RPM109 V2: How To Set Up with A Laptop Or Computer for Recording / Playback

Introduction

This article provides a step-by-step guide for connecting the Rockville RPM109 V2 mixer to a laptop or computer for recording audio into a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). The instructions are designed to be simple and accessible, even for users with no technical experience. This setup allows you to record microphones, instruments, and effects directly to your computer while monitoring through speakers. 

Requirements:

• Rockville RPM109 V2 mixer
• USB-A to USB cable
• Optional: USB-A to USB-C dongle (for newer laptops)
• Laptop or computer with a DAW installed (e.g., GarageBand, Audacity, Reaper)
• Microphones or instruments connected to the mixer
• Speakers with Speakon cables (connected and powered on for monitoring)
• Optional: Power cable (to power the mixer)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connecting the Mixer to Your Computer

• Locate the PC Interface:
  • Find the USB interface port on the top of the RPM109 V2 mixer.
• Connect the USB Cable:
  • Use a USB-A to USB cable.
  • Plug the USB-A end into the mixer’s interface port.
  • Plug the other end into your laptop or computer’s USB port.
  • For newer laptops with USB-C ports, use a USB-A to USB-C dongle.
• Configure Computer Sound Settings:
  • Open your computer’s sound settings.
  • Set the input and output device to “Mixer Audio” to ensure the computer recognizes the mixer for recording and playback.

2. Setting Up Your DAW

• Open Your DAW:
  • Launch your preferred DAW (e.g., GarageBand, Audacity, or other software).
  • The steps outlined here apply to most DAWs, though specific menu names may vary.
• Configure DAW Sound Settings:
  • Go to the DAW’s audio settings or preferences.
  • Set both the input and output device to “Mixer Audio” to match the computer’s settings.
• Create a New Track:
  • In the DAW, create a new audio track.
  • When prompted to select the input source, choose “Input 1 and 2” for a stereo signal.
  • Using “Input 1 and 2” ensures a balanced stereo recording of all audio from the mixer’s inputs.

3. Recording Audio

• Connect Microphones or Instruments:
  • Plug microphones or instruments into the mixer’s available inputs (e.g., XLR for microphones on channels 1–10, 1/4-inch for instruments on channels 1–10).
  • Adjust the level knob for each channel to set the input volume.
  • Ensure the main channel output knob is raised to hear audio through connected speakers.
• Apply Built-In Effects (Optional):
  • Use the mixer’s DSP program knob to select effects (e.g., delay, reverb).
  • Adjust the DSP/effects knob on the desired channel and the DSP to main knob to apply effects to the recording.
• Start Recording:
  • Arm the track in your DAW and press the record button.
  • All audio from the mixer’s inputs (e.g., microphones, instruments) will be recorded, including any applied effects.
  • Audio will also play through the speakers for real-time monitoring, ideal for band rehearsals or live recordings.

4. Adjusting Levels and Panning

• Adjust Channel Levels:
  • Use the level knob on each channel to control the volume of microphones or instruments.
  • For example, increase the level knob to make a microphone louder or decrease it to reduce volume, which affects both the recording and speaker output.
• Panning for Mono Recording (Optional):
  • By default, set the pan knob to the center for a balanced stereo signal when using “Input 1 and 2.”
  • For mono recording, select “Input 1” (left channel) or “Input 2” (right channel) in the DAW.
  • If using “Input 1,” panning the channel to the right will reduce or cut off the signal in the recording, as it only captures the left channel.
  • If using “Input 2,” panning to the left will reduce or cut off the signal, as it only captures the right channel.

5. Avoiding Feedback During Recording

• Turn Off Input Monitoring:
  • If speakers are connected to the mixer, disable input monitoring in the DAW to prevent feedback loops.
  • Feedback occurs when the microphone picks up speaker output, creating a loop.
  • Alternatively, use headphones for monitoring or mute the speakers during recording.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

• No audio in the DAW:
  • Verify the USB cable is securely connected to the mixer and computer.
  • Ensure the computer and DAW sound settings are set to “Mixer Audio” for both input and output.
  • Confirm the track input is set to “Input 1 and 2” for stereo or “Input 1”/“Input 2” for mono.
  • Check that the track is armed for recording.
• No sound from speakers:
  • Ensure the main channel output knob on the mixer is raised.
  • Verify that speakers are connected via Speakon cables and powered on.
  • Check that the level knobs for active channels (e.g., microphone or instrument) are raised.
• Feedback or looping audio:
  • Disable input monitoring in the DAW to prevent feedback loops.
  • Use headphones instead of speakers for monitoring during recording.
  • Lower the main channel output knob or move the microphone away from the speakers.
• Only one channel is recorded (mono issues):
  • If using “Input 1” and panning is set to the right, the signal may not record. Set the pan knob to the center or left.
  • If using “Input 2” and panning is set to the left, the signal may not record. Set the pan knob to the center or right.
  • For a balanced recording, use “Input 1 and 2” with the pan knob centered.
• Distorted audio in recording:
  • Check the clip light on the mixer’s channels (1–6). If lit, lower the channel’s level knob or press the pad button to reduce the signal by 20 dB.
  • Adjust the input volume on the connected microphone or instrument to avoid overloading.

Conclusion

This guide outlines the steps to connect the Rockville RPM109 V2 mixer to a laptop or computer for recording into a DAW, enabling you to capture audio from microphones, instruments, and effects. The process is straightforward and supports applications like band rehearsals or studio recordings.