RPM1470: Inputs, Outputs & Controls

Introduction

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of all the controls, inputs, and outputs of the Rockville RPM 1470 mixer. Whether you're using microphones, instruments, Bluetooth devices, or external effects, this guide will help you navigate the mixer’s features for optimal performance.

Microphone and Instrument Inputs

The RPM 1470 includes XLR inputs and line inputs for microphones and instruments.

Setting Up a Dynamic Microphone

1. Connect the XLR cable:
   • Plug the female end into the microphone.
   • Plug the male end into an available XLR input (e.g., Channel 1).
2. Adjust levels:
   • Increase the Gain knob to set the input level.
   • Raise the Channel fader to control the channel’s output.
   • Raise the Main Left and Right faders to output sound through the speakers.
3. Test the microphone by speaking into it.

Using a Condenser Microphone

• Follow the same steps as above, but activate the Phantom Power button to supply power to the microphone.

Connecting an Instrument (Guitar, Keyboard, etc.)

1. Use a ¼" instrument cable:
   • Plug one end into the instrument.
   • Plug the other end into the Line Input of a channel.
2. Adjust settings:
   • Set the Gain knob.
   • Raise the Channel fader.
   • Ensure the Main Left and Right faders are up.

This setup allows for live performances or rehearsals, with a microphone in one channel and an instrument in another.

Using External Effects with Inserts

Each channel has an Insert jack, allowing you to connect external effects like compressors or equalizers.

Connecting an External Compressor to a Channel

1. Use a Y-cable:
   • Plug the single end into the Insert jack of the desired channel.
   • Connect the two split ends into the Send and Return jacks of the external compressor.
2. The signal will be processed by the compressor and then sent back to the mixer.

Channel EQ Section

Each channel includes a 4-band EQ for shaping your sound.

Adjusting EQ for a Microphone

• High Knob (Treble/Presence):
  • Lowered: Reduces clarity.
  • Increased: Adds brightness.
• High-Mid Knob:
  • Lowered: Reduces clarity in vocals.
  • Increased: Boosts vocal presence.
• Low-Mid Knob:
  • Lowered: Reduces body in the sound.
  • Increased: Adds warmth.
• Low Knob (Bass):
  • Lowered: Reduces bass.
  • Increased: Adds deep tones.

Setting all knobs to the middle provides a flat EQ.

Using External Effects with Send/Return

Unlike Inserts (which apply effects to only one channel), the Send/Return section allows you to apply effects to multiple channels.

Connecting an External Effect (Compressor, Reverb, Delay)

1. Use a ¼" cable:
   • Plug one end into the Send jack on the mixer.
   • Connect the other end to the input of the external effect.
2. Use another ¼" cable:
   • Connect the output of the external effect to the Return jack on the mixer.
3. Control the effect level using the Send knob on each channel.

Built-In Digital Effects Processor

The RPM 1470 has a built-in effects processor with options such as reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, and rotary speaker.

Applying Effects to a Channel

1. Use the Preset Select knob to choose an effect (e.g., Spring Reverb – Preset 5).
2. Adjust the Parameter 1 and Parameter 2 knobs to fine-tune the effect.
3. Raise the Effects knob on the desired channel.
4. Increase the Effects fader to control the overall effect level.

Example: Using Ping Pong Delay

1. Select Preset 12 (Ping Pong Delay).
2. Adjust Parameter 1 (Time) and Parameter 2 (Feedback).
3. Speak into the microphone to hear the effect.

The Effect Mute button disables all effects when needed.

Panning, Muting, and Soloing Channels

• Pan Knob: Sends sound to Left or Right speakers.
• Mute Button: Silences a specific channel.
• Solo Button: Isolates a channel while muting others.

Connecting Bluetooth or MP3 Devices

Channels 13 and 14 are used for Bluetooth or MP3 playback.

Bluetooth Pairing

1. Press the Sources button.
2. Use the Skip buttons to navigate to BT (Bluetooth Mode).
3. Press Play/Pause to confirm.
4. On your smartphone, search for "RPM 1470" and connect.
5. Raise the fader for Channels 13 and 14 to hear the music.

Using an RCA to AUX Cable

• Plug an RCA-to-AUX cable into the RCA inputs.
• Raise the fader for Channels 13 and 14 to adjust volume.

7-Band EQ for Left and Right Speakers

The RPM 1470 includes a 7-band graphic EQ for each output channel.

• Left EQ: Adjusts the left speaker.
• Right EQ: Adjusts the right speaker.
• EQ Kill Button: Disables the EQ for direct sound comparison.

Example:

• If the right speaker lacks treble, adjust the high-end frequencies on the Right EQ.
• If the left speaker lacks bass, boost the low-end frequencies on the Left EQ.

Additional Features

• USB Input: Play music from a USB thumb drive.
• Headphone Jack: Monitor sound privately.
• FX Switch Input: Connect a footswitch to toggle effects on/off.
• RCA Record Output: Send the mixer’s output to a recording device or audio interface.

Playback Controls

The mixer includes buttons to control playback:

• Play/Pause music.
• Skip forward or back between tracks.
• Switch sources (USB, Bluetooth, RCA, etc.).
• Enter menus and adjust settings.

Conclusion

The Rockville RPM 1470 is a versatile mixer with extensive features for live performances, rehearsals, and recording setups. Whether you’re connecting microphones, instruments, Bluetooth devices, or external effects, this guide ensures you can maximize the mixer's capabilities.