D12 | D14: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

This guide will walk you through setting up your Rockville D-Series Professional Power Amplifier, specifically models like the D12 and D14. These 1.5U rack-mountable amplifiers are designed to power passive speakers and integrate seamlessly into professional live sound and DJ setups.

Step 1: Understanding the Front Panel Features

The front panel of the D12 and D14 amplifiers includes:

• Volume Knobs – Control the volume output for Channel A and Channel B.
• LED Indicators for each channel:
  • Power Light – Indicates when the amplifier is turned on.
  • Signal Light – Shows that the amplifier is receiving an input signal.
  • Clip Light – Warns when the signal is too loud and clipping occurs.
  • Protect Light – Activates if there is an issue such as shorted output connections, low impedance, or internal faults.

Step 2: Understanding the Rear Panel Features

The back of the amplifier includes:

Speaker Outputs:

• Speakon Outputs (Channels A & B) – Used to connect passive speakers with Speakon cables.
• Binding Post Outputs (Channels A & B) – Allows connection with speaker wire instead of Speakon cables.
• Bridge Mode Output (Middle Binding Post) – Used when bridging both channels to power a high-powered speaker or subwoofer.

Input Connections:

• Combo Jack Inputs (XLR / ¼") – Accepts signal from mixers, external amplifiers, or other audio sources.
• XLR Link Outputs – Sends the amplifier’s signal to another amplifier or mixer for system expansion.

Mode Selector Switches:

• Stereo Mode – Sends a full-range signal to both speakers.
• Parallel Mode – Acts as a mono mode, where only Channel A receives the input signal and outputs it to both speakers.
• Bridge Mode – Combines power from both channels to drive one high-powered speaker or subwoofer (use the middle binding post output for this mode).

Low-Pass Filter Switch:

• OFF – The amplifier runs in full-range mode for mains and mid-range speakers.
• ON – Allows only frequencies below 80Hz to pass, ideal for subwoofer use.

Step 3: Connecting Passive Speakers

To connect your passive speakers, use Speakon cables:

1. Take one end of a Speakon cable and plug it into the Channel A Speakon output on the amplifier.
2. Connect the other end of the cable into the Speakon input on your first speaker.
3. Repeat the process with Channel B for a second speaker.

Speaker Impedance Considerations

• The D12 and D14 amplifiers are 4-ohm stable per channel.
• Ensure that each speaker or combination of speakers does not drop below 4 ohms to prevent overloading the amplifier.

Step 4: Connecting a Mixer to the Amplifier

To connect a passive mixer for full control over your sound:

1. Use two XLR cables.
2. Connect the female ends of the XLR cables to the Main Left and Right Outputs of your mixer.
3. Plug the male ends into the XLR inputs on the amplifier (Channels A & B).
4. Alternatively, you can use ¼” cables in the combo jack inputs.

Step 5: Powering On & Adjusting Levels

1. Turn on your mixer first.
2. Turn on your amplifier.
3. Slowly raise the volume knobs on the amplifier.
4. On the mixer:
   • Raise the Main Left and Right faders to send audio to the amplifier.
   • Adjust the gain and volume faders for the input channel.

Testing Audio Playback

• Play music from a connected source (e.g., phone, laptop, CDJ, etc.).
• Adjust the volume, EQ, and gain settings on the mixer for the best sound quality.
• Check the LED indicators to ensure the signal is not clipping.

Step 6: Expanding Your System

Adding a Second Amplifier or Subwoofer

• Use the XLR Link Outputs to send the signal to another amplifier.
• If using a subwoofer, activate the low-pass filter to allow only low frequencies through.

Using Bridge Mode

For high-powered speakers or subwoofers:

1. Set the amplifier mode to Bridge Mode.
2. Use the middle binding post output for a single speaker connection.
3. Ensure the speaker’s impedance is 4 ohms or higher.

Conclusion

The Rockville D-Series Professional Power Amplifiers are powerful and versatile for live sound, DJ setups, and performance environments. With proper speaker matching, mixer integration, and mode selection, you can build a professional audio setup with excellent sound control and power distribution.