ROCKMIX 4: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

The Rockville Rock Mix 4 is a professional 4-channel mixer with a USB interface, phantom power, and instrument compatibility. It’s perfect for home recording, podcasting, live streaming, and live performances. This guide will walk you through powering up, connecting audio sources, using microphones and instruments, recording with your computer, and using advanced features.

What’s Included

• Rock Mix 4 Mixer
• USB Power Cable
• Charging Block

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

1. Powering Up the Mixer

1. Plug the USB cable into the included charging block.
2. Plug the charging block into a wall outlet.
3. Connect the USB cable to the USB OUT port on the back of the mixer.
4. Flip the power switch to turn on the unit.

Alternative Power Option: You can also power the Rock Mix 4 with a power bank using the Micro USB power port.

2. Connecting the Mixer to Speakers

You can connect the Rock Mix 4 to powered speakers, studio monitors, or an audio interface.

Option 1: ¼” Outputs (For Powered Speakers or Studio Monitors)

1. Use ¼” TRS cables to connect the MAIN MIX OUT (L & R) to the Line Inputs on your speakers.

Option 2: ¼” to 3.5mm AUX Connection (For Smaller Speakers)

1. Use a ¼” to 3.5mm AUX cable to connect the MAIN MIX OUT (L & R) to the AUX input on your speakers.

Tip: The output connection type depends on the input available on your speakers.

3. Connecting Microphones & Instruments

Connecting a Microphone (XLR Input – Channels 1 & 2)

1. Use an XLR-to-XLR cable.
2. Plug the female end into the microphone.
3. Plug the male end into Channel 1 or 2 combo jack (XLR input).
4. Adjust the Gain knob to set the input level.
5. Increase the Channel Volume knob to blend the mic with the main mix.

Using a Condenser Microphone (Requires Phantom Power – Channel 1 Only)

1. Plug in the condenser mic using an XLR cable.
2. Press the Phantom Power (48V) button.
3. The condenser mic should now be active.

Note: Phantom power is only available on Channel 1. If using a condenser mic, connect it to Channel 1.

Using a Guitar or Instrument (Channel 2 – Line/Instrument Input)

1. Plug a ¼” instrument cable into Channel 2 (combo jack).
2. Press the ‘Instrument’ button to activate Hi-Z mode for guitars and basses.
3. Adjust the Gain and Volume knobs.

Tip: This feature allows direct recording of guitars and bass without an external audio interface.

4. Adjusting the Audio Settings

• Gain Knob (Per Channel): Controls the input level for the microphone/instrument.
• EQ Knobs:
  • Low: Adjusts bass frequencies.
  • High: Adjusts treble frequencies.
• Pan Knob: Moves the audio signal to the left or right speaker.
• Main Mix Knob: Controls the overall volume sent to speakers/headphones.

Tip: Set the gain level properly to avoid distortion or low signal strength.

5. Podcasting & Multi-Microphone Setup

The Rock Mix 4 supports up to three microphones for podcasting:

• Channel 1 (XLR or ¼”) – Condenser or Dynamic Mic
• Channel 2 (XLR or ¼”) – Dynamic Mic Only
• 3.5mm Aux Mic Input (Mic 2 – Dynamic Mic Only)

Adding a Third Microphone

1. Use an XLR to 3.5mm adapter cable.
2. Plug the XLR mic into the adapter.
3. Insert the 3.5mm plug into the ‘Mic 2’ input.

Note: The 3.5mm mic input only supports dynamic microphones (no phantom power).

Using Headphones for Monitoring

1. Plug headphones into the headphone output (¼” or 3.5mm).
2. Adjust the headphone volume knob for clear monitoring.
3. Use a headphone splitter or amp for multiple people.

6. Recording & Using as a USB Interface

The Rock Mix 4 works as a plug-and-play USB interface for Mac and Windows, allowing you to record in DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like GarageBand (Mac) or Audacity (Windows & Mac, Free).

Connecting to a Computer

1. Disconnect the USB cable from the charging block.
2. Plug the USB cable into a computer.
3. The computer should automatically recognize it as ‘USB Codec’.
4. Open your DAW (GarageBand, Audacity, etc.).

Setting Up Your DAW (Mac & PC)

1. Open GarageBand (Mac) or Audacity (Mac/Windows).
2. Select ‘USB Codec’ as the input device.
3. Choose a stereo track recording option.
4. Press record to capture your audio.

Tip: If no sound is being recorded, make sure the ‘Main Mix’ button is pressed in.

7. Recording Modes (Loopback & Dry Recording)

The Rock Mix 4 offers different recording options:

• Dry Channels 1 & 2: Records without EQ and panning, capturing only raw audio.
• Input Mix Mode: Records everything coming from the mixer except computer playback.
• Loopback Mode: Records both mixer input & computer audio, useful for streaming & DAW monitoring.

Tip: Loopback mode is best for recording podcasts and live streams.

8. Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My microphone isn’t working. What should I check?

• Check the gain and volume knobs for that channel.
• If using a condenser microphone, make sure phantom power is ON.
• Ensure the Main Mix knob is turned up.

Q: My guitar sounds too quiet or distorted. How do I fix it?

• Make sure the ‘Instrument’ button is pressed on Channel 2.
• Adjust the gain and volume knobs.
• Check your guitar’s volume knob and increase if needed.

Q: The computer isn’t detecting my mixer. How do I fix this?

• Make sure you are using the USB cable to connect to the computer (not the charging block).
• Restart the DAW and select ‘USB Codec’ as the input device.

Q: Can I connect this mixer to an external effects processor?

• No, the Rock Mix 4 does not have an FX send/return loop.
• However, you can add effects inside your DAW when recording.

Q: Can I connect two microphones and an instrument at the same time?

• Yes! You can use:
  • Channel 1: XLR Mic (Dynamic or Condenser)
  • Channel 2: Instrument (with ‘Instrument’ button pressed)
  • 3.5mm Mic Input: Second dynamic microphone

Conclusion

The Rockville Rock Mix 4 is a powerful USB mixer, ideal for recording, podcasting, and live streaming. Whether you’re using microphones, instruments, or speakers, this guide ensures you’re getting the most out of your setup.