R-TRACK 2X2: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

The Rockville R-Track 2X2 USB Recording Interface is a high-quality audio interface designed for recording instruments, vocals, and MIDI devices. Whether you're a musician, podcaster, or producer, this guide will walk you through setup, connectivity, and recording options for both Mac and Windows.

Step 1: Unboxing and Components

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• R-Track 2X2 Interface
• USB Cable (for connection to the computer)
• USB Power Cable & Power Adapter

Step 2: Connecting to a Power Source

Before connecting the interface to your computer, plug it into a power source:

1. Take the USB power cable and connect it to the power input on the back of the interface.
2. Plug the other end into the USB power block and then into a wall outlet.

Step 3: Connecting to Your Computer

For Mac Users

1. Take the USB cable and plug one end into the USB port on the interface.
2. Plug the other end into an available USB port on your Mac.
   • If your Mac only has USB-C ports, use a USB-A to USB-C adapter.

Selecting the Interface as Your Audio Device

1. Click the Apple Menu and go to System Preferences > Sound.
2. Under Input & Output, select R-Track 2X2.

Setting Up in Your DAW (Logic Pro X Example)

1. Open Logic Pro X.
2. Go to Preferences > Audio.
3. Select R-Track 2X2 as both the input and output device.
4. Click Apply.

Note: Once set up, Mac will remember your settings when the interface is reconnected.

For Windows Users

1. Take the USB cable and plug one end into the interface and the other into a USB port on your PC.
2. Download the Windows driver from Rockville Support:
   • Click Search by Model > R-Track 2X2 > Downloads.
   • Install the driver and restart your PC.

Selecting the Interface as Your Audio Device

1. Right-click the sound icon in the bottom-right corner and open Sound Settings.
2. Under Input & Output, select R-Track 2X2.

Setting Up in Your DAW (Audacity Example)

1. Open Audacity.
2. Under the Microphone icon, select R-Track 2X2 as the input.
3. Under the Speaker icon, select R-Track 2X2 as the output.

Step 4: Connecting Studio Monitors

The R-Track 2X2 has two sets of outputs:

1. ¼-inch Unbalanced Main Outputs
2. Balanced XLR Left/Right Outputs

Using ¼-Inch Cables (If Your Speakers Have Combo Jacks)

1. Connect ¼-inch cables from the Main Outputs on the interface to your speaker inputs.
2. Ensure Left Output → Left Speaker and Right Output → Right Speaker.

Using XLR Cables (If Your Speakers Have XLR Inputs)

1. Connect XLR cables from the Balanced Outputs to the XLR inputs on your speakers.

Adjusting Volume

• Set the speaker volume to a suitable level.
• Use the Master Volume Knob on the interface to adjust playback levels.

Step 5: Recording with Microphones

The interface supports dynamic and condenser microphones.

Using a Dynamic Microphone

1. Plug an XLR cable into the microphone.
2. Connect the other end into Input 1 or 2 on the interface.
3. Lower the Master Volume to avoid noise.
4. Open your DAW and select Input 1 or 2.
5. Adjust the Gain Knob for proper input levels.
6. Hit Record to capture audio.

Using a Condenser Microphone

1. Follow the same steps as the dynamic mic setup.
2. Press the Phantom Power (48V) button to power the condenser microphone.

Step 6: Recording Instruments (Guitar, Bass, Synths)

1. Take a ¼-inch instrument cable and connect it to your guitar, bass, or synthesizer.
2. Plug the other end into Input 2 on the interface.
3. Press the High-Z button (for guitar/bass).
4. Adjust the Gain Knob for proper levels.
5. In your DAW, select Input 2 and hit Record.

Tip: If using a synthesizer, you don’t need a DI box—plug directly into the interface.

Step 7: MIDI Setup

The MIDI In/Out ports allow you to:

• MIDI In: Connect a keyboard or drum pad to trigger virtual instruments in a DAW.
• MIDI Out: Send MIDI data from your DAW to an external synth or drum machine.

Using MIDI In (Triggering Software Instruments)

1. Plug a MIDI cable from the MIDI Out of your controller to the MIDI In on the interface.
2. Open your DAW, create a MIDI track, and load a virtual instrument.
3. Play your controller, and you should hear the software instrument respond.

Using MIDI Out (Controlling External Synths)

1. Plug a MIDI cable from MIDI Out on the interface to the MIDI In of your synth.
2. Create an external MIDI track in your DAW.
3. Load a MIDI sequence and press Play—your synth should now play the notes automatically.

Recording the Synth Output

1. Take a ¼-inch instrument cable.
2. Connect the Synth Output to Input 1 of the interface.
3. Create a new audio track in your DAW and record.

Step 8: Advanced Settings

Buffer Size (Latency Control)

• Low buffer size (128/256) = Less latency (for recording).
• High buffer size (512/1024) = Less CPU usage (for mixing).

Bit Depth & Sample Rate

• Music production: 24-bit / 44.1kHz
• Film/Video work: 16-bit / 48kHz

The R-Track 2X2 supports sample rates up to 192kHz for high-quality recording.

Step 9: Monitoring & Headphones

If you don’t want sound playing from your speakers while recording, use headphones:

1. Plug headphones into the ¼-inch Phones jack on the interface.
2. Lower the Master Volume and use the Phones Knob to adjust headphone levels.

Direct Monitoring

• Direct Mode (knob left): Hear only direct input (zero-latency).
• DAW Mode (knob right): Hear playback from the computer.
• Blend Mode: Adjust between direct input and DAW playback.

Conclusion

The Rockville R-Track 2X2 is a powerful and flexible audio interface for recording vocals, instruments, and MIDI devices. Whether you’re using it on Mac or Windows, it provides high-quality sound with low latency.