RPM1870: What The Channels & Controls Do

Introduction

The Rockville RPM 1870 is a versatile 18-channel powered mixer with XLR and ¼-inch line inputs, making it ideal for live performances, karaoke, band practice, and professional audio setups. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of each control on the channel strip, so you can fine-tune your audio for the best sound quality.

Channel Strip Overview

Each channel on the RPM 1870 mixer is equipped with controls for gain, equalization, effects, and routing options. Channels 1-16 support microphones and instruments, while Channels 17-18 are designed for MP3 or Bluetooth devices.

Step 1: Connecting Microphones & Instruments

Connecting a Microphone

1. Take an XLR cable and microphone.
2. Plug the female end of the cable into the microphone.
3. Connect the male end into the XLR mic input on the mixer (e.g., Channel 1).
4. Set the Gain Knob to about halfway to start.
5. Raise the Channel Fader.
6. Adjust the Main Left & Right Faders to hear your microphone.

💡 Tip: If using a condenser microphone, activate phantom power on the mixer.

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 on the mixer (e.g., Channel 2).
4. Adjust the Gain Knob and Channel Fader as needed.

💡 Tip: If using a high-output instrument, lower the Gain Knob to avoid distortion.

Step 2: Adjusting Input Levels with Gain & Pad

Gain Knob

• Adjusts the input signal strength for microphones, instruments, or line inputs.
• If set too low, the signal will be weak.
• If set too high, the signal may clip or distort.

Pad Button (-25dB Attenuation)

• Reduces hot signals (e.g., condenser mics, active instruments) to prevent distortion.

Step 3: Using the 4-Band EQ for Sound Shaping

Each channel includes high, high-mid, low-mid, and low EQ controls:

• High Knob (Treble Boost/Cut)
  • Boost for clarity and brightness (e.g., vocals, cymbals).
  • Cut to remove harshness.
• High-Mid Knob (Presence Control)
  • Boost for vocal clarity and instrument attack.
  • Cut for a smoother tone.
• Low-Mid Knob (Body & Warmth Control)
  • Boost to add depth to vocals and instruments.
  • Cut to reduce muddiness.
• Low Knob (Bass Boost/Cut)
  • Boost for fuller, warmer sound (e.g., bass guitar, kick drum).
  • Cut to remove unwanted rumble.

💡 Tip: Adjust each knob gradually to avoid making drastic changes to the sound.

Step 4: Adding Effects (Reverb, Delay, Chorus, etc.)

The RPM 1870 mixer includes a built-in effects processor with multiple reverb, delay, and modulation effects.

Using the Effects Knob

1. Select an effect using the Preset Select Knob (e.g., Preset 8: Delay & Reverb).
2. Adjust:
   • Parameter 1: Controls delay time.
   • Parameter 2: Controls reverb depth.
3. Raise the Effects Knob on the channel to apply the effect.
4. Ensure the Main Effects Knob and Effects Fader are turned up.

💡 Tip: Experiment with different effects to enhance vocals, instruments, or overall mix.

Step 5: Using the Send & Return for External Effects

The Send & Return section allows you to connect external processors like compressors, equalizers, or reverb units.

1. Take a Y-cable and:
   • Plug the single end into the Insert Jack of the channel.
   • Plug the dual ends into the input & output of your external device.
2. Adjust settings on the external device as needed.

💡 Tip: Use this method for compressors, external EQs, or rack effects units.

Step 6: Panning, Muting & Soloing Channels

Pan Knob

• Moves the sound to the left or right speaker.
• Example:
  • Left: Voice plays only on the left speaker.
  • Right: Voice plays only on the right speaker.

Mute Button

• Silences the channel without changing fader levels.

Solo Button

• Plays only the selected channel, muting all others.
• Useful for fine-tuning individual instruments/microphones.

Step 7: Adjusting Volume with Channel & Main Faders

• Channel Fader: Controls the volume level for each channel.
• Main Left & Right Faders: Control the overall mix volume.

💡 Tip: Start with the Channel Fader at zero, then gradually raise it to the desired level.

Step 8: Using Channels 17-18 for MP3/Bluetooth Playback

• For Bluetooth & USB Devices:
  1. Connect your device via Bluetooth or USB.
  2. Select the correct input mode using the Mode Button.
  3. Use the Channel 17-18 Faders to adjust volume.
  4. Fine-tune sound using the 2-band EQ (Bass & Treble).

💡 Tip: Adjust MP3 or Bluetooth playback levels separately from microphones and instruments.

Conclusion

Understanding the channel strip on the Rockville RPM 1870 is key to mixing professional-quality sound. Whether you're balancing vocals, shaping instrument tone, or adding effects, these controls give you full command over your audio mix.

By following these steps, you can:
✔ Set up microphones & instruments correctly.
✔ Shape audio with EQ & gain settings.
✔ Use built-in effects & external processors.
✔ Balance the mix using faders & panning.