In this Rockn Stompn RS-4 review, I reveal what this EMI/RFI noise filtering and power sequencing system can do for your guitar setup.
Are you having problems with noise in your guitar rig or PA system? Does your pedalboard cause a loud and potentially speaker-harming popping sound in your amp when it comes on? The RS-4 might be the solution you have been searching for!
Keep reading to learn more about what this power conditioner, surge protector, and multimode power sequencer can do for you!
You can use the table of contents below to take you to the area that interests you. Click on the little box to open it and then click on the section of the article you want to read, or you can read from start to finish if you want the full Rockn Stompn experience!
What Is The Rockn Stompn RS-4?
The Rockn Stompn RS-4 is a portable, footswitch-activated surge protector, noise filter, and power sequencer. It is specifically designed as a stand-alone solution for musicians that do not require complicated and expensive rack-mountable systems. The RS-4 was created by musicians and has been roadie-tested.
It will give your amp or PA system a cleaner sound and protect your speakers from damage by turning accessories, like effects pedalboards, on before your amplifier and then reversing the sequence on power-down.
The RS-4 on and off delay times are fully adjustable from 1 to 15 seconds using two recessed controls. It has four power sequencing modes and an “instant-on” mode that bypasses the power sequencing.
Rockn Stompn RS-4: Cheat Sheet
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ☆ 9.5 Out Of 10
Price $300 (Street)
The RS-4 is a portable, footswitch-activated surge protector, noise filter, and power sequencer.
It has four power sequence modes and on/off sequence delay times that are adjustable from 0 to 15 seconds.
If you want to go directly to the product specs, then click here.
PROS
✅ Awesome Power Filtering And Sequencing
✅ Easy To Set Up
✅ Sturdy Construction
CONS
❌ Pricey For Amateur Guitar Players
Design
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.8 Out Of 10
Overall Quality
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.9 Out Of 10
Functionality
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.8 Out Of 10
Price
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
8.5 Out Of 10
Rockn Stompn Company Profile
Rockn Stompn LLC is a company run by Kimball & Suzie Magee in Duluth, Georgia, USA. They manufacture the RS-4 as their main product. Kimball designed it, and each unit is assembled by him in the USA.
Kimball previously worked as a sales rep, selling power strips for SL Waber Electronics. His background led him to create the first foot-switchable “Last On, First Off” programmable power sequence electrical strip for musicians to protect their equipment, provide clean current, and ensure safety.
Who Is The Rockn Stompn RS-4 For?
The RS-4 is for anyone with expensive gear, especially gigging musicians that want electrical protection from poorly wired clubs. If you’ve ever played a small venue with more electrical noise than music coming out of your amp, you know what I mean!
How The Rockn Stompn RS-4 Works
Here is everything you need to know to get up and running with the RS-4.
Product Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Rating | 120VAC, 60Hz, 15A, 1800W |
| Safety Rating | Conforms to 1449-4 UL |
| Actuation | Push button foot switch (on- off) |
| Receptacles | (8) High impact thermoplastic |
| Surge Suppression | (9) MOV’s 1935 Joules, 1449-3 UL |
| Circuit Protection | 15 AMP main power circuit breaker – automatic reset |
| EMI/EMC | Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Filters-Fourth Edition |
| Delay Sequence | 4-step 0-15 second adjustable on/off delay sequence |
| Diagnostic Indicators | (4) LEDs – one for each duplex receptacle, (1)LED front panel |
| Chassis Construction | Welded 20 guage steel |
| Dimensions | 13.25”L X 4.25”W X 1.50”H |
When the RS-4 is activated, it safely, quietly, and sequentially turns on three sets of up to six accessories (like stompboxes and pedalboards) before turning on up to two amplifiers (guitar amps, powered speakers, or PA systems). The unit features 1 to 15-second delay times to accommodate tube-driven devices.
During the power-up sequence, receptacle number 1 (next to the push button switch) is the first to turn on, and receptacle number 4 (the amplifier plug-in next to the power cord) is the last to turn on. The process is reversed during the standard power-down sequence.
Four red “power status” LEDs on top of the RS-4 clearly indicate that the electronic control module’s switching power supply and surge suppression network are functioning correctly, even in dimly-lit rooms or on stage.
The Rockin Stompn RS-4 has five modes of operation, four power sequence modes, and one instant-on with no delay mode.
When changing modes, turn the unit’s power switch OFF and then back ON to reboot the microprocessor. To avoid “timer mode,” adjust the two delay settings to have different values.
