Turn the master volume dial to zero to prevent creating feedback. The master volume is on the right-hand control panel, beside the fifth channel strip.
Connect the mains plug adapter to the rear of the Peavey MP5 Plus. Plug the adapter into the mains supply in the wall.
Connect an XLR cable to the socket on the base of your microphone. Connect the other end of the XLR cable to the one of the XLR inputs on the front of MP5 control panel.
Connect an instrument cable to the line-out socket on the rear of your guitar amplifier. Connect the other end of the instrument cable to the quarter-inch jack input on the front of the MP5 control panel. Use a separate channel to the one used for the microphone. This allows you to mix and balance the two signals independently of each other.
Connect two speaker cables to the "Speaker Out" jacks on the rear of the MP5. Connect one speaker cable to the left speaker and one to the right speaker.
Turn on the power button. The red LED on the right hand control panel illuminates.
Turn the master volume dial to 1. You need only sufficient volume to monitor the balance.
Balance the channel volume for each instrument. Have each musician who is connected to the mixer play their instrument or sing, one at a time. Adjust the "Gain" dial to increase the output of each channel so that each person is audible. Have them play ensemble, and adjust the respective gain dials so that the vocals are loudest. If there are drums, the quietest instrument connected to the mixer must be at least as loud as the drums. Have the drummer jam along while your balance the volumes.
Equalize each channel. All channels have a dedicated equalizer. Set the "Bass," "Treble" and "Mid" dials to 12 o'clock position to provide a neutral starting point. Adjust each to your own preference.