APM V2 Series: How to Set Up w/ A Computer

Introduction

This article walks you through connecting your Rockville APM V2 series powered studio monitors to your computer using the USB port. The process is quick and straightforward, requiring no technical experience. These steps 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)
• A computer (Mac or PC)
• A USB-B cable (USB-B on the speaker end, USB-A or USB-C on the computer end depending on your machine)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Locate the USB Port on Your Speaker

The USB port is located on the back panel of the right speaker (the active/powered speaker).

2. Connect the USB-B Cable to the Speaker

Take the USB-B end of your cable and plug it into the USB port on the back of the right speaker.

3. Connect the Other End to Your Computer

Plug the other end of the USB cable into an available USB port on your computer.

4. Confirm USB Mode Is Active

After connecting the cable, check the LED ring around the volume knob on the front of the right speaker. It should light up green, indicating the speaker is in USB mode.

If the LED does not automatically turn green, press (click) the volume knob on the front of the speaker repeatedly until the LED changes to green.

5. Select the Speakers as Your Computer's Audio Output

Once the physical connection is made, you need to tell your computer to send audio to the speakers.

On Mac:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Scroll down and click on Sound.
3. Go to the Output and Input section.
4. Click on the Output tab.
5. Look for the name of your speakers in the list:
   • APM 5 V2 for the 5-inch model
   • APM 6 V2 for the 6-inch model
   • APM 8 V2 for the 8-inch model
6. Click on the speaker name to select it as your output device.

On Windows:

1. Right-click the speaker/volume icon in the taskbar.
2. Select Sound settings.
3. Under Output, click the dropdown menu for "Choose where to play sound."
4. Select your APM V2 speakers from the list.

6. Play Audio

Any audio from your computer will now play through your APM V2 speakers. Open any music app, video, or other media to confirm sound is coming through.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: The LED did not turn green after connecting the USB cable.

Press the volume knob on the front of the right speaker and cycle through the modes until the LED turns green (USB mode).

Q: My computer does not recognize the speakers as an audio device.

Try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable. If that does not work, try a different USB port on your computer. Make sure the USB-B cable is fully seated in the speaker's port.

Q: I selected the speakers as my output device but hear no sound.

Check that the volume knob on the front of the speaker is turned up. Also verify that your computer's system volume is not muted or set to zero.

Q: Can I use the USB connection and Bluetooth at the same time?

No. The speakers only play audio from one input mode at a time. When set to USB mode (green LED), audio will come exclusively from the USB connection.

Q: Which USB cable do I need?

You need a USB-B cable. The speaker end uses a standard USB-B connector (the square-shaped plug commonly used on printers and audio equipment). The computer end will be USB-A or USB-C depending on your machine.
 

Conclusion

Setting up your Rockville APM V2 series speakers with your computer takes just a few minutes. Connect the USB-B cable between the speaker and your computer, confirm the green LED is active, and select the speakers as your audio output device in your system sound settings. From there, all computer audio will play through your monitors.