RPP2: How To Use (Amplifies Phono Signal to Line Level)

Introduction

In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up your Rockville RPP2 Line RCA to Phono Turntable Preamp. Since phono turntables produce low-level signals, the preamp amplifies and equalizes the signal using an RIAA curve, ensuring accurate sound reproduction. This tutorial covers multiple setup options, including active speakers, home theater receivers, and recording with a digital audio workstation (DAW).

What You’ll Need:

• Rockville RPP2 Preamp
• Power adapter (included)
• Turntable with RCA outputs
• RCA cables
• Active speakers or a home theater receiver
• Optional: Audio interface for recording into a DAW

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Powering the Preamp

1. Connect the power adapter to the preamp.
2. Plug the other end into a wall outlet.

2. Connecting to an Active Speaker

If you have an active speaker (such as the Rockville BPA15), follow these steps:

1. Connect the Turntable to the Preamp:
   • Take the RCA cables from your turntable.
   • Plug them into the left (white) and right (red) RCA inputs on the preamp.
2. Connect the Preamp to the Active Speaker:
   • Use another RCA cable.
   • Plug one end into the left and right RCA outputs of the preamp.
   • Plug the other end into the RCA input of your active speaker.
3. Adjust Volume:
   • Raise the RCA level knob on the preamp.
   • Adjust the volume knob on your speaker.

Now, your turntable audio will play clearly through the active speaker.

3. Connecting to Two Active Speakers

For a stereo setup with two active speakers:

1. Follow the same steps as the active speaker setup.
2. Take the RCA cable from the preamp’s output:
   • Plug the left (white) RCA cable into the left speaker.
   • Plug the right (red) RCA cable into the right speaker.

Now, you’ll hear a balanced stereo sound.

4. Connecting to a Home Theater Receiver

If you want to connect your turntable and preamp to a home theater receiver (like the Rockville Blue Amp 100):

1. Connect the Turntable to the Preamp (as in previous steps).
2. Use an RCA cable to connect the preamp’s RCA output to the receiver’s RCA input.
   • Use an input labeled DVD/CD/AUX, not PHONO (since the receiver already has a built-in preamp for phono inputs).
3. Set the Receiver Mode:
   • Select DVD/CD mode (or the input you used).
4. Adjust Volume:
   • Raise the RCA level knob on the preamp.
   • Adjust the receiver’s volume.

Now, your turntable’s sound will play through your home theater speakers.

5. Recording Vinyl to a DAW

If you want to record your vinyl records into a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW):

1. Connect the Turntable to the Preamp (as before).
2. Connect the Preamp to an Audio Interface:
   • Use a TRS to dual TS cable.
   • Plug the TRS end into the preamp’s TRS output.
   • Plug the dual TS ends into your audio interface’s input channels (1 and 2).
3. Set Up Your DAW:
   • Open your DAW on your computer.
   • Create a stereo track.
   • Set the input to channels 1 and 2.
   • Name the track Turntable for organization.
4. Adjust Levels:
   • Raise the TRS level knob on the preamp.
   • Adjust the gain knobs on your audio interface for inputs 1 and 2.
5. Start Recording:
   • Press record on your DAW.
   • The audio from your turntable will now record into your digital project.

You can then edit, sample, or save your vinyl recordings.

6. Sending Audio to Multiple Outputs

The RPP2 Preamp allows you to use RCA and TRS outputs at the same time, meaning you can send the signal to multiple devices, such as:

• Speakers
• Receivers
• Recording interfaces

This setup is useful if you want to listen and record simultaneously.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why is my turntable's volume too low?

• Ensure your turntable is plugged into the RCA input of the preamp.
• Raise the RCA level knob on the preamp.
• Increase the volume of your speaker or receiver.

Q: Can I connect the preamp to a receiver’s PHONO input?

• No, the PHONO input already has a built-in preamp. Instead, use the AUX, DVD, or CD input.

Q: Why is there distortion in the audio?

• Lower the RCA or TRS level knob on the preamp.
• Adjust the gain settings on your audio interface or receiver.

Conclusion

Setting up your Rockville RPP2 Line RCA to Phono Turntable Preamp is simple and flexible, allowing multiple configurations for active speakers, home theater receivers, and recording into a DAW. With the right setup, you can enjoy high-quality sound from your vinyl records.