Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dakota Audio speakers in stock?
Most Dakota Audio speakers are in stock and ship within 48 hours or less from the time we receive your order. Larger orders may require more time and special order items require a six to eight week lead time.
Please contact us with any questions about placing your order or the lead-time for delivery.
Do you ship Internationally?
Yes, We ship any where UPS or Fed Ex ships.
How do I get a Demo Unit?
Email: sales@DakotaAudio.com to request one. We have Demonstration Units of all our products.
How long is the proprietary cable between the directional MA-4/MA-5 Mini Array Speakers and the remote amplifier?
The audio signal cable that connects the MA-4 and MA-5 series Mini Arrays to the remote amplifier is 6 feet or 1.8 meters long.
The common wire in the cable from the mini-arrays to the amplifiers must have less than one ohm resistance. This is the reason we limit the length of the cable to six feet for normal usage.
We can provide a custom cable (through special order) with a very heavy braided shield – which we use as the common – that enables the distance between mini array and amplifier to be increased to a maximum of 50 feet. (This is the maximum length that Dakota Audio will support)
How loud are Dakota Audio focused speaker arrays?
Due to safety considerations, since our arrays are often used in retail areas where children are present, we limit the maximum output to approximately 90 dB in the target area. Please check out the individual product pages for more information.
Have you had any reports of Dakota Audio directional speakers causing headaches with long term exposure?
No, Our arrays do not emit any audio signal or high frequency radiation other than the sound you hear.
Do Dakota Audio focused speaker arrays use ultrasonic or hyper-sonic technology?
No, Dakota Audio arrays use proven loudspeaker technology to provide low distortion, full range, directional audio signal.
Is the sound pattern adjustable for the Dakota Audio Focused Array (FA)?
Dakota Audio’s FA speaker control panels can provide a standard tight focal point in front of the array, broaden it out for a few individuals, or larger yet for a small group.
Is the sound pattern adjustable for the Dakota Audio Mini Array (MA) ?
No, The Mini Arrays (MA) are not adjustable. They are designed highly directional side to side.
Ideal for 1-2 individuals of all heights.
What is an offset focused sound pattern and when would I need it?
Dakota Audio’s FA-602 array projects the sound to the side at a 15-degree angle from the array.
The projected sound can be focused to a tight point or broader to cover more people.
Offset focused sound patterns are useful when you are installing an audio device into a post construction environment. Invariably the audio is needed where an obstruction already lies. Dakota Audio is experienced at developing solutions based on our customer’s needs. Offset focused sound patterns are just one example of our commitment to solving our customer’s directional audio needs.
What are the mounting options for Dakota Audio Directional Speaker Arrays?
Dakota Audio directional speakers are thin, lightweight and have several mount points enabling them to be implemented in a wide variety of configurations. The overhead arrays are suspended from thin aircraft cables.
Our Mini Speaker Arrays are frequently mounted above and or below Plasma and LCD screens and in kiosks. They can also be mounted in a wall near or under the display to suit the situation.
How close together can Dakota Audio Focused Arrays (FA) be mounted?
In the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, there are a number of our arrays mounted 12 feet high in a small area with some just a few inches apart. There is some sound bleed between exhibits but not an objectionable amount. This is a rather extreme example and we do not recommend it, but it can work under the right conditions.
Is black the only color Dakota Audio speaker arrays come in?
Most of our speakers are powder coated black. We offer a slip-on washable fabric cover that is available in black or white for the FA Series. Just about any acoustically transparent fabric can be used. The MA series speakers are stocked in Black. White is available but a lead-time applies for a White MA-4 or MA-5 . Other colors are available send an email to sales@dakotaaudio.com to discuss.
Does Dakota Audio make a weather resistant version of their speakers?
We can provide several options, depending on the amount of exposure to the elements and the sound quality required. Send an email to sales@DakotaAudio.com .
How are Dakota Audio (FA) arrays powered?
The arrays are provided with a UL rated wall transformer plug in power supply. The distance from the power supply to the array is not critical, contact us for details. They can also be centrally powered in situations where there are a number of arrays and you wish to avoid the expense of providing electrical power to the array locations.
What kind of Audio Input do I need for Dakota Audio Focused Speakers FA & MA?
The power amplifiers are built into the arrays. The input is designed to work with a 3.5mm Aux Cable, or it will accept just about any line level audio input, consumer to professional levels and balanced or unbalanced outputs. They will work directly with media devices, digital playback units, as well as more exotic sources.
Why Choose Dakota Audio?
Dakota Audio directional speaker arrays offer the best 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. Dakota Audio products are manufactured in Minnesota with quality being a priority in every step of the process.
