FA-501 36" - 915mm Overhead Directional Speaker

The Dakota Audio FA-501 Directional Audio array is the larger version (36 inches square) of the FA-602. The FA-501 directs the audio signal straight down (as compared to the FA-602's focused audio signal that projects to the side at a fifteen degree angle).

The FA-501's full range sound capability is unmatched in the directional audio industry. It is frequently used where sound quality and control is paramount. The FA-501 is used in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, several museums within the Smithsonian Institution, The National Constitution Center, The Corvette Museum, The Newseum, and in countless retail and digital signage applications.

Please contact us for a customer reference in your particular market, we have hundreds of very happy customers that would be happy to discuss our products with you and the vast majority of our business is to repeat customers.

The FA-501 produces a circular sound pattern enabling a variety of mounting postions from horizontally overhead to mounting vertically on a wall or under a grating in the floor. Our customers have installed these units in every configuration possible, contact us to learn more about them and we'll be happy to put you in touch with our thousands of very happy customers.

This speaker is commonly installed in conjunction with retail digital signage, in sports bars, and in the majority of the museums in the world. (over 75% of the museums in North America alone)

The FA-501 is covered by Dakota Audio's five (5) year warranty with product registration, and if purchasing an evaluation unit, is eligible for our industry shattering 90 day money back guarantee. (no restocking fee)

During our over 14 years in business we have only had two speakers returned and while that speaks to our products abilities we also take great pride in assisting our customers find the appropriate product for their needs. Contact us with your diagrams of where you want the sound to be in and out of focus and we'll help you with a decision you'll be proud of many years to come.

 


FA-501 Specifications

  

FA-501 36" Directional Speaker

Dimensions:

3" x 36" x 36" (76mm x 915mm x 915mm)

Weight:

37 lbs (16.7 kg)

Grill Cover:

Flame retardant fabric covers available in: black or white

Mounting height:

Approximately: 8' (2.5m) -14' (4m)

Coverage pattern:

Adjustable from very tight (less than a meter) to three meters (10 feet)

Frequency Response:

Full Range - from ~200HZ - ~5KHZ

FA-50 Directional Speaker Covered with Black Grill Cloth
 
 

Power:

16-18 VAC or 24 VDC, 15 watts (transformer included)

Input:

Line level balanced or unbalanced - Screw terminals and 1/8" mini jack

Amplification:

Built in amplifier with volume control and two position gain control

Maximum Output level:

90 dBA (internally limited for safety)

Options:

Custom covers, Cables, Weatherproofing, built in Media Player

Onboard control panel:

See below

FA-501 Directional Speaker with Grill Cover removed

 

 

Directional Speaker Control Panel

The FA-501 is easily field adjustable for both mounting height and pattern width.

There are two push buttons and two rows of LEDs on the top side of the array. One sets the mounting height above the floor in one foot increments from 8 to 14 feet.

The other button controls the pattern width in seven steps from tight to a circle appropriately 10 feet in diameter.

Audio input is line level, transformer isolated, either balanced or unbalanced. A volume control and two position gain switch controls the built in amplifier which accommodates a wide range of audio input levels.

 

Click for larger image

A three position switch controls a built in equalizer with three preset adjustments to the audio frequency response for the program material.

The music position provides full range sound.

The voice with music position has a slight rise in the high frequency response to enhance voice intelligibility while maintaining good music reproduction.

The voice position reduces low frequencies for maximum voice intelligibility.The array accepts any standard line level input, either balanced or unbalanced.

For installations where the audio level is set remotely, a switch disables the volume control.

The FA-501 focused sound arrays are powered by either 16 to 18 Volts AC or 24 Volts DC. A plug-in 16 VAC transformer is supplied for installations where local 120 power is available. Where the array power and signal cables share the same conduit, we suggest powering them with 24VDC.

Generally, the arrays are suspended by four thin (0.080 inch) aircraft cables with easily adjustable clips (supplied). Optionally, four threaded inserts, either 1/4 - 20 American or 6 millimeter metric, are available.

The units are constructed of aluminum, with a non-reflective black powder coat finish.

The snap-on fabric grill cover is provided, available in black or white. Custom covers are available in quantities of 100 or more. Logos or designs can be printed on the face of the fabric. Please add a "B" or "W" to end of the product number when ordering (i.e. FA-501B will be shipped with a black cover)

 
 

How Dakota Audio Speakers Work:


If two or more sound waves arrive at the same place at the same time, they add and produce a sound wave that is the sum of all of the incoming sound waves.

When multiple sound waves arrive at random times, some waves cancel, producing a sound wave that is less than the sum of the incoming waves.

If several speakers are mounted equal distance from the listener, the sound from each of the speakers arrives at the listener's ears at the same time. The resulting sound is considerably louder than the sound from each individual speaker.

While it wouldn't be practical to mount the speakers in a spherical array, we can achieve the same results by delaying the launch time from the speakers.
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Why Choose Dakota Audio?

Dakota Audio directional speaker arrays offer the only full range focused sound solution. With several different speaker configurations Dakota Audio also offers the widest selection of specialized directional audio devices on the market today.  Finally, with the only 90 day guarantee and 5 year warranty Dakota Audio proudly stands behind their products and has only had two speakers returned in over 14 years of business.

What are Dakota Audio Directional Speakers?

Multiple small, high quality loudspeakers providing excellent sound quality and control in thin unobtrusive packages. Our technology allows us to design arrays into situations and provide coverage patterns that are not available with other technologies. We welcome side-by-side comparisons with any other technology for controlling sound.
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