Turn on your Mackie mixer by flipping the power switch on the back panel.
Set the master controls. Adjust the master slider to the level you desire and center the master pan. The master output/monitoring section is located on the right of your console.
Select the channel strip of the input you wish to manipulate.
Adjust the trim of the channel strip you selected. The trim knob is located at the top of the strip and labeled "Trim." Turning the knob clockwise will increase trim. Turning it counter-clockwise will decrease the trim level.
Set your auxiliary sends. The auxiliary section is located directly beneath the trim knob. The four auxiliary knobs in this section are burgundy. The auxiliary section provides levels for headphone cueing and can send effects. You can also set up the knobs to mix stage monitors.
Equalize your input. The Mackie 24-8's EQ section is located just beneath the trim section and is divided into three parts: highs, mids and lows. Notice you have a total of six knobs in the EQ section, with two knobs dedicated to each subset plus one low-cut filter switch in the first section. Boost the frequency range of each by turning the knobs clockwise. Decrease the frequency level by turning the knobs counter-clockwise.
Adjust the pan level of your channel. All channel pans are located toward the end of the strip and are labeled "Pan."
Press the "Solo" button to isolate the sound of a particular channel. Find the solo button in the pan section beside a small red indicator. When you engage the solo option, the red indicator will illuminate.
Press the "Mute" button to instantly mute a channel. It is located just below the pan button beside a small yellow indicator.
Control the channel's total volume by adjusting the fader. Moving the slider upward will increase the volume; pulling the slider down decreases it. Take care when first adjusting the fader control, as loud levels of volume can damage your speakers and your hearing. If you are not getting enough sound, slowly increase the trim of the channel until you find the right balance.