Zaxcom has introduced ZRC, a handheld remote for its Digital Recording Wireless transmitters. The unit uses a large display and physical keypad rather than requiring a phone application, touchscreen or subscription.
Operators can group transmitters, change frequencies, set input gain and power modes, and start or stop internal recording. ZRC can also format transmitter memory cards remotely, a useful preparation function when a production or rental package includes many bodypacks.
The controller generates, reads, jams and wirelessly distributes SMPTE timecode, with a three-pin LEMO connector for wired input and output. Multiple ZRC units can work together with one acting as timecode master. Controls for ZaxNet’s 2.4 GHz frequency and transmit power help adapt the control channel to congested sets.
The $945 device is shipping. Published coverage does not state maximum transmitter count, control range, encryption, command acknowledgement, battery runtime, supported transmitter firmware or behaviour when two controllers issue conflicting commands.
