Connect microphones using XLR cables to the XLR jacks on the mono channel strips 1 to 8, or to the stereo channel strips 9/10 and 11/12. Note that the stereo strips operate in mono mode when used with a microphone.
Connect instrument sources using 1/4-inch phone plug cables to any channel strip. Note that strips 9/10, 11/12, 13/14 and 15/16 are designed for stereo sound sources, but may be used in mono mode, using the left input. Do not connect XLR and 1/4-inch sources to the same channel strip.
Set all channel strip faders to infinity, all the way down. Set the Main Mix fader to 0. Press the "Main" button on each channel strip being used so the button is in the down position. Working from left to right, begin to set levels on each strip. For a microphone source, set the "Gain" control to the 3 o'clock position. For instrument sources, set "Gain" to 12 o'clock. Bring up the channel fader while listening to sound from that source. Ideally, the fader will be at 0. Adjust the "Gain" control as needed. Repeat this for all sound sources.
Press the "Lo Cut" button on each microphone strip to filter low frequency noise, such as wind or transmitted vibration from mic stands. Adjust treble, mid and bass frequencies using the controls in the "EQ" section. Channels 1 to 8 use a three-band equalizer with sweeping midrange. The rest use a four-band arrangement. Select panning for each channel using the "Pan" control. Turn off any channel by pressing the "Mute" button.
Use the built-in effects by turning the "FX" control clockwise in the "AUX" section of each strip. Turn the "FX" control clockwise in the "Aux Send" section. Turn the "FX" control clockwise in the "Stereo Aux Returns" section, and make sure the "Main Mix" button is up. Use the three "FX" controls to balance the amount of effect. Choose which effect to use by turning the "Program" knob to change the program number in the LED display, pressing the knob to select the effect.