Connect your microphones to the mixing board using XLR cables. XLR cables use a three-pronged plug to connect to both your microphone and mixer. Each microphone port on your mixer is assigned to a single audio channel. Move the volume slider assigned to the channel you are using to its middle position. This will allow you to increase or lower the volume as needed within your mix.
Connect your instruments and amplifiers to your mixer using instrument cables. If you are using an amplifier with your electric instrument, the amplifier will plug directly into the mixer. If you are not using an amplifier, you will plug the instrument into the mixer. Instrument cables use a single metal plug to connect to audio equipment. As mentioned previously, move the volume slider assigned to the channel you are using to its middle position.
Yamaha mixing boards allow operators to listen to audio through headphones while a different audio track is playing through the speakers. DJs use this technique to ready the upcoming track in their music mix before they incorporate it into the show. Headphones often plug directly into a quarter-inch jack on the mixing board. Volume knobs are assigned to the headphone port, allowing you to control the volume level of the track you are monitoring.