RPM47: How To Use Effects

Introduction

This article provides easy-to-follow instructions for setting up and using built-in DSP effects and external effects with your Rockville RPM47 mixer. Enhance your sound with built-in effects like reverb, delay, and echo, or connect external effects processors using the effects loop. These steps are straightforward, suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.

Requirements:

• Rockville RPM47 Mixer
• Microphone or Instrument
• XLR or ¼" instrument cable
• Optional external effects unit (e.g., pedals or rack effects)
• Two ¼" cables (if using external effects)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Using Built-In DSP Effects

Step 1: Connecting Your Microphone or Instrument

1. Connect your microphone or instrument to the mixer:
   • Microphone: Use an XLR cable plugged into the XLR input.
   • Instrument: Use a ¼" cable connected to the line input.
2. Raise the Level knob for your selected channel and the Master volume knob to hear your audio.

Step 2: Activating DSP Effects

1. Locate the DSP Effects section on your RPM47 mixer.
2. Select the desired effect using the effect dial:
   • Examples include Reverb (Plate, Room, Stage), Delay (Short/Long), Vocal Echo, Karaoke Echo, Tremolo, and Wah effects.
3. Adjust the Parameter (Dry/Wet Mix):
   • Turn the Parameter knob to control the mix between your dry (unaffected) sound and wet (affected) signal.
4. Raise the DSP to Main knob:
   • This determines how much of the selected effect you'll hear through the main speakers.

Step 3: Adding Effects to Individual Channels

• Turn up the Effects knob on your microphone or instrument’s channel to add the selected DSP effect to your sound.

List of Available DSP Effects

• 1: Room Reverb 1
• 2: Room 2
• 3: Room 1
• 4: Room 2
• 5: Plate Reverb
• 6: Large Stage
• 7: Small Stage
• 8-12: Delays (Short Delay, Long Delay)
• 13-14: Echo Effects (Vocal Echo, Karaoke Echo)
• 15-19: Ambient and specialty reverbs
• 20: Tremolo
• 21: Wah Effect
• 22: Pitch Shift (raise or lower your voice’s pitch)

Adjusting DSP Effects:

• Use the Parameter knob to control the effect’s "dry/wet" mix.
  • Fully clockwise = maximum effect
  • Middle = balanced blend
  • Counterclockwise for less effect.

Using External Effects Units (FX Loop)

Step 1: Connecting External Effects

1. Plug one ¼" cable into the Send output on the RPM47’s FX loop.
2. Connect this cable into the input of your external effects device.
3. Plug another ¼" cable from your external device's output back into the Return input on the FX loop of your mixer.

Step 2: Adjusting Channel Effects Levels

• Use the Effects knob on each channel to determine how much of the external effect you want applied.

Step 2: Adjusting the Mix

• Adjust the Master volume and individual channel's Effects knob to blend the external effects into your sound.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My effects aren’t audible through the speakers. What should I check?

• A: Ensure the channel’s Effects knob is turned up, and confirm the DSP to Main knob (for built-in effects) or FX loop connections (for external effects) are correctly set.

Q: My microphone or instrument input is too loud or distorted.

• A: Use the PAD button on your channel to reduce the input level by 20 dB, then adjust the Level knob to the desired volume.

Q: Can I use external effects and built-in DSP effects simultaneously?

• A: Yes, you can blend both by adjusting each channel's Effects knob accordingly.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to explore and enjoy the diverse effects available on your Rockville RPM47 mixer, perfect for enhancing your live performances, rehearsals, or karaoke nights.