RPM47: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions on connecting your laptop or computer to the Rockville RPM47 mixer. You'll learn how to record audio directly from your mixer into your digital audio workstation (DAW), ensuring clear, professional-quality sound recordings. These instructions are easy to follow, even for beginners.

What You Need:

• Rockville RPM47 Mixer
• Laptop or computer
• USB-B to USB-A cable (or USB-B to USB-C cable)
• Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software (e.g., GarageBand, Logic, Audacity)

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

Step 1: Connect Your Mixer to the Computer

1. Identify the USB-B port on the back of your RPM47 mixer.
2. Connect a USB-B to USB-A cable to the mixer.
3. Plug the other end (USB-A) into your laptop or computer’s USB port.

Note:

• For computers with only USB-C ports, use either:
  • A USB-B to USB-C cable, or
  • A USB-A to USB-C adapter or dock.

Step 2: Set the Mixer as Your Audio Device

After connecting, your computer might prompt you to select the mixer as your audio device automatically. Even if this prompt appears, it's best to manually confirm settings:

Windows Users:

• Open Sound Settings in Windows.
• Under Output, select "Mixer Audio" (Rockville RPM47).
• Under Input, select "Mixer Audio".

Mac Users:

• Go to System Preferences → Sound.
• Select "Mixer Audio" under both the Output and Input tabs.

Step 3: Configure Your DAW for Recording

1. Launch your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
2. In the DAW’s audio preferences/settings, confirm:
   • Input device: "Mixer Audio"
   • Output device: "Mixer Audio"
3. Create a new audio track in your DAW:
   • Choose input "1" for mono recording.
   • Choose inputs "1 & 2" for stereo recording (recommended).

Recording Tips and Best Practices

Adjusting Levels for Recording

• Channel Levels:
  Use each channel’s Level knob to set the recording input level.
• Master Volume:
  Adjust the Master knob to control speaker output volume without affecting the recording level.
• Speaker Volume While Recording:
  To monitor recording comfortably, adjust your speakers using the Master knob. This adjustment will not affect the recorded audio.

Step 4: Avoiding Click Track Interference

• Ensure the DAW’s click track is off while recording:
  • Otherwise, the click track sound will get recorded into your audio.

Step 4: Start Recording Your Audio

1. In your DAW, create a new audio track.
2. Select input source:
   • Mono: Select input 1
   • Stereo: Select inputs 1 & 2
3. Press Record in your DAW to capture audio from your microphone, instruments, or other connected devices.

Additional Features to Enhance Your Recording Session

Using Built-in DSP Effects

• Select DSP effects (Reverb, Echo, Delay, Chorus, etc.) using the Program knob.
• Adjust the amount of effect using the Parameter (dry/wet) knob.
• Use the DSP to Main knob to include effects in your recording.

External Effects Loop (Optional)

If you prefer using external effects processors:

• Connect using two ¼" cables:
  • Mixer Effects Send → Effects device Input
  • Effects device Output → Mixer Effects Return
• Adjust the Effects knob on each channel to control effect intensity.

Additional Features & Tips

• EQ Controls:
  Each channel has a two-band EQ (High and Low knobs) to fine-tune your audio quality.
• Bluetooth and USB Inputs:
  • Use Bluetooth or USB thumb drives to add background music or audio tracks directly through the mixer. Adjust playback volume with the MP3 knob.
• Headphone Monitoring:
  Connect headphones to the front Phones input jack to monitor audio clearly during recording.

Important Tips Before Recording

• Click Track:
  Turn off your DAW's click track during recording sessions, as it will be recorded along with your audio if left active.
• Input Monitoring:
  Disable input monitoring in your DAW to prevent feedback or unwanted echoes during recording.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My DAW isn’t picking up audio from the mixer.

• A: Confirm audio input settings in your DAW are set to "Mixer Audio." Check cable connections and restart your software if necessary.

Q: My audio sounds distorted or too loud.

• A: Lower the channel’s Level knob or press the PAD button to reduce the input level.

Q: I hear echo or doubling when recording.

• A: Turn off input monitoring in your DAW to eliminate echo or delay issues.

Conclusion

You've successfully connected your Rockville RPM47 mixer to your laptop or computer and are ready to start recording your audio professionally.