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RPM109 V2: How To Set Up & Use

Ira - Zendesk Admin
Updated

Introduction

This article provides a comprehensive guide to setting up and using the Rockville RPM109B2 mixer. Whether you're connecting speakers, microphones, instruments, or utilizing features like Bluetooth and digital effects, these steps are designed to be simple and accessible, even for users with no technical experience. The guide also includes troubleshooting tips for common issues.

Requirements:

  • Rockville RPM109B2 mixer
  • Power cable
  • Wireless remote
  • Speakon cables (for speaker connections)
  • XLR cable (for microphones)
  • 1/4-inch cables (for instruments or stereo inputs)
  • RCA cables (for music playback devices)
  • USB-A to USB cable (for PC interface)
  • Optional: USB-A to USB-C dongle (for newer laptops)
  • Compatible speakers (4-ohm or 8-ohm)
  • Microphones (dynamic or condenser)
  • Instruments (e.g., guitar, keyboard)
  • Computer or smartphone for Bluetooth or DAW integration

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connecting Speakers to the Mixer

  • Locate the Speakon Outputs: On the back of the RPM109B2, identify the Speakon outputs labeled for the left and right channels.
  • Connect Speakon Cables:
    • Plug one end of a Speakon cable into the left channel output.
    • Plug another Speakon cable into the right channel output.
    • Connect the other ends to the Speakon inputs on your speakers.
  • Speaker Compatibility:
    • The mixer supports 4-ohm or 8-ohm speakers (e.g., Rockville SPGN108 8-ohm speakers).
    • You can connect up to two 8-ohm speakers per channel (left and right) for additional output.
  • Power On the Mixer: Plug in the power cable and turn on the mixer using the power switch.

2. Setting Up a Microphone

  • Choose a Channel: The mixer has 12 channels, with channels 1–10 supporting XLR inputs for microphones.
  • Connect the Microphone:
    • Use an XLR cable and plug the female end into a dynamic or condenser microphone.
    • Plug the male end into the XLR input of your chosen channel (e.g., channel 1).
  • For Condenser Microphones:
    • Press the 48V phantom power button for the selected channel to power the microphone.
  • Adjust Levels:
    • Raise the level knob for the chosen channel to set the microphone volume.
    • Increase the main channel output knob to hear the microphone through the speakers.

3. Connecting Instruments

  • Guitar or Other Instruments:
    • Use a 1/4-inch cable to connect the instrument (e.g., guitar) to the 1/4-inch line input of any channel (e.g., channel 2).
    • Raise the level knob for the selected channel.
    • Adjust the instrument’s volume to hear it through the speakers.
  • Stereo Instruments (e.g., Keyboard):
    • Use two 1/4-inch cables for stereo output.
    • Plug one cable into the left output and another into the right output of the keyboard.
    • Connect the other ends to the left and right 1/4-inch inputs on channels 7–8 or 9–10.
    • Alternatively, use one 1/4-inch cable from the keyboard’s left/mono output to the left/mono input of channels 7–8 or 9–10 for mono output.
    • Adjust the level knob for the selected channels and ensure the main output knob is raised.

4. Adjusting Audio Settings

  • Three-Band EQ (Channels 1–10):
    • High Knob: Adjusts high-end frequencies (e.g., clarity of vocals). Increase for brighter sound, decrease for less clarity.
    • Mid Knob: Controls mid-range frequencies (e.g., vocal presence). Increase for more body, decrease for less.
    • Low Knob: Manages low-end frequencies (e.g., bass). Increase for deeper sound, decrease to reduce bass.
  • Seven-Band EQ (Main Output):
    • Adjust high, mid, or low frequencies for the left or right speaker channels independently to balance the overall sound.
  • Pan Knob: Controls the stereo placement of a channel’s audio (left, right, or center).
  • Monitor Knob: Sends audio from a channel to the monitor output for external speakers or mixers. Adjust the monitor level knob to control output volume.
  • Pad Button (Channels 1–10): Reduces input signal by 20 dB if the audio is too loud (indicated by the clip light).
  • Mute Button (Channels 1–10): Silences individual channels without affecting channels 11–12.

