DS10: How To Set Up w/ Speakers & Mixer – Rockville Audio

Introduction

This article explains how to connect your speakers to the Rockville DS10 amplifier and how to connect an audio source such as a mixer. The steps are simple and easy to follow, even if you have no technical experience.

Requirements

Rockville DS10 amplifier
Two SpeakON speaker cables (for a standard two-channel setup)
Speakers with SpeakON inputs (or speaker wire if using the binding post terminals)
Two XLR cables (for a stereo mixer-to-amp connection)
A mixer (or another audio source with XLR outputs)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connect your speakers to the DS10 using SpeakON cables

Get two SpeakON cables.
Plug one end of the first SpeakON cable into the Channel 1 speaker output on the DS10.
Plug one end of the second SpeakON cable into the Channel 2 speaker output on the DS10.
Plug the other ends of the SpeakON cables into the SpeakON inputs on your speakers.

2. Choose a speaker configuration per channel

The DS10 can be used with different speaker load setups per channel:

You can use one or two 8-ohm speakers per channel.
You can also use one 4-ohm speaker per channel.

If you want to use two 8-ohm speakers per channel (daisy chain)

Connect the first speaker to the amplifier.
Daisy chain the second speaker from the first speaker.
Repeat the same method for the other channel if needed.

Note: Always confirm your speakers and wiring method support daisy chaining before connecting.

3. Optional: Connect speakers using the positive and negative terminals

Instead of SpeakON, you can connect your speakers using the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the amplifier.

Connect the positive speaker cable to the positive (+) terminal.
Connect the negative speaker cable to the negative (-) terminal.
Double-check that:
- Positive goes to positive
- Negative goes to negative

4. Connect your mixer (audio source) to the DS10 in stereo (left and right)

Get two XLR cables.
Plug the female ends of the XLR cables into the main mix outputs on your mixer.
Plug the other ends into the DS10 inputs:
- Mixer Left output to DS10 Channel 1 input
- Mixer Right output to DS10 Channel 2 input
Make sure you keep track of which cable is left and which is right, so the stereo output is correct.

5. Optional: Connect your mixer to the DS10 for Parallel mode

If you want to run the amplifier in Parallel mode:

Plug one XLR cable from the mixer’s Left output into the DS10 Channel 1 input.
Switch the DS10 to Parallel mode.

6. Set the crossover mode based on what you are powering

If you are using the DS10 with different types of speakers, set the crossover accordingly:

Full Range Mode
- Use this when you want the full range of frequencies coming out of your speakers.
Low Pass Mode
- Use this when you are only powering subwoofers.
High Pass Mode
- Use this when you are only powering high-frequency speakers.

7. Power on and power off in the correct order (to avoid speaker popping)

Following the correct power sequence helps prevent popping sounds coming from your speakers.

Power on order

Turn on your mixer first
Turn on your amplifier second

Power off order (reverse)

Turn off your amplifier first
Turn off your mixer last

Troubleshooting and FAQs

I hear a pop when turning the system on or off. What should I do?

Follow the recommended power sequence:
- On: mixer first, amplifier second
- Off: amplifier first, mixer last

My speakers do not sound correct in stereo. What should I check?

Make sure the mixer’s Left output is going to DS10 Channel 1.
Make sure the mixer’s Right output is going to DS10 Channel 2.

I am only using subwoofers. Which crossover setting should I use?

Use Low Pass mode.

I am only using high-frequency speakers. Which crossover setting should I use?

Use High Pass mode.

Conclusion

You have now connected your speakers and mixer to the Rockville DS10 and learned how to set the crossover based on your speaker type. You also know the correct power on and power off order to prevent popping sounds.