How to Use the Yamaha MG24/14 FX Mixing Console

The Yamaha MG24/14X is a 24-input mixing console suitable for live performance as well as digital music recording. Containing enough audio jacks to accommodate large bands, the MG24/14X allows you to isolate volume levels and frequencies for each instrument, microphone or other audio device, ensuring that you maintain full control over your sound. In order to create the perfect balance, you must first know how to properly set up your equipment and navigate the device.

Connect your instruments to the 1/4" jacks along the back panel of your console, using standard 1/4" TRS cables. Note the 16 vertical columns of knobs on the left side of the mixer. Each column corresponds to the pair of input jacks, one on top of the other on the back panel, with which it aligns. So, for example, you might plug your guitar into "Input 1" (using the upper jack), plug a bass guitar into "Input 2," and plug a keyboard into "Input 3" (using both jacks, since digital keyboards have "L" and "R" ports). The first column will control your guitar, the second column will control your bass, and the third will control your keyboard.

Plug in your XLR microphones. Using a professional dynamic or condenser microphone with XLR (three-pin) connectivity, plug your XLR cable into the corresponding jacks on the mixer, which appear directly beneath the 1/4" "Input" jacks. Plug your microphone into any column where you do not already have instruments plugged in, as you will want to level your mics separately. If using a condenser microphone, switch on the phantom power using the "Phantom" switch on the top of the front panel.

Adjust your levels on each instrument using the knobs and sliders in their respective columns. The green knobs are your EQ channels, which allow you to adjust your low (bass), mid and high (treble) frequencies. Raise the higher frequencies for a brighter sound, or raise the lower frequencies for additional bass. The blue knobs are your auxiliary channels, which allow you to isolate and "monitor" your instrument, so that you can hear the input separately from the rest of the mix. The white knobs are your "Effects" knobs, which allow you to control the degree to which you want to apply selected effects (see Step 4). The red knobs are your "Pan" knobs, which allow you to move your instrumentation from the center of the mix into the left or right channels (speakers). Your "Gain" knob adds additional compression (volume) to the instrument.

Add effects. You will notice two white knobs directly to the right of your 16 mixing channels, surrounded by a series of numbers. Each number corresponds to an effect as indicated on the legend directly above each knob. Turn the knob to choose a number corresponding to an effect of your choosing, such as "Reverb," "Delay" or "Tremolo."

Connect your console to an external system to record music or perform live. Connect two TRS cables to the "L" and "R" output ports on the left side of the back panel, and plug the opposing end of each cable into the appropriate input device. For live performance, this input device would be a PA system or other speaker system. For computer recording, plug your cables into the "Input" ports on an audio interface (external sound card) connected to your USB port, and use your favorite digital audio software to record.