This knowledge base article will guide you through the setup process for your Rockville RCS Six Zone 70-Volt Commercial Amplifier Series, including the RCS 180-6, RCS 350-6, and RCS 650-6 models. These amplifiers are ideal for playing music or making announcements in restaurants, offices, gymnasiums, and other commercial spaces.
This guide provides simple, easy-to-follow instructions that require no technical experience. You'll need basic speaker wire and a flathead screwdriver for some connections.
Understanding 70-Volt Systems
Before beginning setup, it's helpful to understand how 70-volt systems work:
- 70-volt amplifiers allow you to run large numbers of speakers (potentially over 100) through a single amp
- Each 70-volt speaker has a built-in transformer (called a "tap") that pulls a fixed amount of wattage from the amp
- Many 70-volt speakers allow you to select different tap settings to change how much power they draw
- This setup allows for efficient parallel wiring of multiple speakers
Example: If using a 100-watt amplifier with speakers tapped at 5 watts each, you could connect up to 20 speakers.
What's Included
Your amplifier package comes with:
- The amplifier unit
- Wireless remote
- Detachable rack ears for mounting
- Screws for installation
- Optional attachable handles
Step-by-Step Setup Instructions
1. Mounting the Amplifier (Optional)
- Align the rack ears with the holes on each side of the amplifier
- Use the included screws to secure the rack ears to the amplifier
- If desired, attach the handles to each rack ear using the additional included screws
2. Connecting Your Speakers
Understanding Speaker Wiring
The RCS Six Zone amplifier uses parallel wiring to connect multiple speakers:
- Gather your equipment:
- Your 70-volt speakers
- Speaker wire (sufficient length for your installation)
- Flathead screwdriver (for phoenix terminals)
- Connect the first speaker:
- Connect the positive end of the speaker wire to the positive terminal on the speaker
- Connect the negative end of the speaker wire to the negative terminal on the speaker
- Connect the second speaker:
- Take the other end of the first speaker wire and connect to the second speaker's terminals
- Take a new speaker wire and connect it to the same terminals on the second speaker
- Connect the other end of this new wire to the third speaker
- Continue the chain:
- Repeat this process for all remaining speakers in your installation
- Connect to the amplifier:
- Take one final speaker wire and connect to the last speaker in your chain
- Connect the other end to either:
- The direct output of the amplifier (positive wire to 70V terminal, negative wire to common terminal)
- One of the six available zones through the phoenix terminals (requires flathead screwdriver)
Note: The amplifier also offers 100V, 4-ohm, and 16-ohm terminals for different speaker configurations. When using the 4 or 16-ohm terminals, ensure the final impedance load doesn't fall below 4 ohms.
3. Understanding Zone Control
The RCS Six Zone amplifier allows you to set up speakers in up to six different zones with independent volume control:
- Zone Wattage Limits:
- RCS 180-6 and RCS 350-6: 100 watts per zone maximum
- RCS 650-6: 200 watts per zone maximum
- Total Wattage Limits:
- RCS 180-6: 180 watts total across all zones
- RCS 350-6: 350 watts total across all zones
- RCS 650-6: 650 watts total across all zones
4. Connecting Microphones
- Use a female XLR to 1/4" cable to connect your microphone
- Connect the female XLR end to your microphone
- Connect the 1/4" end to one of the mic inputs:
- Mic 1 input is located on the front panel
- Mic 2 and 3 inputs are located on the rear panel
- Adjust the appropriate mic volume knob and the master volume knob
- Turn on your microphone to test
Note: Mic 1 functions as a priority microphone that will override other audio signals when in use. The mute level knob adjusts how much other signals drop when the priority mic is active.
5. Setting Up Additional Audio Sources
RCA Line Inputs
- Connect your audio source to the RCA line inputs on the back of the amplifier
- Adjust the line level volume knob on the front panel
Optical Input
- Remove the protective cap from the optical input
- Connect your TV, computer, or gaming console to the optical input
- Adjust the optical volume knob on the front panel
USB/SD Card Input
- Insert your USB drive or SD card into the appropriate slot
- Press the mode button to select USB or SD card input
- Adjust the MP3 volume knob and master volume as needed
- Use the playback buttons beneath the display to control playback
Bluetooth Connection
- Press the mode button until the amplifier enters Bluetooth mode
- Open Bluetooth settings on your smartphone or tablet
- Search for the amplifier name and select it to pair
- Once connected, you'll hear a confirmation sound
- Adjust the MP3 volume knob and master volume as needed
6. Adjusting Sound
- Bass and Treble: Use the dedicated knobs to adjust low and high frequencies
- Echo Effect: Available for microphones 2 and 3 only
- Echo knob: Controls the overall echo effect
- Repeat knob: Adjusts echo repetition
- Speed knob: Adjusts echo timing
7. Using the Chime Function
Press the chime button before making announcements to alert listeners.
8. Using the Wireless Remote
The included wireless remote allows you to control all amplifier functions from a distance.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: Why can't I hear audio from my microphone?
A: Ensure the microphone is turned on, the correct mic volume knob is raised, and the master volume is at an appropriate level.
Q: Why doesn't the echo effect work with my microphone?
A: The echo effect only works with microphones 2 and 3, not with the priority microphone (mic 1).
Q: How many speakers can I connect to one zone?
A: The number of speakers depends on their tap settings and the zone's wattage limit. For example, with 10-watt taps and a 100-watt zone limit, you could connect up to 10 speakers to that zone.
Q: My Bluetooth device won't connect to the amplifier.
A: Make sure the amplifier is in Bluetooth mode. Try restarting both the amplifier and your Bluetooth device, then attempt to pair them again.
Conclusion
Your Rockville RCS Six Zone 70-Volt Commercial Amplifier is now set up and ready to use. You can adjust zones, volumes, and sound settings as needed for your specific application.
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