RPM48S: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

The Rockville RPM48S is a 2000-watt 4-channel powered mixer and stereo amplifier designed for PA systems, live performances, DJ setups, and karaoke applications. This model is an upgrade from the RPM45BT, featuring a stereo amplifier instead of a parallel mono amplifier, providing better separation for stereo sound.

This guide will walk you through setting up your speakers, microphones, instruments, and additional audio sources, as well as adjusting EQ settings and using built-in effects.

What's Included

• RPM48S Powered Mixer
• Wireless Remote Control (For controlling MP3 module features)

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connecting Passive Speakers

The RPM48S supports 4 to 8-ohm speakers per channel.

• One 8-ohm speaker per channel
• Two 8-ohm speakers per channel (daisy-chained) = 4 ohms per channel
• Four 16-ohm speakers per channel = 4 ohms per channel

Example Setup with 8-Ohm PA Speakers

1. Connect Speakon-to-1/4-inch cables:
   • Plug the Speakon end into your Rockville SPGN 15-8 PA speakers.
   • Plug the 1/4-inch end into the left and right outputs on the RPM48S.
2. Daisy-Chaining Additional Speakers:
   • Connect extra speakers using additional Speakon cables plugged into the outputs of the first pair of speakers.

2. Connecting Microphones

The RPM48S has XLR inputs with 48V phantom power, allowing for both dynamic and condenser microphones.

Connecting a Microphone

1. Plug the female end of an XLR cable into your microphone.
2. Plug the male end into any available channel (e.g., Channel 1).
3. Turn on the mixer.
4. Raise the channel volume knob and the master volume knob.
5. If using a condenser microphone, enable phantom power.
   • Note: Condenser microphones are more sensitive to feedback, so adjust levels carefully.

3. Connecting an Instrument

You can connect guitars, bass, keyboards, or other instruments via the 1/4-inch mono line inputs.

Instrument Setup Example

1. Plug one end of a 1/4-inch cable into your instrument.
2. Plug the other end into a line input (e.g., Channel 2).
3. Raise the channel volume knob, master volume knob, and adjust the instrument volume.

4. Adjusting EQ & Effects

Each channel has the following controls:

• 2-Band EQ (Bass & Treble)
• Echo Knob (Digital Delay Effect)
• Pan Knob (Stereo Placement)

Using the EQ

• Treble Knob: Adjusts high frequencies.
• Bass Knob: Adjusts low frequencies.
• Pan Knob: Sends signal left or right in the stereo mix.
• Echo Effect: Add reverb/delay for microphones or instruments.

To control echo delay settings:

• Time Knob = Adjusts delay length.
• Repeat Knob = Adjusts the number of repeats (e.g., slapback delay or long echo).

Master EQ (3-Band)

For global tone shaping, use the master EQ section with Bass, Mid, and Treble controls.

5. Connecting External Devices

The RPM48S allows playback from various sources:

1. RCA & 1/4-Inch Line Inputs – Connect tape decks, record players, or MP3 players.
2. USB/SD Card Slots – Play music from USB flash drives or SD cards.
3. Bluetooth Streaming – Wirelessly play audio from a smartphone or tablet.
4. FM Radio Mode – Tune into live radio broadcasts.

How to Connect via Bluetooth

1. Press the Mode button until the display shows Bluetooth Mode.
2. On your smartphone or tablet, go to Bluetooth settings.
3. Select "Rockville" from the available devices.
4. Once connected, raise the MP3 volume knob to hear audio.

6. Using the Line Outputs

The RPM48S allows you to send audio signals to:

• Recording Interfaces (to record a live mix)
• Powered Subwoofers or Speakers (for more bass or additional amplification)
• Cameras (to record high-quality audio for live performances)

Connecting a Subwoofer

1. Plug one end of an RCA cable into the RCA output on the mixer.
2. Plug the other end into the RCA input on the active subwoofer.
3. Adjust the subwoofer’s volume knob to control bass levels.

7. Using the Wireless Remote

The included wireless remote control allows you to:

• Control MP3 playback (Pause, Play, Stop, Rewind, Fast Forward)
• Change Playback Modes (Bluetooth, USB, SD, FM Radio)
• Adjust Volume
• Mute the Amp
• Change EQ Presets

8. Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why is my speaker sound distorted?

A: Lower the channel volume, master volume, and input gain to prevent clipping.

Q: My microphone isn't working. What should I do?

A: 

• Ensure the microphone is plugged into an XLR input.
• Raise the channel volume and master volume.
• If using a condenser mic, enable phantom power.

Q: How do I reset Bluetooth pairing?

A: Turn off Bluetooth on the mixer and your device, then try pairing again.

Q: How do I record my mix using the RCA output?

A: Connect RCA cables from the Rec Out to your recording device or audio interface.

Conclusion

The Rockville RPM48S 2000-Watt 4-Channel Powered Mixer & Stereo Amplifier is an easy-to-use, feature-packed unit for musicians, DJs, and performers. With multiple input options, built-in effects, Bluetooth, and flexible speaker configurations, this powerful system is ideal for live sound, karaoke, and recording applications.