RPM47: How To Set Up with A Laptop Or Computer for Recording / Playback

Introduction

This guide will walk you through setting up your Rockville RPM47 mixer with your laptop or computer. This setup allows you to record audio directly from your mixer into digital audio software (DAW). The steps provided are clear, simple, and require no advanced technical skills.

Requirements:

• 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., Audacity, GarageBand, Logic, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Connecting Your Mixer to Your Computer

1. Locate the USB-B port on the back of your RPM47 mixer.
2. Connect a USB-B to USB-A cable to your mixer’s USB-B port.
3. Plug the other end (USB-A) into your computer or laptop.
   • Note: For newer devices with USB-C ports, use either a USB-A to USB-C adapter or a direct USB-B to USB-C cable.

Step 2: Configuring Your Computer's Audio Settings

Windows Users:

1. Click on the sound settings icon or navigate to Control Panel → Sound.
2. Under "Output," select "Mixer Audio" (Rockville RPM47) as your default playback device.
3. Under "Input," select "Mixer Audio" as your default recording device.

Mac Users:

1. Open System Preferences → Sound.
2. In the "Output" tab, select "Mixer Audio".
3. In the "Input" tab, select "Mixer Audio".

Step 3: Setting Up Your DAW for Recording

1. Open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
2. Set audio input/output to the mixer:
   • Input: Select "Mixer Audio."
   • Output: Select "Mixer Audio."
   • Note: Even if prompted automatically, always verify this in your DAW settings.
3. Create a new audio track in your DAW:
   • Select input "1" for mono, or inputs "1 and 2" for stereo recordings.

Recording Audio from Your Mixer

Step 1: Preparing for Recording

• Input Monitoring:
  Turn off input monitoring on your DAW track to avoid feedback or doubling.
• Volume Control:
  • Use the mixer’s Master knob to adjust your listening volume through speakers or headphones.
  • The master volume does not affect the recording level.
  • Adjust individual channels using their respective Level knobs for recording volume.

Step 2: Avoiding Click Track Bleed

• When using a DAW click track, turn it off during recording unless you specifically want it recorded. Otherwise, the click will become part of your audio track.

Step 3: Recording Audio

• Press the record button in your DAW to capture audio from your mixer.
• Speak into your microphone or play your instrument:
  • Watch audio levels in your DAW and adjust using your mixer’s channel Level knobs as necessary.

Step 4: Applying EQ and Effects

• You can use the RPM47’s built-in two-band EQ to shape your sound:
  • High knob: Adds or reduces brightness.
  • Low knob: Adds or reduces bass and warmth.
• DSP Effects:
  Adjust the effects knob on the channel to record with built-in effects (reverb, delay, echo, etc.).

Using Headphones for Monitoring

• Plug headphones into the Phones jack on the front panel of the mixer.
• Adjust headphone volume using the Phones knob on the mixer for comfortable listening levels.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My computer doesn’t recognize the mixer.

• A: Ensure the cable is securely connected. Try a different USB port or restart your computer.

Q: Audio isn’t being recorded in my DAW.

• A: Double-check your DAW’s input and output settings. Confirm that "Mixer Audio" is selected as both input and output device.

Q: Why am I hearing feedback or echo?

• A: Disable input monitoring in your DAW or adjust your speaker/headphone levels to eliminate echo or feedback.

Conclusion

You've successfully set up your laptop or computer with your Rockville RPM47 mixer! You're now ready to record high-quality audio directly into your computer.