5. Using Built-In Digital Effects (DSP)

  • Select an Effect:
    • Use the program knob to cycle through the 24 built-in effects (e.g., hall reverb, vocal echo, chorus, pitch change).
    • When the desired effect flashes, press the program knob to select it.
  • Adjust Effect Intensity:
    • Use the parameter knob to control the effect’s presence (higher for more effect, lower for less).
  • Apply to Channels:
    • Raise the DSP/effects knob on the desired channel (e.g., channel 1 for microphone effects).
    • Adjust the DSP to main knob to control how much of the effect is sent to the speakers.
  • Effect Examples:
    • Hall Reverb (1–2): Adds spacious reverb for vocals.
    • Room Reverb (3–4): Simulates smaller room acoustics.
    • Plate Reverb (5): Classic reverb for vocals or instruments.
    • Delay/Echo (11–14): Repeats sound for dramatic effects.
    • Phaser/Flanger/Chorus (15–18): Adds modulation effects.
    • Pitch Change (24): Alters vocal pitch using the parameter knob.

6. Using External Effects

  • Effects Send Setup:
    • Use a Y-cable: Plug the single end into the effects send port on the mixer, and the split ends into the input/output of an external effects unit.
    • Alternatively, use one 1/4-inch cable from the effects send to the external unit’s input, and another from the unit’s output to a channel’s line input (e.g., channel 1).
  • Control External Effects:
    • Adjust the effects knob on the desired channel to send audio to the external unit.
    • Use the three-band EQ and pad button to shape the affected signal.

7. Connecting Music Playback Devices

  • RCA Inputs (Channels 11–12):
    • Connect a music device (e.g., MP3 player) using RCA cables to the RCA inputs.
    • Set the mode button to AUX mode to enable RCA input.
  • Bluetooth Setup:
    • Press the mode button until the display reads “Bluetooth” and “Disconnected.”
    • On your smartphone or tablet, go to Bluetooth settings, find “Rockville,” and pair the device.
    • Set channels 11–12 to Bluetooth mode using the mode button.
    • Raise the level knob for channels 11–12 and the main output knob to hear playback through the speakers.
  • USB/SD Playback:
    • Insert a USB drive or SD card into the respective ports.
    • Press the mode button to select USB or SD mode.
    • Use the play/pause, stop, repeat, or next/previous buttons to control playback.
  • Adjust Playback Audio:
    • Use the two-band EQ (high/low) to adjust sound quality.
    • Use the balance knob to shift audio between left and right speakers.
    • Adjust the level knob for volume control.

8. Connecting to a Computer for Recording

  • Setup PC Interface:
    • Use a USB-A to USB cable to connect the mixer’s USB interface port to your computer.
    • For newer laptops, use a USB-A to USB-C dongle if necessary.
  • Configure Computer Settings:
    • Go to your computer’s sound settings and set the input/output device to “Mixer Audio.”
    • In your DAW (e.g., GarageBand), set the input/output device to “Mixer Audio.”
  • DAW Track Setup:
    • Create a new track in your DAW.
    • Set the track input to “Input 1 and 2” for a balanced stereo signal.
  • Recording:
    • Plug microphones or instruments into the mixer’s inputs.
    • Press record in the DAW to capture audio from all connected inputs.
    • Audio will still play through the speakers during recording.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

  • No sound from speakers:
    • Ensure the main channel output knob is raised.
    • Check that Speakon cables are securely connected to the mixer and speakers.
    • Verify the mixer is powered on and speakers are compatible (4-ohm or 8-ohm).
  • Microphone not working:
    • Confirm the XLR cable is properly connected.
    • For condenser microphones, ensure the 48V phantom power button is pressed.
    • Raise the level knob for the microphone’s channel and the main output knob.
  • Audio clipping or distortion:
    • Check the clip light above the pad button. If lit, lower the channel’s level knob or press the pad button to reduce the signal by 20 dB.
  • Bluetooth not connecting:
    • Ensure the mode button is set to Bluetooth and the display reads “Disconnected.”
    • Verify your device is in Bluetooth settings and paired with “Rockville.”
    • Confirm channels 11–12 are set to Bluetooth mode and the level knob is raised.
  • Effects not audible:
    • Ensure the DSP/effects knob is raised for the desired channel.
    • Adjust the parameter knob to increase effect intensity.
    • Raise the DSP to main knob to send effects to the speakers.
  • No audio in DAW recording:
    • Verify the USB cable is connected and the computer’s sound settings are set to “Mixer Audio.”
    • In the DAW, ensure the input is set to “Input 1 and 2” and the track is armed for recording.

Conclusion

This guide covers the essential steps to set up and use the Rockville RPM109B2 mixer, from connecting speakers and microphones to utilizing digital effects, music playback, and recording via a computer. By following these instructions, you can achieve a professional audio setup for band practices, live performances, or recordings.

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