PPA20: How to Set Up & Use

Introduction

The Rockville PPA20 is a 1U rack-mountable preamp, perfect for DJ setups, home theater systems, and professional audio applications. It offers multiple input and output options, three-band EQ control, and a range of sound enhancement features.

This guide will walk you through:

• Rack mounting the PPA20
• Connecting powered speakers
• Using a microphone
• Understanding EQ and controls
• Connecting external sources
• Using the preamp with a power amplifier
• Setting up for home theater use

Step 1: Mounting the PPA20 in a Rack

1. The PPA20 can be mounted into a rack case or bag using the four mounting holes (two on each side).
2. Use two screws per side to secure the preamp in place.

Step 2: Connecting Powered Speakers

To connect the PPA20 to powered speakers, you’ll need two XLR cables:

1. Turn down the volume knobs on the speakers to avoid feedback.
2. Plug the female ends of the XLR cables into the XLR outputs on the back of the PPA20.
3. Connect the male ends to the XLR line inputs on the powered speakers.
4. Power on the PPA20 and increase the speaker volume gradually.

Step 3: Connecting a Microphone

To use a microphone with the PPA20, you’ll need an XLR-to-1/4" cable:

1. Connect the XLR end to your microphone.
2. Plug the 1/4" end into the mic input on the front of the PPA20.
3. Increase the mic volume knob on the preamp to adjust your mic level.

Step 4: Using the Built-in EQ

The PPA20 features a 3-band EQ to fine-tune your sound:

• Bass Knob – Adjusts low frequencies for a deeper sound.
• Mid Knob – Controls midrange presence for vocals and instruments.
• Treble Knob – Adjusts high frequencies for clarity.

Step 5: Understanding Other Front Panel Controls

• Balance Knob – Adjusts left and right channel balance.
• Mono Button – Converts the stereo output into a monophonic signal, useful for old recordings.
• Mute Button – Lowers output volume by 20dB (except for the microphone).
• Low Cut Button – Acts as a high-pass filter, cutting out unwanted low frequencies.
• Loudness Button – Enhances bass and treble response for a richer sound.

Step 6: Connecting External Sources

The PPA20 supports multiple input options, including:

• Phono RCA input – For connecting turntables.
• 5 Auxiliary RCA inputs – For CD players, mixers, media devices.

How to Connect an External Device

1. Use an RCA-to-RCA or RCA-to-AUX cable to connect your external source to one of the AUX inputs.
2. Select the active input using the Input Select knob.
3. If using AUX 4 or AUX 5, toggle the AUX 4/5 button.

Step 7: Using the PPA20 with a Power Amplifier

To connect the PPA20 to a power amplifier, use two XLR cables:

1. Connect the female ends of the XLR cables to the XLR outputs on the PPA20.
2. Plug the male ends into the XLR inputs on the power amplifier.
3. Turn on the PPA20 first, then the power amplifier.
4. Raise the volume on the power amp and adjust the PPA20’s main volume knob.

(For passive speakers, connect them to the power amplifier using Speakon cables.)

Step 8: Setting Up for Home Theater Use

1. Connect the PPA20 to a Bluetooth amplifier using an RCA cable:
   • Plug one end into the RCA outputs of the PPA20.
   • Connect the other end to the RCA AUX input of the Bluetooth amp.
2. Select AUX mode on the Bluetooth amp.
3. Select AUX 1 input on the PPA20.
4. Adjust volume levels on both devices.

Conclusion

The Rockville PPA20 Preamp provides excellent sound control, multiple input options, and compatibility with powered speakers, power amplifiers, and home theater systems. Whether you're a DJ, audio professional, or home theater enthusiast, this preamp will help optimize your sound setup.