Connect the microphones you will be using to the mixing board using XLR cables. XLR cables can be purchased at the majority of audio-equipment retailers. Each XLR plug on the mixer sends received signals to a unique audio channel. Do not plug any other input devices into a channel that is already receiving sound from another device.
Connect your plug-in instruments to the mixing board using an instrument cable and the line-in ports on the mixer. Similar to XLR cables, each line-in port is assigned to one audio channel on the mixer. Avoid plugging an XLR cable and instrument cable into the same audio channel on the mixing board.
Connect the mixing board to your computer or digital recorder using a Firewire cable. The majority of digital mixers use this method of data transfer due to its speed and efficiency. Firewire cables can be purchased at many computer retailers.
Plug your headphones into the mixing board using the 1/4-inch adapter. Headphones will allow you to monitor incoming signals during recording sessions or live performances.
Position your mixing board in a location that allows instrumentalists and vocalists enough physical space to record without pulling on the XLR or instrument cables. These cables can be purchased in a variety of lengths.