RPM1870: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

The Rockville RPM 1870 is a versatile 18-channel powered mixer designed for live performances, karaoke, and band practices. It allows you to connect passive and active speakers, microphones, instruments, Bluetooth devices, and external effects processors. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on setting up your mixer, adjusting audio settings, and adding subwoofers or powered speakers.

What’s Included:

• RPM 1870 Mixer
• Power Cable

Step 1: Connecting Speakers

The RPM 1870 allows you to connect both passive and active speakers.

Connecting Passive Speakers (Using SpeakON Outputs)

1. Take two SpeakON cables.
2. Connect one end to the Left and Right SpeakON Outputs on the back of the mixer.
3. Plug the other ends into the SpeakON Inputs of your 8-ohm passive speakers.

💡 Tip: The RPM 1870 is 4-ohm stable, so you can daisy-chain another pair of 8-ohm speakers to the first set.

• Two 8-ohm speakers per channel = 4-ohm total impedance.
• Do NOT connect two 4-ohm speakers per channel, as it may damage the mixer.

Connecting Active Speakers (Using XLR or ¼-inch Outputs)

1. Use XLR or ¼-inch cables to connect the Main Outputs on top of the mixer to your powered speakers.
2. Adjust the speaker volume levels accordingly.

💡 Tip: Active speakers do not require power from the mixer, so ensure their gain settings are properly balanced.

Step 2: Setting Up Microphones & Instruments

The RPM 1870 features 18 input channels, with XLR mic inputs and ¼-inch line inputs for instruments.

Connecting a Microphone (Dynamic or Condenser)

1. Take an XLR cable and microphone.
2. Plug the female end of the XLR cable into the microphone.
3. Plug the other end into the XLR mic input on any available channel (e.g., Channel 1).
4. Adjust settings:
   • Set Gain Knob halfway.
   • Raise the Channel Fader.
   • Raise the Main Left & Right Faders to hear sound.
5. Speak into the mic: "Check one, two"—your voice should come through the speakers.

💡 Using a Condenser Mic?

• Press the Phantom Power Button to supply 48V power.

Connecting an Instrument (Bass, Guitar, Keyboard, etc.)

1. Take a ¼-inch instrument cable.
2. Plug one end into the instrument output.
3. Plug the other end into the ¼-inch Line Input (e.g., Channel 2).
4. Adjust settings:
   • Set Gain Knob.
   • Raise the Channel Fader.
   • Raise the Main Left & Right Faders.
5. Play your instrument and adjust levels as needed.

💡 Tip: If you're playing and singing simultaneously, use separate channels for the microphone and instrument for better sound control.

Step 3: Using Effects & External Processors

Built-in Effects Processor

The mixer includes reverb, delay, and modulation effects.

1. Turn the Preset Select Knob to choose an effect (e.g., Preset 8: Delay & Reverb).
2. Adjust:
   • Parameter 1 (e.g., Delay Time).
   • Parameter 2 (e.g., Reverb Time).
3. Raise the Effects Knob on the desired channel.
4. Ensure the Main Effects Knob & Effects Fader are turned up.

Using External Effects (Compressor, EQ, etc.)

1. Use a Y-cable to connect the external device:
   • Plug the single end into the Insert Jack on the desired channel.
   • Plug the dual ends into the Input and Output of the external device.
2. Adjust the processor’s settings as needed.

💡 Tip: Use this method for compressors, external reverbs, and EQs to refine your sound.

Step 4: Connecting Bluetooth & Music Playback

Pairing a Bluetooth Device

1. Press the Mode Button and cycle to Bluetooth Mode.
2. Press Play to activate pairing.
3. On your phone/tablet, go to Bluetooth settings and select "RPM 1870".
4. Raise the Faders for Channels 17 & 18 to control Bluetooth volume.

💡 Tip: Use YouTube karaoke tracks for karaoke setups.

Using RCA & USB Inputs

• RCA Inputs: Connect external audio sources like CD players.
• USB Input: Play MP3s directly from a USB drive.

Step 5: Connecting Subwoofers

To enhance bass, connect a powered subwoofer.

1. Use an XLR or ¼-inch cable.
2. Connect the cable from the Main Output (Left or Right) of the mixer to the Input of the subwoofer.
3. Adjust the crossover and volume settings on the subwoofer.
4. Raise the Main Left & Right Faders to balance audio levels.

💡 Adding a second subwoofer?

• Use the Right XLR/¼-inch output to connect a second subwoofer.

Step 6: Fine-Tuning Audio Settings

7-Band EQ for Left & Right Channels

• Adjust the low, mid, and high frequencies for each side of the mix.
• Use the EQ Kill Button to bypass EQ settings for comparison.

Channel EQ Controls

• High Knob: Adjusts treble frequencies.
• High-Mid & Low-Mid Knobs: Adjusts midrange frequencies.
• Low Knob: Adjusts bass response.

Step 7: Using the Mixer for Karaoke

The RPM 1870 is great for karaoke because it supports multiple microphones and Bluetooth playback.

Setting Up for Karaoke

1. Connect a microphone (see Step 2).
2. Pair a Bluetooth device (see Step 4) and play a karaoke track.
3. Adjust:
   • Effects (Preset 8: Delay & Reverb).
   • EQ for vocals.
4. Sing along while following lyrics on a tablet or smartphone.

Conclusion

The Rockville RPM 1870 Mixer is a powerful and flexible audio solution for live performances, karaoke, and studio setups. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily:
✔ Connect speakers and subwoofers.
✔ Set up microphones and instruments.
✔ Apply built-in effects and external processors.
✔ Use Bluetooth, USB, and RCA for music playback.
✔ Fine-tune your mix with EQ settings.