REQ20: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

The Rockville REQ 20 Dual 10-Band Graphic Equalizer is perfect for fine-tuning your sound, whether for DJ events, live performances, home theater setups, or personal listening. This versatile equalizer offers precision control over your audio, allowing you to adjust frequencies from bass to treble and everything in between. This guide will walk you through the steps to install and use your REQ 20, both for professional audio setups and home theater systems.

Requirements

• Rockville REQ 20 Dual 10-Band Graphic Equalizer
• Power cable
• RCA to quarter-inch cable (if needed)
• RCA cable for input
• Powered speaker or receiver
• Mobile device, laptop, turntable, or audio interface

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Unbox and Prepare the REQ 20

• The box includes:
  • REQ 20 Equalizer
  • Power Cable
  • Rack Ears for rack mounting
  • Four screws for attaching the rack ears

2. Attach the Rack Ears (Optional)

• If you plan to mount the REQ 20 in a rack, take the rack ears and align the holes with the ones on the side of the unit.
• Use the four included screws to attach the rack ears to the REQ 20.
• Once the ears are attached, you can mount the EQ in any rack or rack bag using the four corners of the ears. Alternatively, you can place the unit on a desk or table using the feet on the bottom.

3. Connect the EQ to Your Audio Setup

• For a powered speaker setup:
  • If your power amp has RCA inputs, you can connect the REQ 20 directly using RCA cables.
  • If your amp does not have RCA inputs, use an RCA to quarter-inch cable to connect the REQ 20 to your amplifier.
• For the Input Connection:
  • Use an RCA to aux cable to connect a mobile device, laptop, or other audio devices to the RCA inputs on the REQ 20.

4. Turn On the EQ and Power Up Your Setup

• Power on the REQ 20 by pressing the power button. You’ll know it’s on when the blue LED lights illuminate.
• If you're using a powered speaker, turn it on and adjust the volume knobs on the front of the speaker.
• Increase the volume sliders on the REQ 20 to start fine-tuning your sound.

5. Adjust the Equalizer

• The REQ 20 has 10 bands of frequencies that can be adjusted for both left and right channels in your stereo setup.
• Frequency Bands:
  • 32 to 250 Hz: Bass section
  • 500 Hz to 2 kHz: Mid-range section
  • 4 kHz to 16 kHz: Treble section
• Start with a flat EQ and adjust the sliders to bring in more bass, mid-range, or treble depending on your preference:
  • Adjust the low-end frequencies for a richer, fuller sound.
  • Bring up the mid-range frequencies for more presence and clarity.
  • Adjust the high-end frequencies for a sharper, more detailed sound.

6. Using the REQ 20 with a Home Theater Setup

• To connect to a receiver, use an RCA cable:
  • Plug one end of the RCA cable into the RCA output on the REQ 20.
  • Plug the other end into the RCA input on your receiver.
• For a mobile device connection, you can also use the RCA inputs on the REQ 20.
• Make sure your receiver is in aux mode and adjust the main volume of the receiver for output.

7. Bluetooth and RCA Considerations for Home Audio

• When pairing a smartphone or tablet to the receiver via Bluetooth, the EQ won’t work since you're bypassing the REQ 20. However, if you're using RCA connections (from your phone, turntable, or other sources), the EQ will adjust the sound.
• Ensure that RCA cables are used for input sources to adjust the EQ effectively.

8. Fine-Tune Your Home Theater Sound

• Play music through your connected device (phone, laptop, etc.) and adjust the EQ sliders for bass, midrange, and treble.
• This fine-tuning allows you to tailor your sound to your preferences, whether you’re watching movies or playing music.

Conclusion

Setting up the Rockville REQ 20 Dual 10-Band Graphic Equalizer is a quick and straightforward process. By following these steps, you'll be able to achieve professional-level sound control for any live performance, DJ event, or home theater setup.