Four Power Sequence Modes
Standard Mode
Set the times (from 1-15 seconds) for the delay-on and delay-off sequences on the two rotary digital switches. The power on and off delay sequence is engaged by using the push-button switch.
Instant-On Mode
By setting the “on” delay time to zero (0), this mode bypasses the footswitch when AC power is applied to the power strip (the unit will immediately begin the delay-on sequence).
The “off” delay setting determines the timing sequence for both the on and off delay. The “off” delay sequence is engaged by using the push button switch.
Receptacle One Always-On Mode
When power is applied to RS-4, the unit will immediately turn on receptacle number ONE. The number ONE receptacle will stay on until power is removed from the unit. The remaining three outlet receptacle duplexes are turned on and off sequentially with the push button switch, as when the unit is in standard mode.
Set the “off” delay time to zero (0) to select “Receptacle One Always On Mode.” Set
the “on” delay rotary switch for the desired delay (1-15 seconds). The “On” delay setting will
determine the delay timing sequence for both on and off delay for the three remaining duplex
receptacles.
Timer Mode
Timer mode will automatically shut off the power sequentially after a designated number of
hours, which is determined by the on and off delay settings. The off and on delay settings must be the same to activate the timer mode.
The number of seconds on the delay timers equals the number of hours before the unit will power down sequentially. For example, a one-second delay setting on each timer sets the unit to automatically power down after one hour. This mode is helpful if you forget to power off your equipment.
Double (00) ZERO Mode
The fifth mode is activated by setting both delay timers to zero (0). This puts the unit into “instant-on,” with no delay. It works well when multiple musicians are plugging into the same power strip, and they don’t require a power sequencer. You get power in all the receptacles as soon as “mains” power is applied to the power strip.
Power Sequence Quick Reference Guide
The bottom pane of the RS-4 has a quick reference guide for setting the delay and selecting modes of operation as follows:
SEQUENCE MODES OF OPERATION Instructions:
Standard Mode – Set time delay desired for the ON delay and OFF delay
from 1-15 seconds on the two rotary switches.
Instant On Mode – Set ON delay to “O” to select Instant On Mode.
Set OFF delay to any desired delay from 1-15 seconds. The OFF delay
setting will determine delay sequence for both ON and OFF delay. When AC
power is applied, unit will immediately turn on sequentially. OFF delay
sequence is engaged by using push button switch.
Receptacle One Always On Mode – Set OFF delay to “O” to select
Receptacle One Always On Mode. Set ON delay rotary switch for
desired delay from 1-15 seconds. The ON delay setting will
determine delay sequence for both ON and OFF delay for the
three remaining duplex receptacles.
Timer Mode – Anytime ON and OFF delay settings are the same, Timer Mode
is engaged and will automatically shut off power sequentially after a
designated number of hours, determined by the ON and OFF delay setting.
E.g. 1Sec=1Hr 4Sec=4Hr 15Sec=15Hr.
Turn power OFF/ON to reboot microprocessor when changing modes.
Delay Time Rotary Switches
After choosing your mode of operation, you can configure the delay-on and delay-off times (0-15 seconds) with the two recessed rotary switches on the right-side panel of the unit.
Features And Benefits
Check Out These Great Rockn Stompn RS-4 Features.
17 Foot Power Chord
Allows the RS-4 to easily reach most power sources without using a heavy-duty extension cord and places the RS-4 exactly where you want it.
Eight Heavy Duty High Impact Electrical Receptacles
The RS-4 unit has 3 sets of two high-impact thermoplastic electrical receptacles for accessories and 1 set of two receptacles for amplifiers. They are sturdy enough to withstand continually plugging and unplugging power cords.
Surge Protection, And EMI/RFI Noise Filtering
The RS-4 gives you up to 15 Amps of safe, dependable, and clean power for your musical equipment.
It can withstand 1,935 joules of surge protection. The unit includes EMI/RFI noise filtering, power conditioning, and over-voltage/over-current protection. It has an adjustable four-step delay for both sequences
Conforms To UL 1449 4th Edition Standards
The unit conforms to the highest safety standards and uses only Littelfuse components in its surge protective circuit design.
Lifetime Warranty
The Rockin Stompn RS-4 is made in the USA (Duluth, Georgia). It comes with a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty. Technical support is available seven days a week.
What I Like About It
Here’s what I like best about the Rockn Stompn RS-4.
Easy To Set Up
The RS-4 is straightforward to use and sets up quickly. Once you get your power sequence mode dialed in, it’s simply a matter of plugging and unplugging things into the power strip.
Sturdy Construction
The unit’s enclosure is made from 20 gauge welded steel, making it sturdy enough to travel anywhere and handle even the most aggressive roadies.
