Turn off the Mackie 1202 before connecting a microphone. This will prevent unexpected feedback that can damage your speakers or hearing. If your M-Audio microphone has a power switch, turn it to the off position as well before connecting.
Connect the M-Audio microphone’s XLR connector to an available XLR input on the Mackie 1202’s front panel. The XLR connectors are labeled “MIC1” through “MIC 4” at the top left corner of the panel. If the M-Audio microphone is the only microphone you will be using with the 1202, use the “MIC 1” input for easy reference later.
Turn the Mackie 1202’s master volume all the way down. The master volume is labeled “Master” and is located in the lower right corner of the front panel.
Turn the Mackie 1202 and the M-Audio microphone on.
Turn the 1202’s master volume up in increments while gently tapping on or speaking into the microphone. If there are speakers attached to the 1202, you will hear them reproduce the sound. Continue turning the master volume up until you reach a comfortable level.
Turn the Mackie 1202 and the M-Audio synthesizer or digital piano off before connecting them.
Use a standard audio cable to connect the synthesizer or digital piano’s main audio output to an available line input on the Mackie 1202’s front panel. The line inputs are to the left of the XLR microphone inputs and are labeled “LINE 5-6” through “LINE 11-12.” Each input has a left and right connector. If you want the synthesizer or digital piano to have stereo input, you will need an audio cable with left and right outputs. In most cases, however, mono input will be used. In this case, the connector should be connected to the left input in your line input of choice.
Turn the Mackie 1202’s master volume all the way down and then turn it on.
Turn the synthesizer or digital piano’s volume all the way down and then turn it on.
Turn the 1202’s master volume up a few notches and then turn the M-Audio keyboard’s volume up a few notches as well.
Play the M-Audio keyboard. If there are speakers attached to the Mackie 1202, you will hear the keyboard through them. Continue turning the master volume on the 1202 and the M-Audio keyboard up in increments until you reach a comfortable level.
Turn the Mackie 1202 off.
Connect one end of a standard audio cable to the output on the M-Audio monitor speaker. Although most M-Audio monitors are single units, some — such as the M-Audio Studiophile BX8a Deluxe — come in pairs. In this case, two audio cables must be used, one for each speaker.
Connect the other end of the standard audio cable(s) to the main output connectors on the Mackie 1202’s front panel. The main output connectors are located in the upper right corner of the panel and are labeled “MAIN OUTS.” If you are using a pair of M-Audio monitors, connect the left monitor to the output labeled “L” and the right monitor to the output labeled “R.”
Turn the Mackie 1202’s master volume all the way down and then turn it on.
Use a microphone, instrument or keyboard attached to the Mackie 1202 to test the monitors for sound quality and level. Turn the 1202’s master volume up in small increments while speaking into the microphone or playing the instrument until you reach a comfortable listening level.