RPM109 V2: How To Connect A Mic / Instrument

Introduction

This article guides you through the process of connecting a microphone or instrument to the Rockville RPM109 V2 mixer. The steps are simple and designed for users with no technical experience, making it easy to set up for band practices, live performances, or recordings.

Requirements:

• Rockville RPM109 V2 mixer
• XLR cable (for microphones)
• 1/4-inch cables (for instruments)
• Microphone (dynamic or condenser)
• Instrument (e.g., guitar, keyboard)
• Speakers with Speakon cables (connected and powered on)
• Optional: Power cable (to power the mixer)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connecting a Microphone

• Select a Channel:
  • The RPM109 V2 mixer has 12 channels, with channels 1–10 supporting XLR inputs for microphones.
• Connect the Microphone:
  • Use an XLR cable.
  • 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 provide power to the condenser microphone.
• Adjust Levels:
  • Raise the level knob for the chosen channel (e.g., channel 1) to set the microphone volume.
  • Ensure the main channel output knob is raised to hear the audio through the connected speakers.

2. Connecting an Instrument (e.g., Guitar)

• Select a Channel:
  • Choose any available channel with a 1/4-inch line input (e.g., channel 2).
• Connect the Instrument:
  • Use a 1/4-inch cable.
  • Plug one end into the instrument (e.g., guitar).
  • Plug the other end into the 1/4-inch line input of the selected channel.
• Adjust Levels:
  • Raise the level knob for the chosen channel.
  • Adjust the instrument’s volume control to ensure it is audible.
  • Ensure the main channel output knob is raised to hear the instrument through the speakers.
• Using Multiple Inputs:
  • The mixer allows simultaneous connection of a microphone and an instrument (e.g., microphone on channel 1, guitar on channel 2).
  • This setup enables singing and playing an instrument at the same time, ideal for band practices or live performances.

3. Connecting a Stereo Instrument (e.g., Keyboard or Synthesizer)

• Select Stereo Channels:
  • Use channels 7–8 or 9–10, which have stereo 1/4-inch line inputs.
• Connect for Stereo Output:
  • Use two 1/4-inch cables.
  • 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.
• Connect for Mono Output:
  • Use a single 1/4-inch cable.
  • Plug one end into the keyboard’s left/mono output.
  • Plug the other end into the left/mono input of channels 7–8 or 9–10.
• Adjust Levels:
  • Raise the level knob for the selected channels.
  • Ensure the main channel output knob is raised to hear the stereo or mono output through the speakers.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

• No sound from the microphone:
  • Verify the XLR cable is securely connected to both the microphone and the mixer.
  • For condenser microphones, ensure the 48V phantom power button is pressed.
  • Check that the level knob for the microphone’s channel and the main channel output knob are raised.
  • Confirm that speakers are properly connected via Speakon cables and powered on.
• No sound from the instrument:
  • Ensure the 1/4-inch cable is properly connected to the instrument and the mixer’s line input.
  • Raise the level knob for the instrument’s channel and the main channel output knob.
  • Check the instrument’s volume control to ensure it is not set to zero.
• No sound from the stereo instrument:
  • Confirm that both 1/4-inch cables (for stereo) or the single cable (for mono) are securely connected.
  • Ensure channels 7–8 or 9–10 are selected and their level knobs are raised.
  • Verify the main channel output knob is raised and speakers are connected.
• Distorted audio:
  • Check the clip light above the channel’s level knob (available on channels 1–6). If lit, lower the level knob or press the pad button to reduce the signal by 20 dB.
  • Adjust the instrument’s volume to prevent overloading the input.

Conclusion

This guide outlines the straightforward process of connecting a microphone or instrument to the Rockville RPM109 V2mixer, enabling you to set up for live performances, rehearsals, or recordings. By following these steps, you can easily integrate microphones, guitars, keyboards, or other instruments into your audio setup.