). Time alignment of drivers can even be easily achieved down to the millionth of a millisecond.
As much as we love the classic process of designing and building passive crossovers, it is hard to argue against the convenience and instant gratification of DSP based crossovers.
Project Ideas: SigmaStudio Example Projects and Programming Guide
Programming Guide
A detailed but easy to follow SigmaStudio programming guide for the KABD Series makes it easy to learn DSP concepts so you can make your own completely custom projects in no time.
View/Download (.PDF)Example Project Files
Even without any DSP experience, easy to use example project files for all kinds of speaker projects are available pre-configured and easily customizable with SigmaStudio.
Download Archive (.ZIP)Boom Boxes!
2 Channel Boom Box with Bass Management
Use the Dayton Audio KABD-230 or KABD-250 to create a stereo boombox using DSP optimized full range drivers. This type of project uses basic filters and volume control for a 2-channel system.
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD streaming or line input
- Low pass and infrasonic (high pass) filters offer total control over the range your woofers play
- Frequency response correction of full-range drivers with precise EQ
- Bass and treble control with external potentiometers
Powered Monitor
Simple Stereo 2-Way Speaker Project
With a 4 channel KABD-430 or KABD-4100 amplifier, making a pair of completely custom 2-way powered monitors has never been easier. The power of DSP means there is no need to build multiple iterations of crossovers to get the sound exactly how you want it. Simply keep configuring DSP settings such as crossover filters, EQ phase adjustment and more until you have the perfect sound. Multipleq iterations are as easy as making your changes and saving a new project file.
No need to be a DSP expert or even have any experience with speaker building to get the job done, as customizing a SigmaStudio project file is as simple as opening the project, clicking and dragging and typing in some numbers.
Customer Projects
Get inspiration from our customer's DIY projects
LCM – Little Californian Monitor by Luke
“Tiny 2-way speakers with 40Hz bass response, suitable for desktop, shelf, or wall mounting and optimized for small to medium sized rooms. The enclosure can be fully 3D printed, or part 3D printed with wooden side panels. The 1.85 liter enclosure is tuned to 44Hz with a folded 55cm port. The assembled speaker is 14cm x 19cm x 17cm (5.5 x 7.5 x 6.7 inch). A 4 channel DSP amplifier functions as the crossover to split the signal between woofer and tweeter at 200Hz.”
View Project
Feeling KEFish by Sam
"This was my first experience with the DSPB board and if you don’t like the sound of what I described, change it! They really are pretty incredible for the price and so far the performance has been very good. These aren’t anywhere near as powerful or transparent as my main setup, but for thirty-something bucks they kick butt and open up a whole new world of experimenting with all the filters you can create."
View Project
Charlotte’s Speaker by Bobby
“In general I’m very happy with how it turned out. The box looks fantastic. I’m really blown away by the controls and flexibility of the DSP. Analog Devices releases the software tools for free and Dayton provides several good templates to get you started.”