ROCK MATRIX 4: How To Set Up For Commercial Use

Introduction

The Rockville Rock Matrix 4 is a 4-zone amplifier designed for commercial and home installations. It features multiple input options, matrix source routing, and independent zone controls, making it perfect for applications like restaurants, hotels, office buildings, and multi-room audio setups.

What’s Included in the Box

• Rock Matrix 4 Amplifier
• Power Cable
• User Manual

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

1. Powering the Unit

1. Connect the power cable:
   • Plug the female end into the back of the unit.
   • Plug the male end into a power outlet.
2. Turn on the unit using the power switch located on the back.
   • The cooling fans will activate, confirming that the unit has power.

2. Understanding Inputs & Outputs

The Rock Matrix 4 has 4 input channels and 4 independent zone outputs.

Inputs (Located on the Back Panel)

Each channel has multiple input options:

• XLR Microphone Input
• 1/4” (6.35mm) Line Input
• Stereo RCA Line Input

These allow you to connect microphones, laptops, smartphones, tablets, or other music sources.

Zone Outputs (Located on the Back Panel)

Each zone output has speaker terminals for 70V installations:

• Common (COM) – Ground/Negative (-)
• 70V Terminal – Positive (+)

You can also use 1/4” line outputs to send the audio signal to another amplifier or speaker system.

3. Connecting Speakers - 70V Parallel Wiring

The Rock Matrix 4 is ideal for a 70V speaker system, allowing multiple speakers to be wired in parallel.

Wiring a 70V Setup

1. Choose speakers with 70V compatibility.
2. Tap the speakers to the correct wattage.
   • Example: If Zone 1 is rated for 110W total power:
     • Two speakers tapped at 20W each → 40W total (safe to use).
     • Avoid exceeding 110W per zone.
3. Wire the speakers in parallel:
   • Positive (70V terminal) to positive terminals of all speakers.
   • Negative (Common) to negative terminals of all speakers.
4. Secure the wire connections using a Phillips screwdriver.

Tip: Before securing the wiring, double-check the speaker taps to ensure the power matches the amplifier's output.

4. Connecting Audio Sources

Each input channel (1-4) allows different audio sources to be connected.Here’s how to connect different devices:

Option 1: RCA to 3.5mm AUX Cable (For Music Players)

• Plug RCA into Channel 3 input.
• Plug 3.5mm AUX end into a laptop, phone, or iPad.
• Select Channel 3 on the input selector.
• Choose a zone (e.g., Zone 1) to play music in that area.

Option 2: Bluetooth (For Wireless Music Playback)

1. Press the "MP3" button on the back of the unit (must be pushed in).
2. Go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
3. Find and connect to "Rock Matrix 4".
4. Select Channel 4 on the input selector.
5. Choose a zone to play the Bluetooth audio.

Note: The Bluetooth module also supports USB flash drives and SD cards for music playback.

Option 3: Microphones (For Announcements or Paging)

• Plug an XLR microphone into Channel 1 or 2.
• Adjust the gain and volume settings.
• Use the zone selectors to choose where the announcement will be heard.

5. Using Matrix Routing for Multi-Zone Control

One of the biggest advantages of the Rock Matrix 4 is the ability to send different audio sources to different zones.

Example: Playing Different Music in Different Zones

1. Play Smooth Jazz on an iPad via Channel 3.
   • Assign it to Zone 1 (Lobby).
2. Play Dance Music from a Phone via Bluetooth (Channel 4).
   • Assign it to Zone 3 (Bar Area).
3. Make Announcements with a Microphone (Channel 1).
   • Assign it to Zone 2 (Waiting Area).

This setup allows different rooms to play different audio sources simultaneously.

6. Additional Features & Controls

Zone Mute

Each zone has a mute button, allowing you to turn off a specific area without affecting others.

3-Band EQ Per Zone

Each zone has its own High, Mid, and Low EQ controls, allowing you to fine-tune the sound based on the room acoustics.

Fire Alarm Integration

• A 1/4” Fire Alarm input allows the system to mute music and play fire alarm alerts if connected to a fire alarm system.

24V Power Terminals

• The Rock Matrix 4 can be powered using 24V battery backup, making it suitable for emergency situations.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

1. No Sound from a Zone

Make sure the zone is selected on the input selector.Check speaker wiring – ensure the speakers are properly connected.Verify that the speaker taps are set to the correct wattage.Check the input source – make sure the correct input channel is selected.

2. Bluetooth Not Connecting

Ensure the "MP3" button is pushed in on the back.Try turning Bluetooth off and back on on your phone.Restart the Rock Matrix 4 and try pairing again.

3. Microphone Not Working

Use an XLR cable (quarter-inch works for line-level sources).Adjust the gain and volume knobs.Check if the channel is muted.

Conclusion

The Rockville Rock Matrix 4 is a powerful multi-zone amplifier designed for commercial and home installations. It allows for flexible audio routing, multi-source playback, and independent zone control, making it ideal for restaurants, hotels, gyms, office buildings, and multi-room setups.