RPM1470: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

The Rockville RPM 1470 is a 14-channel powered mixer with multiple input/output options, built-in effects, and Bluetooth connectivity. This guide will walk you through:

• Connecting passive and powered speakers
• Setting up microphones and instruments
• Using Bluetooth and MP3 playback
• Applying EQ and effects
• Setting up karaoke and expanding your system with subwoofers

Step 1: Connecting Speakers to the RPM 1470

There are multiple ways to connect passive speakers to the mixer.

Option 1: Using Speakon Cables (Recommended for Passive Speakers)

1. Take two speakon cables.
2. Plug one end of each cable into the Speakon outputs on the back of the mixer.
3. Plug the other ends into the Speakon inputs on your passive speakers.

Important:

• The RPM 1470 is 4-ohm stable, meaning:
  • Use one 4-ohm speaker per channel.
  • Use two 8-ohm speakers per channel (by daisy-chaining them).
  • Never daisy-chain two 4-ohm speakers per channel—this can damage the mixer and speakers.

Option 2: Using XLR or 1/4” Outputs (For Powered Speakers or Subwoofers)

• XLR Outputs: Use for powered speakers or subwoofers.
• 1/4” Outputs: Connect to powered speakers using 1/4" TRS cables.

Step 2: Setting Up a Microphone

1. Take an XLR cable:
   • Plug the female end into the microphone.
   • Plug the male end into an available XLR input on the mixer (e.g., Channel 1).
2. Raise the Gain knob to adjust the mic’s input level.
3. Raise the Channel Fader for that channel to control output volume.
4. Raise the Main Left and Right Faders to hear audio through the speakers.

For condenser microphones, press the Phantom Power button to enable power.

Step 3: Connecting Instruments

Guitar Setup

1. Use a 1/4” instrument cable.
2. Plug one end into the guitar and the other into a line input on the mixer (e.g., Channel 2).
3. Raise the Gain knob and Channel Fader.
4. Ensure the Main Left and Right Faders are raised.
5. Play the guitar—your sound should now come through the speakers.

Keyboard Setup

1. For mono output keyboards:
   • Use one 1/4" cable and plug it into a single channel (e.g., Channel 3).
2. For stereo keyboards:
   • Use two 1/4” cables and plug them into two separate channels (e.g., Channels 4 & 5).

Step 4: Using the EQ Section

Each channel has 4-band EQ controls:

• High (Treble) – Controls clarity and brightness.
• High Mid – Adjusts clarity in the mid-range.
• Low Mid – Adjusts the warmth and body of the sound.
• Low (Bass) – Controls deep, low-end frequencies.

Example (Using a Microphone):

• Lower the High knob: Less brightness in vocals.
• Increase the Low knob: Adds more depth.

Step 5: Adding Effects

The RPM 1470 features a built-in effects processor with:

• Reverbs (e.g., Hall, Plate, Spring)
• Delays (Ping Pong, Echo)
• Modulation Effects (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser)

To apply effects:

1. Turn the Effect knob on the desired channel to apply effects.
2. Select the desired effect using the Effect Selector knob.
3. Adjust Parameter 1 & 2 knobs to fine-tune the effect.
4. Raise the FX Fader so the effect is heard through the main output.

Mute Effects with the FX Mute button if needed.

Step 6: Connecting Bluetooth or MP3 Devices

For Bluetooth Connection:

1. Press the Sources button until the display reads "BT" for Bluetooth.
2. Go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
3. Select “RPM 1470” to pair.
4. Raise the fader for Channels 13 and 14 to hear the music through the speakers.

For MP3 Players via RCA Inputs:

1. Use an RCA to 3.5mm cable to connect an MP3 player.
2. Plug the RCA end into Channels 13 and 14’s RCA inputs.
3. Raise the faders for Channels 13 and 14.

Step 7: Setting Up Karaoke

1. Connect a microphone (See Step 2).
2. Connect a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth (See Step 6).
3. Open YouTube and search for a karaoke song.
4. Read lyrics from the screen while the music plays through the speakers.
5. Raise the Effects knob for echo and reverb on vocals.

Step 8: Connecting a Subwoofer (Expanding Your Setup)

1. Use an XLR cable.
2. Plug the female end into the Left XLR Output on the mixer.
3. Plug the other end into the Left XLR Input on the subwoofer.
4. For a second subwoofer, connect another XLR cable from the Right XLR Output to the second sub’s input.
5. Raise the Main Faders and adjust the subwoofer’s volume and crossover settings.

Step 9: Using the 7-Band Graphic EQ

• Left and Right EQ sliders control each side of the PA speakers separately.
• EQ Kill button bypasses EQ settings for quick sound comparisons.

Tip: If one speaker lacks bass, increase the low-end EQ for that side.

Step 10: Recording with the RCA Output

1. Use RCA cables to connect the "Record Out" to an external audio interface or recorder.
2. Adjust levels using the faders.

Step 11: Muting and Soloing Channels

• Mute Button: Mutes an individual channel.
• Solo Button: Solos a channel while muting others.

Conclusion

The Rockville RPM 1470 is a powerful, feature-rich mixer that is perfect for live performances, karaoke, and studio use. With multiple inputs, built-in effects, Bluetooth support, and speaker expansion options, you have full control over your sound.