R-TRACK SOLO: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction:

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up your Rockville R-Track Solo, including connecting it to your computer, setting up microphones and instruments, and using it with your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for a smooth recording experience. Whether you're using a Mac or PC, this setup is designed to get you up and running quickly.

Step-By-Step Guide:

A.) Connect Your R-Track Solo to Your Computer

• Using the Included USB Cable:
  • Plug the USB-C end into the R-Track Solo and the other end into a USB-A port on your computer. If necessary, use an adapter to convert USB-C to USB-A.
• Install Drivers (for PC users):
  1. Download R-Track Windows Driver.
  2. Once downloaded, open your Downloads folder, double-click the driver file, and run the installer.
  3. If you receive a prompt, click Run Anyway, then Yes when prompted by the installation window.
  4. Click Install, and once done, click Finish to complete the installation.
• Set Up Audio Preferences:
  • On your computer, go to Sound Settings and select R-USB ASIO for both input and output devices. This ensures that audio will be routed through the R-Track Solo interface.

B.) Set Up Your Microphone

• For Dynamic Microphones:
  1. Plug your dynamic microphone into Channel 1 using an XLR cable.
  2. Adjust the gain knob for input 1 to control the microphone's volume.
  3. Create a track in your DAW and set it to Input 1.
• For Condenser Microphones:
  1. Plug the XLR cable into Channel 1 as well.
  2. Activate the 48V phantom power switch for condenser microphones.
  3. Raise the gain knob and set up a new track in your DAW for Input 1.

C.) Connect an Instrument 

• For Electric Guitar or Bass:
  1. Connect your guitar to Channel 2 using a 1/4" instrument cable.
  2. Engage the high-Z switch to optimize for guitar input.
  3. Adjust the gain knob for input 2, and create a new track in your DAW for Input 2.
• For Keyboard:
  1. Connect the keyboard using a 1/4" cable to Channel 2 (mono output for keyboards).
  2. Set the high-Z switch to off, raise the gain knob, and create a track in your DAW for Input 2.

D.) Set Up Monitoring

• Choose Monitoring Mode:
  • DAW Mode: To hear only the audio from your computer and DAW (recommended for most users).
  • Direct Mode: To hear only the audio input from your connected microphone or instrument.
  • Mix Mode: To hear both the DAW audio and your microphone or instrument input at the same time.
• Use Headphones:
  • Plug your headphones into the headphone jack on the front of the interface.
  • Adjust the headphone volume knob for proper listening levels during recording.

E.) Set Up Speakers

1. Connect Your Speakers:
   • Use 1/4" TS cables to connect your speakers to the left and right outputs on the back of the R-Track Solo.
2. Adjust Speaker Volume:
   • Set the volume on your speakers to 50%.
   • Use the master volume knob on the R-Track Solo to control the overall volume.

F.) Configure Your DAW

1. Adjust DAW Settings:
   • Open your DAW and go to the audio settings.
   • Set the input and output devices to R-USB ASIO.
2. Create Tracks for Recording:
   • For microphones and instruments, create new tracks in your DAW and set the input to Input 1 or Input 2 depending on what you're recording.

Conclusion:

With the Rockville R-Track Solo, connecting microphones, instruments, and speakers is easy. Whether you're using a Mac or PC, this interface ensures high-quality sound recording and monitoring. Follow these steps to quickly get your recording setup ready.