APM V2 Series: How To Set Up w/ An Interface – Rockville Audio

Introduction

This article explains how to connect your Rockville APM V2 series powered studio monitors to an audio interface using XLR or TRS 1/4-inch cables. This is the recommended setup for music production, recording, podcasting, and any scenario where you want the cleanest possible audio signal. The steps are simple and apply to all models in the series: APM 5 V2, APM 6 V2, and APM 8 V2.

Requirements:

Rockville APM V2 series speakers (5-inch, 6-inch, or 8-inch)
An audio interface with XLR or 1/4-inch TRS outputs (e.g., Rockville R Track 2x2)
Two XLR cables or two TRS 1/4-inch cables
A computer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Cable Type

The APM V2 series speakers feature combo jack inputs on the back panel, which accept both XLR and 1/4-inch TRS connectors. You can use either cable type depending on what your interface offers.

XLR connections typically provide a cleaner signal with better noise rejection, so XLR is the recommended choice when both options are available.

2. Connect the Cables to Your Audio Interface

Plug the female ends of your two XLR cables into the left and right XLR outputs on your audio interface. If you are using TRS 1/4-inch cables instead, plug them into the left and right 1/4-inch outputs on your interface.

Keep track of which cable is connected to the left output and which is connected to the right output. This ensures correct stereo imaging.

3. Connect the Cables to Your Speakers

Take the other end of the cable coming from the left output on your interface and plug it into the left combo jack input on the back of the speaker. Then take the cable coming from the right output and plug it into the right combo jack input on the speaker.

4. Switch the Speakers to Combo Jack Mode

Press (click) the volume knob on the front of the right speaker until the LED ring turns white. White indicates the speakers are set to the XLR/TRS combo jack input mode.

5. Set the Volume on Your Speakers

Turn the volume knob on the front of the speaker to approximately 75%. This provides plenty of headroom and allows you to control your listening level from the interface rather than reaching for the speaker each time.

After setting the speaker volume to 75%, leave it there. Make all future volume adjustments using the output/monitor knob on your audio interface.

6. Select Your Interface as the Computer's Audio Output

Open your computer's System Settings (Mac) or Sound Settings (Windows).
Navigate to the Output and Input section.
Select your audio interface as both the output device and the input device.

Once selected, all audio from your computer will route through the interface and out to your APM V2 speakers.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: I connected everything but hear no sound from the speakers.

Make sure the LED on the front of the speaker is white, confirming you are in combo jack input mode. Also verify that your audio interface is selected as the output device in your computer's sound settings.

Q: Should I use XLR or TRS 1/4-inch cables?

XLR is recommended when your interface supports it. XLR connections generally provide a cleaner, lower-noise signal. However, TRS 1/4-inch cables will also work well and produce quality results.

Q: I hear audio only from one side (left or right).

Check that both cables are fully seated in both the interface outputs and the speaker inputs. Also confirm that the left cable goes to the left input and the right cable goes to the right input.

Q: Why should I set the speaker volume to 75% instead of 100%?

Setting the speaker at 75% gives you headroom to push volume from the interface without distortion, while keeping the speaker's amplifier in a comfortable operating range. It also makes day-to-day volume control easier since you only adjust one knob on your interface.

Q: Can I use unbalanced RCA cables instead of XLR or TRS?

Yes, the speakers also have a separate RCA line input. However, for an interface setup, balanced XLR or TRS connections are preferred because they reject interference and noise over longer cable runs.

Q: Does it matter which speaker I connect the cables to?

The combo jack inputs are on the back of the right (active) speaker. Both the left and right inputs are located there. The left (passive) speaker receives its signal from the right speaker via the included speaker wire.

Conclusion

Connecting your Rockville APM V2 series speakers to an audio interface is straightforward: run XLR or TRS cables from the interface outputs to the combo jack inputs on the speaker, switch to white LED mode, set the speaker volume to about 75%, and select the interface as your computer's audio output device. From there, control your volume from the interface and enjoy clean, balanced audio for production or listening.