dbx ZC4-EU - Wall-mounted zone controller with contact closure inputs for program, source, scene, and paging selection

dbx ZC4-EU - Wall-mounted zone controller with contact closure inputs for program, source, scene, and paging selection

The dbx ZC4-EU is a wall-mounted controller that acts as a contact closure interface for expanded control of dbx DriveRack® and dbx ZonePRO™ processors. A 6-pin Euroblock terminal block accepts up to 4 SPDT inputs that the installer can wire to external pushbuttons or switches for program selection on the DriveRack 220i/260, as well as source selection , paging assignment , or scene selection on ZonePRO systems. The EU version is designed for mounting in European enclosures and frames, offering a clean, robust, and cost-effective solution for commercial installations.

The ZC4-EU interfaces with the processor via CAT5/CAT5e cable and RJ-45 connectors, transmits DC control signals (not audio), and is addressed by DIP switches to coexist with other ZC panels in series or in parallel (using ZC-BOB ). The system allows for long runs and an orderly topology, minimizing interference and simplifying maintenance.

Main features

• Contact control interface : 4 SPDT switch input via Euroblock (6 pins) generating up to 16 binary combinations for switching programs/sources/scenes.
• Verified Compatibility :
  • DriveRack : 220i, 260 and 4800/4820 (program change by contact closures).
  • ZonePRO : 640/641, 1260/1261 (source selection, paging, scene selection by touch).
  • SC 32/64 (according to the ZC series compatibility table).
• Connectivity : (2) RJ-45 ports for link to processor/other ZC + 6-pin Euroblock for contact inputs.
• Flexible wiring :
  • Series : up to 183 m with 3 controllers or 91 m with 6 controllers.
  • Parallel (home-run) with ZC-BOB : up to 305 m with a maximum of 6 drivers.
  • Cable : CAT5/CAT5e, 4 twisted pairs 24 AWG, nominal DCR < 28.6 Ω per 305 m and VW-1 rating or higher.
• DIP addressing to identify each panel within the control bus.
• European format for wall mounting with EU frame, aesthetically integrated into venues, retail, hospitality, and education.
• Safety and regulations : UL 60065 , IEC 60065 , EN 55013 certifications.

Product benefits

• Simple, local control : Leverage existing pushbuttons/switches to change sources, scenes, or direct paging without accessing the rack.
• Cost-effective installation : Uses universal CAT5/CAT5e and RJ-45 structured cabling, with long runs and clear topologies.
• More robust system : the wiring carries only DC control ; the audio remains in the processor, reducing noise and interference.
• Scalability : Multiple ZCs in series or parallel (with ZC-BOB), addressed by DIP, to grow by zones without complications.
• Versatility : A single panel works for both DriveRack and ZonePRO , and can even be used to retrieve scenes by alarm status following the application guides.

Use cases

• Retail/Hospitality : Counter buttons to toggle playlists, sources, or scenes based on time slots.
• Corporate/Education : Quick scene selection (meeting, presentation, video) from the wall.
• Multi-zone spaces : Switch page steering to direct voice announcements to specific areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the ZC4-EU have buttons on the front? No. It's a contact input interface ; it's wired to external pushbuttons/switches (SPDT) that the user actuates.
• Does it carry audio? No. It only sends/controls DC logic signals between the panel and the processor.
• Do I need ZC-BOB? Only if you want to wire multiple ZCs in parallel (home-run) . For a few units, series wiring can be used within the limits indicated.
• Can I use it with a fire alarm? Yes, you can use the ZC-4 to recall a scene based on the alarm status, following the official application guide.

Description for projects

dbx ZC4-EU Wall Controller ; 4-input SPDT interface via 6-pin Euroblock for contact closure switching; (2) RJ-45 for control bus; CAT5/CAT5e 24 AWG cable, DCR < 28.6 Ω/305 m , VW-1 rating or higher; wired in series (3 ZCs ≤ 183 m; 6 ZCs ≤ 91 m) or parallel with ZC-BOB (≤ ​​305 m with up to 6 ZCs); compatible with DriveRack 220i/260/4800/4820 and ZonePRO 640/641/1260/1261 ; analog DC control; DIP addressing.