Dayton KABD 4100 Project
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2026 3:18 pm
Ok. After reading over Carter and Ben’s posts about their KABD 4100 I’ve done some research and want to lay out what I think could be a convenient little mini setup or project.
Application is going to be coffee shop size venue, maybe 25-50 people, with potential to hit 100 max. Probably 30-50 ft room size. I mentioned a WH6L/T18 project before and realize it’s not designed as a FOH PA setup. My thought is for a modest volume small purpose would it be appropriate within reasonable expectations? In my opinion any reasonable HT level audio will be more than adequate.
I have 3 things to consider that I would like thoughts on.
1-Power supply, audio handling, and output of the KABD 4100 within reasonable limits.
A standard 36v 10a supply is recommended. There is an availability for the battery powered option. In this case 2x18v tool batteries would provide the appropriate max voltage of 36v to achieve full potential of the amp without overheating under stress.
This is very convenient and could be setup as a stand alone amp or built into a cab as Carter and Ben both implemented. Undecided here.
I have more thoughts but will not go down the rabbit hole yet.
SigmaStudio dsp engine has very powerful functions and should be able to handle any needs assuming I don’t push the memory or processor limits of the board. 24db/octave crossovers, brick wall limiting, and unlimited EQ functions, as well as much more than needed for this project.
I did find that it is possible to program multiple dsp circuits in a single save file and hardwire a selector switch that would allow me to switch program modes between say running 2 WH6s from one amp, vs 1 WH6 and 1 T18 or just 2 T18s without needing to login and use programmer board. It simply jumps the circuits to the appropriate dsp lane for the output as selected.
I plan to run 2 amps in 2 channel mode to make sure there’s more than enough power and proper cooling. Asking 4 ohms from single circuit asks for a lot of heat and they are not recommended to be run that way. Combining them helps with this. I will only be running 1 speaker per channel, either Wh6 or t18.
2-Exploring a very lightweight portable PA that could be developed as a self contained properly powered, tuned, and limited rig.
The need for extensive EQ and limiting is the meat and potatoes of properly deploying BFM cabinets it seems, this would provide an open air flat or natural sounding EQ curve to the speakers as a starting point. Obviously room EQ would be needed in addition. The flat EQ would just be built in and established before room error is measured. I think REW files can be integrated with the dsp, if not a manual EQ could be dialed in with REW as reference to have a very tightly controlled tuning.
The goal is to see how effective this could be as a package system for possible product development in the future. I think it would be appropriate and useful for this size without getting over the top with price and or unnecessary power. Big cabs can be intimidating in small spaces. If it’s not a full on rock show there may be a place in the world for it.
3-Appropriate function and use of the WH6L and T18 together to actual potential from an SPL and SQ.
The WH6L is a given to keep it small. As a vocal monitor design as its focus my question here would be:
Understanding the response is heavy mid low 250-500 with proper EQ to a flat or more natural response can it be tuned to a more listenable experience as a main speaker at appropriate moderate volume for small events, spoken announcements, or background music?
As far as the T18 we will always expect room gain from an indoor use boundary loaded without exception as it is designed this way.
I think the KABD 4100 can safely hit its 20v limit and stay cool. Is there any use of v-plating here deploying 2 or just keep them side by side facing a wall or corner?
Given a small indoor event expecting 85-90db it stands to reason to me that this is a reasonable venture. Any thoughts?
Application is going to be coffee shop size venue, maybe 25-50 people, with potential to hit 100 max. Probably 30-50 ft room size. I mentioned a WH6L/T18 project before and realize it’s not designed as a FOH PA setup. My thought is for a modest volume small purpose would it be appropriate within reasonable expectations? In my opinion any reasonable HT level audio will be more than adequate.
I have 3 things to consider that I would like thoughts on.
1-Power supply, audio handling, and output of the KABD 4100 within reasonable limits.
A standard 36v 10a supply is recommended. There is an availability for the battery powered option. In this case 2x18v tool batteries would provide the appropriate max voltage of 36v to achieve full potential of the amp without overheating under stress.
This is very convenient and could be setup as a stand alone amp or built into a cab as Carter and Ben both implemented. Undecided here.
I have more thoughts but will not go down the rabbit hole yet.
SigmaStudio dsp engine has very powerful functions and should be able to handle any needs assuming I don’t push the memory or processor limits of the board. 24db/octave crossovers, brick wall limiting, and unlimited EQ functions, as well as much more than needed for this project.
I did find that it is possible to program multiple dsp circuits in a single save file and hardwire a selector switch that would allow me to switch program modes between say running 2 WH6s from one amp, vs 1 WH6 and 1 T18 or just 2 T18s without needing to login and use programmer board. It simply jumps the circuits to the appropriate dsp lane for the output as selected.
I plan to run 2 amps in 2 channel mode to make sure there’s more than enough power and proper cooling. Asking 4 ohms from single circuit asks for a lot of heat and they are not recommended to be run that way. Combining them helps with this. I will only be running 1 speaker per channel, either Wh6 or t18.
2-Exploring a very lightweight portable PA that could be developed as a self contained properly powered, tuned, and limited rig.
The need for extensive EQ and limiting is the meat and potatoes of properly deploying BFM cabinets it seems, this would provide an open air flat or natural sounding EQ curve to the speakers as a starting point. Obviously room EQ would be needed in addition. The flat EQ would just be built in and established before room error is measured. I think REW files can be integrated with the dsp, if not a manual EQ could be dialed in with REW as reference to have a very tightly controlled tuning.
The goal is to see how effective this could be as a package system for possible product development in the future. I think it would be appropriate and useful for this size without getting over the top with price and or unnecessary power. Big cabs can be intimidating in small spaces. If it’s not a full on rock show there may be a place in the world for it.
3-Appropriate function and use of the WH6L and T18 together to actual potential from an SPL and SQ.
The WH6L is a given to keep it small. As a vocal monitor design as its focus my question here would be:
Understanding the response is heavy mid low 250-500 with proper EQ to a flat or more natural response can it be tuned to a more listenable experience as a main speaker at appropriate moderate volume for small events, spoken announcements, or background music?
As far as the T18 we will always expect room gain from an indoor use boundary loaded without exception as it is designed this way.
I think the KABD 4100 can safely hit its 20v limit and stay cool. Is there any use of v-plating here deploying 2 or just keep them side by side facing a wall or corner?
Given a small indoor event expecting 85-90db it stands to reason to me that this is a reasonable venture. Any thoughts?