PSP5: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

The Rockville PSP5 Universal Phantom Power Supply is an essential tool for anyone using a condenser microphone with equipment that doesn’t provide phantom power. Phantom power (48V) is necessary to power condenser microphones, and without it, your condenser mics won’t work. The PSP5 provides a simple and efficient solution, ensuring your microphones perform at their best. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up the PSP5 with various audio equipment.

What You’ll Need

• Rockville PSP5 Phantom Power Supply
• Power adapter (included)
• XLR cables (two)
• Powered speaker, mixer, or interface that does not provide phantom power
• Condenser microphone

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Setting Up the PSP5

• Connect the Power Adapter: Plug the female end of the power adapter into the PSP5 power input, and then plug the other end into a power outlet.
• Turn on the PSP5: Press the power button on the PSP5. The power light will illuminate, indicating the unit is on and ready to provide phantom power.

2. Connecting the PSP5 to a Powered Speaker

• Connect the Microphone to the PSP5:
  • Take an XLR cable and connect the female end to your condenser microphone.
  • Plug the other end of the XLR cable into the XLR input on the PSP5.
• Connect the PSP5 to the Powered Speaker:
  • Take a second XLR cable, and connect the female end to the XLR output on the PSP5.
  • Plug the other end of the cable into the XLR input on your powered speaker.
• Adjust the Speaker Volume: Set the microphone volume on your powered speaker to the lowest setting to prevent any unwanted noise or feedback. Gradually increase the volume until you hear the microphone output.

3. Using the PSP5 with a Mixer for Recording

• Set Up the Mixer: In this scenario, you’ll be using the PSP5 in combination with a mixer, such as the Line 8 mixer, and an interface to record.
• Connect the Microphone to the PSP5:
  • Just like before, connect your condenser microphone to the PSP5 using an XLR cable.
• Connect the PSP5 to the Line 8 Mixer:
  • Use a female XLR to quarter-inch cable to connect the XLR output on the PSP5 to a channel (e.g., Channel 1) on the Line 8 mixer.
• Connect the Line 8 Mixer to the Interface:
  • Take two TRS quarter-inch cables and connect one end of each to the A and B outputs on the Line 8 mixer.
  • Connect the other ends of the cables to the quarter-inch inputs on your audio interface.

4. Configuring the Audio Interface

• Set the Interface to Line Mode: In your audio interface settings, switch to line mode for proper signal processing.
• Adjust the Mixer Settings:
  • Set the Line 8 mixer to mono mode so that each input is processed individually.
  • Raise the volume for the channel you’re using (e.g., Channel 1) on the mixer.
• Adjust Gain and Volume: On your interface, increase the gain knobs and the A and B volume knobs for a proper stereo signal.

5. Recording with the PSP5 and Mixer Setup

• Enable the Tracks for Recording: In your DAW (digital audio workstation), arm the tracks for recording and ensure signal is coming through the correct channels.
• Hit Record: Once everything is set up and you're receiving audio signals, hit record and start capturing the sound from your condenser microphone.

6. Alternative Setup for Live Events

• If you’re at a gig or event where the front-of-house mixer doesn’t provide phantom power, the PSP5 can be used to connect both condenser and dynamic microphones with a drum set or vocalist. This setup ensures you can use more microphones without worrying about the mixer’s limitations.

Conclusion

The Rockville PSP5 Universal Phantom Power Supply is an easy and effective solution for adding phantom power to any setup, whether you’re recording podcasts, performing live, or mixing with a limited number of channels. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your condenser microphones are powered and ready for use with any equipment, even if phantom power is not built-in.