Read over the entire manual of the console, checking the location and procedure of every connection and device on the mixture. Learn the basic features before working on the console. Make sure you know how to operate all the sound controls from volume to normalizing.
Install any accessory cards to the mixer. Remove the cover plates from the card slots, which are usually in back of the console. Align the card's guide rails inside one slot slide it in and screw the card down.
Place the console in position on whichever desk or table you are going to use. It should be in a position where you can comfortably access everything on the console from a seated position. You also need access to the connector ports in back.
Connect headphones to the console through the port specifically designed for them. This most often uses a large stereo connection, which is a long, thick, rounded plug with two black bands. If your headphones use the mini version of this plug, get a mini-to-large adapter for them.
Connect all of your input sources, starting with the microphone and including anything from CD players to computers with MP3 files. Most of these will use RCA connections with the red-and-white plug cables. The microphone will have its own port and use the same stereo connection the headphones do. Every device must be accessible to your fingertips.
Label each channel on the mixer for the input source you have connected it to. This will only require a pen and any type of adhesive tape you can safely apply to the console's surface. Write down the type of audio source on the strip of tape after applying it near that track's controls.
Attach your output sources, be they speakers or your transmission source such as a broadcast antenna. If your console does not come with a built-in amplifier, connect the console's output to an external amplifier and connect that to your output sources.
Plug the console into your AC power source. Some consoles can also be plugged into an external power supply with an extra cable that provides backup power in the event the primary supply goes out.