ROCKMIX 6FX: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

This guide will walk you through setting up your Rockville RockMix 6FX 6-channel mixer and USB interface step by step. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced audio user, these instructions will help you connect your equipment, configure settings, and troubleshoot common issues.

What’s Included:

• RockMix 6FX Mixer
• USB Cable (for computer connection)
• USB Power Block (for power through a wall outlet)
• USB to DC Cable (for alternative power option)
• Bluetooth Antenna (for improved Bluetooth connection)

Step 1: Connecting Your Speakers to the Mixer

To hear audio from your mixer, you need to connect active speakers or passive speakers powered by an amplifier.

Output Connection Options:

• Balanced XLR Outputs
• ¼" Unbalanced Outputs

How to Connect:

1. Choose XLR or ¼" cables based on your speaker inputs.
2. Plug the female end of the XLR cable into the XLR outputs on the mixer.
3. Connect the other end to your speakers’ XLR inputs.
4. Turn on the mixer and speakers.
5. Adjust the volume knobs on the back of your speakers.

Step 2: Connecting a Microphone

1. Plug a dynamic or condenser microphone into Channel 1 or 2 using an XLR cable.
2. Adjust the Gain knob to set microphone sensitivity.
3. Adjust the Level knob to control the volume.
4. Turn up the Main Mix knob to hear the microphone output.
5. Monitor the peak light on the channel – if it lights up frequently, lower the gain or level.

Phantom Power for Condenser Mics

• Press the phantom power button to provide 48V power to condenser microphones.
• If using a sensitive mic, activate the Pad button (-25dB) to prevent distortion.

Step 3: Connecting Instruments (Guitar, Bass, Keyboard)

1. For Guitar/Bass:
   • Use a ¼" instrument cable and plug into Channel 2.
   • Activate the High-Z (Impedance) button for better signal compatibility.
   • Adjust the Gain and Level knobs.
2. For Stereo Keyboards/Synthesizers:
   • Connect two ¼" cables to the Left and Right outputs of the keyboard.
   • Plug them into Channels 1 and 2 of the mixer.
   • Press the Mono/Stereo button to switch to stereo mode.

Step 4: Using Built-in Effects (DSP Effects)

The RockMix 6FX has various built-in effects like reverb, delay, chorus, tremolo, and more.

How to Apply Effects:

1. Press the Effects (FX) button on the channel.
2. Turn up the Effects Level knob.
3. Select an effect using the DSP knob.
4. Some available effects include:
   • Reverb (Hall, Plate, Room)
   • Chorus
   • Delay (Short, Standard)
   • Flanger, Tremolo, Rotary Speaker
   • Pitch Shift (Up/Down)

Step 5: Using Bluetooth Audio

1. Attach the Bluetooth antenna to the mixer.
2. Press the Bluetooth button to enable pairing mode.
3. On your smartphone or device, go to Bluetooth settings and select "RockMix 6FX".
4. Once connected, increase the Channel 5 & 6 volume to hear music.

Note: When Bluetooth is engaged, Channels 5 & 6 cannot be used for other audio sources.

Step 6: Connecting the Mixer to a Computer for Recording

The RockMix 6FX works as a USB audio interface, making it ideal for digital audio workstation (DAW) recording.

How to Connect to a Computer:

1. Plug the USB cable into your computer.
2. If using a USB-C computer, use a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
3. Go to Sound Settings on your computer and set input/output device to "USB Audio Codec".

Setting Up in a DAW (GarageBand, Audacity, Logic Pro, Pro Tools)

• Open your DAW.
• Set Input & Output Device to USB Audio Codec.
• Choose Stereo or Dual Mono Input:
  • Stereo Mode: Inputs 1 & 2 recorded on left/right channels.
  • Dual Mono Mode: Each input is recorded separately.

Pro Tools Users - Additional Step:

1. Open Audio MIDI Settings.
2. Click Create Aggregate Device.
3. Select both USB Audio Codec inputs and name it RockMix 6FX.
4. In Pro Tools, set Playback Engine to RockMix 6FX.

Step 7: Using Headphones for Monitoring

1. Plug headphones into the ¼" headphone jack on the mixer.
2. Adjust the Phones Volume Knob.
3. Press the PC2 button to monitor audio from your computer.

Avoiding Feedback Issues

• Turn off monitoring in your DAW to prevent an audio loop.
• Lower gain/level if feedback occurs.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Computer Doesn't Recognize the Mixer

Solution 1: Unplug the mixer, wait 30 seconds, and reconnect.
Solution 2: Restart your computer, then plug in the mixer again.
Solution 3: Check sound settings to ensure USB Audio Codec is selected.

Loud Noise or Feedback

Lower the microphone gain and speaker volume.
Move the microphone further from speakers.
Check cables for damage.

No Sound from Speakers

Ensure all cables are fully plugged in.
Adjust the gain and level knobs.
Check if output LED meters on the mixer show a signal.
Lower the speaker volume, then increase gradually.

Conclusion

The Rockville RockMix 6FX is a powerful 6-channel mixer with built-in effects, Bluetooth, and USB audio capabilities. Whether you're using it for live sound, podcasting, recording, or performances, this guide ensures an easy setup.