ROCKBOARD RBO-E-RPA-100 Power Attenuator Instruction Manual

ROCKBOARD RBO-E-RPA-100 Power Attenuator

Specifications:

• Impedance: 4, 8, and 16 ohms
• Output Power: Up to 100 watts
• Input Connections: Speaker Input from Amp
• Output Connections: Speaker Out 1, Speaker Out 2, Line Out, DI Out, Headphones

Product Usage Instructions

Connecting the RPA 100 Power Attenuator:

1. Connect your amplifier’s speaker output to the Speaker Input from Amp on the RPA 100 using high-quality speaker cables.
2. Connect your speaker cabinet to the Speaker Out 1 or Speaker Out 2 on the RPA 100 using high-quality speaker cables.
3. Ensure the impedance setting on the attenuator matches your setup (4, 8, or 16 ohms).

Adjusting Settings:

1. Use the Speaker Level control on the front panel to adjust the volume/attenuation level between 5% and 100% of the power stage output.
2. Activate or deactivate the cab simulation module using the CAB SIM BYPASS switch.
3. Adjust the Line Out Level for the Line Out output as needed.

Using Additional Outputs:

1. Route the output from your power amp via Line Out or DI Out for mixer or audio interface applications.
2. Practice with headphones by connecting them to the headphone output.
3. Apply cab simulations to Line Out and DI Out for a more realistic sound.

Powering the Attenuator:

1. Use a 9V DC power supply for features like AUX IN, Line Out, DI Out, or Headphones. No power supply is needed for basic operation with Speaker Out connections only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Q: Can I use the RPA 100 Power Attenuator without connecting it to speakers?
   A: Yes, you can use the amp without speakers and listen to the signal through headphones by disconnecting the speakers and using the headphone output.

2. Q: What should I do if the Overload LED illuminates?
   A: If the Overload LED lights up, reduce the signal level at the Speaker Input from Amp connections by lowering the amp’s output volume to prevent clipping.

Thank you for choosing the new Rockboard® RPA 100 Power Attenuator.
With this handy box, you can set your amp to your favorite sound – including high-gain and power amp distortion – and then reduce the volume on the speaker to acceptable levels for stage or rehearsal room without affecting the sound of the amp. This is particularly useful if you play a tube amp. The Rockboard® RPA 100 Power Attenuator can be used to “tame” amplifiers with a power output of up to 100 watts. With a choice of 4, 8, and 16 ohm connections, your amp will always “see” the correct speaker impedance, regardless of the type of speakers actually connected to the attenuator. You can even use the amp without speakers and listen to the signal through headphones. In addition, the RPA 100 Power Attenuator gives you the option of routing the output from your power amp via DI OUT or LINE OUT to mixers or audio interface applications, or to practice with the amp’s original sound using the headphone output. For a more realistic sound, cab simulations can be applied to these additional outputs. For practice, you can mix in backing tracks or drum tracks from external audio devices via the AUX IN connection.

Front and Back Panel Description

Front Panel Description:

Back Panel Description:

• 1. CAB SIM BYPASS: Activates / deactivates the internal 2 x 12″ or 4 x 12″ cab simulation module.

• 2. LINE OUT LEVEL: Adjusts the output level for the LINE OUT output.

• 3. OVERLOAD LED: Clipping indicator – If this LED illuminates, the signal level at the SPEAKER INPUT FROM AMP connections should be reduced (reduce the amp’s output volume).

• 4. SPEAKER LEVEL: Controls attenuation / volume between about 5% and 100% of power stage output.
  Note: If the signal strength at the SPEAKER FROM AMP input is very high, some of the signal may still be audible in the speaker even if this control is set to „0“. For complete „muting“ (e.g. when using headphones), you can disconnect the speakers from the OUTPUT sockets and only use signal from the HEADPHONES / DI OUT / LINE OUT outputs. When set to „100“, the signal output to the speakers corresponds to the same level as if no attenuator had been connected in between.
  Caution: When the SPEAKER LEVEL control is set to „100“, the connected speakers must be able to handle at least the output power of the amplifier. Speakers with lower rating may be damaged.

