Power on the Project Mix while it is connected to your computer and hold down the appropriate AUX button to load your DAW's presets. AUX 1 is Pro Tools, AUX 2 is Cubase, AUX 3 is Logic, AUX 4 is SONAR and AUX 5 is Ableton Live. You can also hold down the PAN button to load the presets for Digital Performer. Continue to hold the button down until the LCD screen on the Project Mix confirms the mode is loaded.
Connect the instruments and microphones to the different inputs. Use XLR or microphone or direct in boxes, and the TRS inputs for instrument cables such as guitar and bass cables. If you want to use a keyboard as a MIDI controller, plug it into the MIDI input. With eight inputs, you can set up to record a band live by running the lead vocal into input one, the guitar into input two, bass into input three, keys into input four and three or four microphones to mic the drum kit.
Adjust the gain on the small gain knobs at the top of each the console above the LCD screen. Each gain knob is above the channel for that input. You should strive to keep the input hot (loud) without clipping. When the signal clips, it distorts and the red clip light will flash.
Move the sliders on each channel to adjust the overall volume in the mix relative to each instrument. To hear just a single channel, press the solo button (the second button above each slider). This can be useful for hearing a single instrument and figuring out how high in the mix you want it.
Adjust the master fader (the rightmost slider) to set the overall volume of your mix. Again, set it so that it is as loud as possible without clipping.
Start recording your track using the recording function of your DAW.