ROCK SHAKER 6.5: How To Connect With an Audio Interface

Introduction

The Rockville Rock Shaker 6.5" Powered Subwoofer can be integrated into an audio interface setup for enhanced studio monitoring and mixing. This guide will show you how to connect the subwoofer to your interface, ensuring proper low-end reproduction in your sound system.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect Your Audio Interface to Your Computer

• Plug in your audio interface via USB or Thunderbolt.
• Go to your computer’s sound settings or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
• Set the input and output device to your audio interface.

2. Connecting the Subwoofer to the Audio Interface

Since most audio interfaces provide left and right outputs, you will need an RCA to dual ¼-inch (TRS or TS) cable to connect the subwoofer.

1. Take an RCA to dual ¼-inch cable.
2. Connect the ¼-inch ends to the left (white) and right (red) outputs on your audio interface.
3. Plug the RCA ends into the RCA Line Inputs on the Rock Shaker 6.5" Subwoofer.
   • White RCA → Left input
   • Red RCA → Right input

3. Connecting Full-Range Speakers for Complete Audio

To ensure full-range sound, the subwoofer needs to send higher frequencies to your studio monitors.

1. Take an RCA cable.
2. Plug one end into the RCA Output of the Rock Shaker 6.5" Subwoofer.
3. Connect the other end into the RCA Input of your studio monitors or powered speakers.

4. Adjusting Your Audio Levels

• Turn on the subwoofer and adjust volume & frequency settings:
  • Volume knob: Controls the overall loudness of the subwoofer.
  • Frequency knob (Low Pass Filter): Determines how much bass is sent to the sub.
• Turn on your speakers and raise the main mix knob on your interface to start hearing audio.
• Use the main mix knob on your interface to control the overall system volume.

5. Alternative Connection Methods

Depending on your interface’s available outputs, here are alternative ways to connect the subwoofer:

• Direct Speaker to Sub Connection
  • Connect your speakers to your interface first.
  • Then, connect the subwoofer to the speakers (if they have RCA or Line Outputs).
• Using AUX Sends or Dedicated Sub Outputs
  • If your audio interface or mixer has an AUX Send or a separate subwoofer output, use that for independent volume control of the subwoofer.
  • This allows you to blend the sub’s volume separately from your main speakers.

Conclusion

Setting up the Rockville Rock Shaker 6.5" Subwoofer with an audio interface is easy and provides enhanced bass response for your home studio, mixing, or recording setup. By properly routing the subwoofer and speakers, you get a balanced low-end while maintaining full control over your audio mix.