Rico SL 1528 Instruction Manual

The Rico SL 1528 is a professional-grade digital audio mixer designed for live sound and studio applications. It features 28 input channels, 4 stereo buses, 8 auxiliary sends, built-in digital effects processor, motorized faders, USB audio interface, and comprehensive routing capabilities. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Digital Effects Processing 8. Scene Memory & Recall 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 28-channel digital mixer, Motorized fader bank, Digital effects processor, USB audio interface, LCD display, Power supply unit.

FeatureDescription
Input Channels28 channels with XLR/TRS combo jacks
Motorized Faders8 motorized faders with channel select
Digital EffectsBuilt-in 24-bit effects processor with 32 presets
USB Interface24-bit/96kHz USB audio interface for computer connection
Auxiliary Sends8 aux sends per channel for monitor mixes
Stereo Buses4 stereo mix buses for flexible routing
LCD DisplayBacklit LCD for parameter adjustment and metering
Scene Memory100 scene memories for instant recall
Phantom Power+48V phantom power for condenser microphones
Headphone OutputStereo headphone output with level control

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface or install in rack.

  1. Connect power: Attach power cable to rear panel and plug into AC outlet.
  2. Connect audio sources: Use XLR or TRS cables to connect microphones/instruments to input channels.
  3. Connect outputs: Use XLR cables to connect main outputs to amplifiers or speakers.
  4. Connect USB: Use USB cable to connect to computer for digital audio transfer.
  5. Connect headphones: Plug headphones into front panel headphone jack.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block cooling vents. Use appropriate rack mounting hardware if installing in rack.

First-Time Setup

Power on mixer; initialize system settings.

  1. System initialization: Press UTILITY button, select "Factory Reset" to restore default settings.
  2. Input configuration: Assign input sources to channels using INPUT SELECT buttons.
  3. Output routing: Configure main and aux outputs in ROUTING menu.
  4. Effects setup: Select and assign effects to aux sends or channels.
  5. Scene save: Save current setup as Scene 1 for quick recall.

CAUTION! Always power off when connecting/disconnecting cables. Use balanced cables for long runs to reduce noise.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via front panel controls and LCD menu system. Channel Strip: GAIN, EQ (4-band), AUX sends, PAN, FADER, SEL button.

Master Section: MASTER FADER, AUX MASTERS, EFFECTS CONTROLS, SCENE buttons, UTILITY, USB controls.

Channel Settings: Input gain, phantom power, pad (-20dB), high-pass filter (75Hz), 4-band parametric EQ, dynamics (compressor/gate). Routing: Input source select, bus assignment, direct outputs. Effects: Select effect type, adjust parameters (time, depth, feedback), assign to channels/buses. Scene Memory: Store/recall complete mixer settings including fader positions.

Connecting Devices

Microphones: XLR to channel inputs. Instruments: TRS or TS cables to line inputs. Playback devices: RCA or TRS to stereo inputs. Computers: USB-B to computer.

  1. Power off all devices before making connections.
  2. Connect microphones to XLR inputs (channels 1-16).
  3. Connect line-level sources to TRS inputs (channels 17-28).
  4. Connect main outputs (XLR) to power amplifiers or active speakers.
  5. Connect USB cable to computer for digital audio transfer.

Tip: Use balanced cables for professional audio applications to minimize interference.

Digital Effects Processing

Built-in 24-bit effects processor with 32 presets.

  1. Select effect: Press EFFECTS button, choose from reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, pitch shift.
  2. Adjust parameters: Use DATA wheel to adjust effect-specific parameters.
  3. Assign effect: Route effect to aux sends or insert on specific channels.
  4. Save preset: Modify and save as user preset (locations 33-64).
  5. Bypass: Press EFFECTS BYPASS to temporarily disable effects.

WARNING! Excessive effect levels can cause feedback. Monitor levels carefully during sound check.

Scene Memory & Recall

Store and recall complete mixer configurations. Scene Memory: 100 memory locations. Store: Adjust all settings, press SCENE STORE, select location (1-100). Recall: Press SCENE RECALL, select location. Auto Recall: Enable in UTILITY menu to recall last used scene on power up.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug from power before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. Use compressed air to remove dust from faders and controls.

CAUTION! Never use liquid cleaners or sprays directly on the unit. Avoid excessive moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; may cause interference in residential areas. CE compliant for European markets. Copyright © 2023 Rico Audio Systems; all rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.ricoaudio.com/support or contact +1-800-555-2826.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cable/outletCheck power cable connection; verify outlet is working; check power switch.
No sound from channelGain/mute settingsCheck channel gain; ensure channel is not muted; verify fader position.
USB not recognizedDriver/connectionInstall latest driver from website; try different USB cable/port; restart computer.
Motorized faders not movingCalibration neededPerform fader calibration via UTILITY menu.
Excessive noiseCable/groundingUse balanced cables; check for ground loops; ensure proper gain staging.
Effects not workingRouting/assignmentVerify effect is assigned to correct aux/channel; check effect level.

Reset: UTILITY > System > Factory Reset (backup scenes first).

Service: +1-800-555-2826; www.ricoaudio.com/support

Rico SL 1528 Instruction Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025