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AudioControl DM-RTA Base Kit Review: Specifications, Uses and Comparisons

Writer: Akansh Garg
Akansh Garg
3 days ago
4 min read

Quick summary: the buying decision

The DM-RTA Base Kit is the hard case and accessory kit for the DM-RTA real-time analyser: a blue hard case with laser-cut foam, a USB A-to-A cable, speaker-input and RCA-input spring-loaded test lead cables and an AudioControl tuning pick. The DM-RTA analyser and a measurement microphone are not included.

AudioControl DM-RTA Base Kit: what it is

The AudioControl DM-RTA Base Kit is the hard case and accessory kit for the DM-RTA real-time analyser (the DM-RTA itself is sold separately). It packs the cables and spring-loaded test leads needed for line-level and speaker-level measurements into a blue hard case with laser-cut foam.

It turns a DM-RTA analyser into an organised field kit. If you are buying the analyser too, compare the price with the DM-RTA Pro Kit, which includes the analyser and a microphone.

Official AudioControl DM-RTA Base Kit product photograph

Key features

  • Blue hard case with laser-cut foam to carry and protect the DM-RTA and its accessories

  • Speaker-input and RCA-input spring-loaded test lead cables for speaker-level and line-level measurements

  • USB A-to-A cable and AudioControl tuning pick

  • Use any standard measurement microphone through the DM-RTA's microphone preamp (48 V phantom power, variable gain)

  • DM-RTA analyser and microphone not included

Specifications explained

Kit contents: USB A-to-A cable, speaker-input to spring-loaded test leads cable, RCA-input to spring-loaded test leads cable, AudioControl tuning pick, blue hard case with laser-cut foam. The case measures 16.5 x 16 x 7 in (W x D x H) and weighs 3.8 kg (8.3 lb) with its contents. Not included: DM-RTA analyser, measurement microphone.

Full specifications as published by AudioControl:

  • Model: DM-RTA BASE KIT

  • Type: Hard case and accessory kit for the DM-RTA

  • Kit contents: USB A-to-A cable, speaker-input to spring-loaded test leads cable, RCA-input to spring-loaded test leads cable, AudioControl tuning pick, blue hard case with laser-cut foam

  • Case dimensions (W x D x H): 16.5 x 16 x 7 in

  • Weight with contents: 3.8 kg (8.3 lb)

  • Not included: DM-RTA analyser, measurement microphone

What the DM-RTA can measure (analyser sold separately)

  • RTA: how much equalisation the car needs, measured acoustically with a microphone or electrically at line or speaker level

  • SPL meter: how loud the system plays, before and after an upgrade

  • Polarity checker: confirms every speaker is wired in phase

  • Oscilloscope: checks signals for clipping and amplitude when setting amplifier gains

  • Voltage meter and signal generator: test tones up to 5 V RMS for gain setting and fault-finding

Using it in a tuning session

Insert the analyser into the signal chain to check the signal from source to speakers: confirm the head unit or processor output is clean, set amplifier gains against the oscilloscope rather than by ear, check polarity, then measure the in-car response with a microphone at the listening position. The microphone input has 48 V phantom power, variable gain and presets for AudioControl's CM-20, CM-10 and C550H microphones.

Connection is by USB to a Mac or PC, or by Bluetooth to a phone or tablet with the optional AC-BT24 plugged into the Option Port.

AudioControl DM-RTA Base Kit, alternate view

How it compares

DM-RTA options and microphones at VA3 Car Studio:

Price and value in India

At the time of writing (October 2026), VA3 Car Studio lists the DM-RTA Base Kit at ₹63,740, 15% below the MRP of ₹74,990. For an installer or a serious enthusiast, measurement tools pay for themselves in tuning time and repeatable results. Prices can change, so the product page always shows the current price.

Verdict: who should shortlist the DM-RTA Base Kit

Buy the Base Kit only if you already own (or are buying separately) a DM-RTA analyser and a microphone; otherwise the Pro Kit is simpler.

Real-world reviews and limitations

We have not yet published a VA3 installation report for the DM-RTA Base Kit. The figures in this review are AudioControl's published specifications, not our own measurements, and real-world results depend on how the measurements are taken and the tune. If you have used one, we would welcome your feedback.

Frequently asked questions

Does the DM-RTA Base Kit include the analyser?

No. The DM-RTA analyser and the measurement microphone are sold separately.

What is in the DM-RTA Base Kit?

A blue hard case with laser-cut foam, a USB A-to-A cable, speaker-input and RCA-input spring-loaded test lead cables and an AudioControl tuning pick.

Which microphone works with the DM-RTA Base Kit?

Any standard measurement microphone through the DM-RTA's microphone preamp (48 V phantom power, variable gain); the DM-RTA has presets for the CM-20, CM-10 and C550H.

How big is the DM-RTA Base Kit case?

16.5 x 16 x 7 in (W x D x H), 3.8 kg with contents.

Sources, pricing and related reading

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