RPM870: How To Set Up Speakers

Introduction

The Rockville RPM 870 mixer allows you to connect both passive and active speakers, as well as subwoofers for a complete sound system. This guide will walk you through the different connection options and provide important safety tips to prevent damage to your equipment.

Step 1: Understanding the Speaker Connection Options

The RPM 870 mixer offers several ways to connect speakers:

1. Speakon Outputs – For passive speakers (recommended for easy setup).
2. 1/4" (Quarter-Inch) Speaker Outputs – Another option for passive speakers.
3. XLR or 1/4" Line Outputs – For active (powered) speakers or subwoofers.

⚠ Important Safety Tip:

• Ensure that all passive speakers are 8-ohm speakers if you're using multiple speakers per channel.
• Do not connect two 4-ohm speakers per channel, as this can damage the mixer.

Step 2: Connecting Passive Speakers via Speakon Cables

To connect passive speakers to the RPM 870, follow these steps:

1. Take a Speakon cable and plug one end into the Left A Speakon output on the mixer.
2. Plug the other end into the Speakon input on your first left-side speaker.
3. Repeat the process for the Right A Speakon output and connect it to the right-side speaker.

✔ Your passive speakers are now connected!

Daisy-Chaining Additional Passive Speakers

If you want to connect four passive speakers:

1. Use an additional Speakon cable to connect the first speaker’s Speakon output to the input of the second speaker on the same side.
2. Repeat the same process for the right-side speakers.

✔ This setup allows you to use four passive speakers, ensuring each channel still operates at 8 ohms.

⚠ Reminder: Do not daisy-chain 4-ohm speakers, as this can cause equipment damage.

Step 3: Connecting Active Speakers via XLR or 1/4" Outputs

For active (powered) speakers, follow these steps:

1. Take an XLR or 1/4" (TRS) cable and plug one end into the Main XLR or 1/4" output of the RPM 870.
2. Plug the other end into the input of your active speaker.
3. Repeat for additional active speakers if needed.

✔ Your active speakers are now connected and ready to use!

Adding a Subwoofer

• Use the XLR or 1/4" outputs to send audio to a powered subwoofer for enhanced low-end sound.

Step 4: Powering On & Adjusting the Mixer

Once your speakers are connected:

1. Turn on the RPM 870 mixer using the switch on the back.
2. Adjust the volume levels gradually to avoid sudden loud bursts.
3. Test your setup by playing audio through the system and making necessary adjustments.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Can I connect both passive and active speakers at the same time?

✔ Yes! Just be sure that passive speakers are connected via the Speakon or 1/4" outputs, while active speakers use the XLR or 1/4" line outputs.

Q: Can I connect two 4-ohm passive speakers per channel?

❌ No! This reduces impedance to 2 ohms, which can damage the mixer. Always use 8-ohm speakers when connecting more than one per channel.

Q: Why is there no sound coming from my speakers?

✔ Ensure all connections are secure.

✔ Check that the main volume fader is raised.

✔ Make sure the speaker volume knobs are turned up.

✔ Verify that the correct output connections are used.

Conclusion

Setting up your Rockville RPM 870 with passive or active speakers is simple and allows for flexible configurations. Whether you're using Speakon, 1/4", or XLR connections, this guide ensures a safe and optimized setup for live performances, events, or practice sessions.