• 5. – 7. SPEAKER INPUT FROM AMP
  Only use high-quality speaker cables for the connection between the speaker output on the amplifier and these inputs on the RPA 100 Power Attenuator. Never use instrument or audio cables for these connections. The maximum output power of the connected amplifier must not exceed 100 watts.

• 5. 4 OHM: ¼” (6.3 mm) mono jack, 4 Ohm speaker input – Connect this to the 4 Ohm speaker output on your amp.

• 6. 8 OHM: ¼” (6.3 mm) mono jack, 8 Ohm speaker input – Connect this to the 8 Ohm speaker output on your amp.

• 7. 16 OHM: ¼” (6.3 mm) mono jack, 16 Ohm speaker input – Connect this to the 16 Ohm speaker output on your amp.

• 8. – 9. PARALLEL OUTPUT TO SPEAKER
  Only use high-quality speaker cables for the connection between these outputs on the RPA 100 Power Attenuator and the speaker cabinet. Never use instrument or audio cables for these connections.
  Caution: When the SPEAKER LEVEL control is set to „100“, the connected speakers must be able to handle at least the output power of the amplifier.

• 8. SPEAKER OUT 1: ¼” (6.3 mm) mono jack, parallel output (parallel to SPEAKER OUT 2 / 9.) for connection to a passive speaker. Attenuation / volume is adjusted with the SPEAKER LEVEL (4) control on the front panel.

• 9. SPEAKER OUT 2: ¼” (6.3 mm) mono jack, parallel output (parallel to SPEAKER OUT 1 / 8.) for connection to a passive speaker. Attenuation / volume is adjusted with the SPEAKER LEVEL (4) control on the front panel.

• 10. 9V DC IN: 9V DC connector for 2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel plug, center negative. Regular pedalboard power supply units are well suited for this purpose. This is necessary for using the AUX-IN / LINE OUT / DI OUT or HEADPHONES features. No power supply is required, if the RPA 100 Power Attenuator is used with the SPEAKER OUT connections only.

• 11. AUX INPUT: 1/8″ (3.5 mm) stereo audio jack. Input for external audio devices (Tablet, Smartphone etc.). The volume must be controlled on the connected device.

• 12. HEADPHONES: 1/8″ (3.5 mm) stereo audio jack for connection to headphones. This outputs the signals from AUX INPUT and SPEAKER INPUT FROM AMP. The volume ratio between the signals can be adjusted using the volume control on the connected AUX IN device.

• 13. CAB SIM: cabinet simulation, switchable between 2 x 12″ and 4 x 12″. Activated / deactivated with the BYPASS switch on the front panel and affects the HEADPHONE / DI OUT / LINE OUT outputs.

• 14. DI OUT: XLR connector for DI output. This outputs the signals from the AUX INPUT and SPEAKER INPUT FROM AMP. The volume ratio between the signals can be adjusted using the volume control on the connected AUX IN device.

• 15. LINE OUT: 1/4″ (6.3 mm) mono jack. Line level signal output. This outputs the signals from AUX INPUT and SPEAKER INPUT FROM AMP. The volume ratio between the signals can be adjusted using the volume control on the connected AUX IN device and the LINE OUT LEVEL control on the front panel.

Practise

Live

Studio

Note: The manufacturer reserves the right to change these specifications without notice.
USA DISTRIBUTION: W-Music Distribution USA | [email protected] | 629.202.6790
NORTH EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION: W-Music Distribution | www.w-distribution.de | [email protected]
Headquarters: Warwick GmbH & Co. Music Equipment KG | 08258 Markneukirchen / Germany | +49 (0) 37422 / 555 – 0 Family Owned • Solar Powered • Sustainably Manufactured in a Green Environment

References

• W-Music Distribution

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