How To Set Up Your Rockville RockMix 2BT Mixer with Your Computer

Introduction:

This article provides a straightforward, step-by-step guide to connecting your Rockville RockMix 2BT mixer to your computer for recording. The instructions are designed for users of all experience levels and require only the included USB cable and your computer. By following these steps, you will be able to record audio using your mixer and a digital audio workstation (DAW) such as GarageBand.

Requirements:

• Rockville RockMix 2BT mixer
• USB cable (included)
• Computer or laptop
• Microphone(s) and/or instrument(s) (optional, for recording)
• Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software (e.g., GarageBand)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connecting the Mixer to Your Computer
   1. Take the included USB cable.
   2. Plug the USB-B end into the mixer.
   3. Plug the other end into your computer.
2. Setting Up the Mixer as Your Audio Device
   1. After connecting the mixer, open your computer’s sound settings.
   2. Locate the output and input sections.
   3. In both sections, select the mixer, which should appear as “USB Audio Codec.”
   4. Click on “USB Audio Codec” to set the mixer as both your input and output device.
3. Using the Mixer with Your DAW
   1. Open your preferred DAW (e.g., GarageBand).
   2. Create a new stereo track using inputs 1 and 2.
   3. Connect your microphone to Channel 1 on the mixer.
      • If using a condenser microphone, activate phantom power.
   4. Connect your instrument (e.g., guitar) to Channel 2.
      • Use an instrument cable to connect your guitar.
      • Set Channel 2’s input switch to “Guitar” mode by pressing the button in.
   5. Adjust the level knobs for Channel 1 and Channel 2, as well as the main mix knob, to set your desired volume.
4. Checking Your Setup
   1. Strum the guitar and speak into the microphone to verify that signals are being received in your DAW.
   2. By default, both signals will appear in the center of the stereo track.
5. Separating Tracks Using Pan Faders
   1. To separate the microphone and guitar signals:
      • Use the pan fader for Channel 1 to send the microphone to the left.
      • Use the pan fader for Channel 2 to send the guitar to the right.
   2. This will allow you to record each input on a different side of the stereo track.
6. Creating Separate Tracks for Microphone and Guitar
   1. In your DAW, create two separate tracks:
      • Assign input 1 to the vocal track.
      • Assign input 2 to the guitar track.
   2. Set the pan faders for both channels to the center.
   3. Now, each signal will be isolated to its respective track.
7. Avoiding Feedback When Recording
   1. The mixer has a USB playback button that allows you to hear everything from your DAW.
   2. While recording, this may cause a feedback loop.
   3. To prevent feedback, turn off the USB playback button during recording.
   4. Turn it back on when you want to listen back or start mixing.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: The mixer does not appear as an audio device on my computer. What should I do?

• Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the mixer and the computer.
• Try a different USB port if necessary.
• Restart your computer and check the sound settings again.

Q: My condenser microphone is not working.

• Make sure phantom power is activated on the mixer.

Q: I hear both the microphone and guitar on the same track. How can I separate them?

• Use the pan faders to send each input to a different side of the stereo track, or create separate tracks in your DAW for each input.

Q: I am experiencing a feedback loop while recording.

• Turn off the USB playback button on the mixer during recording.

Conclusion

Setting up your Rockville RockMix 2BT mixer with your computer is quick and easy. By following these steps, you can record high-quality audio using your favorite DAW.