DBXRTA-M vs DBXZC4V — Compare
dbx RTA-M Reference Microphone vs dbx ZC4 Wall-Mounted Zone Controller
The RTA-M is a condenser microphone for recording and measurement; the ZC4 is a wall-mounted zone controller for multi-room audio systems. These are completely different product categories—the RTA-M suits recording engineers and acoustic professionals, while the ZC4 is for installers managing distributed audio in venues or commercial spaces.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| dbx RTA-M Reference Microphone | dbx ZC4 Wall-Mounted Zone Controller | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145.00 | $120.00 |
| Brand | DBX | DBX |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose dbx RTA-M Reference Microphone
- ✓ Omnidirectional condenser design captures transparent, articulate sound across 20 Hz–20 kHz
- ✓ Presence peak cuts through dense mixes without excessive coloration
- ✓ Rugged metal construction handles studio, live, and measurement work equally well
Why choose dbx ZC4 Wall-Mounted Zone Controller
- ✓ Analog DC voltage logic control eliminates digital latency and complexity
- ✓ Extends up to 1000 feet over CAT5/CAT5E cabling with optional parallel wiring
- ✓ Compact wall-mount form factor with DIP-switch setup—no software or touchscreen required
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the ZC4 to control the RTA-M microphone?
No. The RTA-M is an audio input device (a microphone), while the ZC4 is a control interface for multi-zone audio routing and management. They serve entirely separate functions and cannot work together.
What is each product actually for?
The RTA-M is a reference condenser microphone designed for studio recording, live performance miking, and acoustic measurement. The ZC4 is a wall-mounted zone controller that manages audio distribution and switching across multiple rooms or zones in commercial or venue installations.
Which product is right for home recording?
The RTA-M is designed for home recording and delivers transparent, articulate sound. The ZC4 has no recording function—it controls audio routing only and is intended for multi-zone installations.