Awesome Power Filtering And Sequencing
The RS-4 will condition even the most challenging low-quality mains source to provide safe, lossless, and low-noise power for your amplifiers or PA system. The power sequencing turns your amp on last and off first to protect it from annoying “pops” that can damage the speakers.
What You Might Not Like About It
There’s really not much, if anything, to dislike about the RS-4 power sequencer.
Pricey
At a list price of $380, the RS-4 can be out of the reach of amateur guitar players, even though it is currently available at a street price of $300. If you are looking for a power conditioner and don’t need the power sequencing, there are various other options available that are worth considering.
Is The Rockn Stompn RS-4 Legit?
This unit is totally legit and unique. It gives you convenient foot-switchable (stompbox) access to your power management and sequencing.
The RS-4 can be cost-effective compared to many “rack-mounted” power management and sequencing systems with a substantially higher price tag. It can power and sequence six accessory units plus two amplifiers, more than enough for the average gigging guitar, bass, or keyboard player.
The Rockn Stompn sequential power strip comes with a lifetime warranty and is built in the USA with the highest quality components to give years of trouble-free performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions I get asked about power conditioners.
If your question does not appear here, please put it in the comments, and I will get right back to you with an answer.
Do Power Conditioners Regulate Voltage?
Equipment that “conditions” wall (mains) power can have voltage regulation circuitry to prevent voltage drops and spikes and conditioning circuitry that isolates and filters out radio and electromagnetic interference.
These circuits work together to provide high-quality power that won’t damage or hinder the performance of electronic equipment.
Do Power Conditioners Affect Sound Quality?
Power conditioners can improve sound quality by providing high-quality power at a constant voltage and low noise. This allows sensitive audio equipment to operate at maximum efficiency and sound great.
Can You Plug A Power Conditioner Into Another Power Conditioner?
No, “daisy-chaining” power conditioners together by plugging one into another is generally not recommended. You can overload the electrical system, damage your power conditioners, and introduce noise and electromagnetic interference into your equipment.
Will A Power Conditioner Stop A Ground Loop?
Yes, a high-quality power conditioner will isolate and break a ground loop, thereby eliminating the humming sound.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found this Rockn Stompn RS-4 review useful. Power conditioners and sequencers are a great way to improve your sound quality and protect your equipment from voltage spikes and speaker damage.
If your amplifier or PA system makes loud “popping sounds,” you need a power sequencer to turn on your accessories, like an effects pedalboard, first and your amp last. The sequencer reverses the process during power-down.
The Rockn Stompn RS-4 has four power sequence modes and an “instant-on” mode, making it ideal for use in any musical instrument equipment setup.
For more info, see What Is A Guitar Stomp Box – Attractive, Little, Tantalizing.
Tell Me What You Think
Please leave a comment below if you enjoyed this Rockn Stompn RS-4 review, have any questions about this product, or want to leave your own review. I will be happy to help you.
- Were you aware of power sequencers can do before you read this article?
- Do you already use a power conditioner and sequencer with your guitar setup? Which one? How do you like it?
- After reading this article do you think the Rockn Stompn RS-4 can solve your noise or speaker popping problem?
Hi Frank, very interesting read. I had heard about the RS-4 but wasn’t sure whether to believe the hype. I am in particular interested in the surge protection. Knowing the length of the power cord was useful too. I know such a small detail but it can be such a pain if there isn’t enough length to position your gear where you want. Thank you for providing the detail I need to make my decision. Rivi
Hi, Rivi
The RS-4 is an excellent surge protector and power conditioner, but what separates it from devices like the equipment Furman, etc., makes is that it’s “foot-stompable.” It also has a power sequencer to turn your amps on last and off first.
If you don’t need the power sequencer, it’s still a fantastic unit, but there are other alternatives that could save you some money.
Frank
The Rockn Stompn RS-4 seems to be a solution to several issues encountered by the guitar playing audience. Not being a member of that market segment, I do see the value in such a product and you have presented a good review. I have been in the trade show world for many years and have worked the NAMM show. Are you familiar? Would Kimball be an exhibitor at the show in the future? Seems like a good fit to me.
Hi, Dave
Thank You for your comments!
I am familiar with the NAMM show and have been there as a retailer’s guest a few times. It’s a well-organized but loud and crazy experience for any guitar player.
I know that Kimball exhibits at trade shows, and NAMM is the biggest for guitar accessories, like his product. You might want to contact him directly at https://rocknstompn.com/contact/ to see what his plans are.
Frank