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Sound people, Start Here. Read the user guide. It's only two pages. Keep it handy for the next user. Keep the closet clean & tidy for the next user too please.. Unless you are using a remote mixer, you do not have to plug anything in except the microphones into the stage inputs. If you are using a remote mixer, you need to plug into the inputs on the back of the rack that say 'Remote Mixer'. These inputs go right to the system, not to the Ashley mixer. "Band" & "Caller" combine into the main speakers, and "Aux 1" and "Aux 2" go right to the monitor system. Unplug the remote inputs when you're done. To get acquainted with the system try the following procedure: Plug a monitor into the Aux 1 monitor output on stage and put it near the Ashley mixer. Plug a microphone in any input except #8. (#8 is reserved for the caller.) Don't put it on a stand, use a long cord, hold it in your hand, and walk to the Ashley mixer. Set the Ashley mixer to the suggested settings in the user manual. Leave the input trims (on top) at about 1:00, but turn off all the big channel Level knobs (across the bottom). Leave the 'Band' and 'Caller' Master Output levels at 12:00. Turn off the Aux 1 & 2 knobs on the channels, but leave the Aux 1 & 2 masters up at around 2:00. Speak into the mic while adjusting every knob on the channel you are plugged into. Do it slowly until you hear it how each knob affects the sound. This will give you a feel for what each knob does. Stay with it, get comfortable, now is the time to get the feel. Try the eq knobs. The middle eq knobs are a little tricky but really useful. The outer ring sets which tone area to adjust (lower mid, mid, or higher mid, marked in Hz) and the little inner knob adjusts the intensity of the cut or boost.   See how the 'Band' master knob on the right affects your volume, but the 'Caller' master doesn't? If you were plugged into the 'Caller #8' input it would. This separate Band/Caller subgroup setup allows the band mute system to work. Try the mute switch on the panel to get a feel for that. Remember, it doesn't mute Caller input #8, but does everything else. Try your mic in the monitors. Do that by bringing the 'Aux 1' knob up on the channel. How loud can you get it without feeding back? Go to the caller monitor. Carefully adjust the 'Hall' volume knob to hear the sound of your voice. Up & down, see how much knob turning it takes to change the sound. A little or a lot? Notice that adjusting the 'Caller' knob does not affect your voice. Plug your mic into the Caller input #8. Try the same adjustments. Usually the Aux 1 & 2 knobs on the caller input channel should stay off so the band won't hear the caller too much. Go to the caller monitor. Now the caller's voice is adjusted by the 'Caller' knob. If you can, get a hold of the piano player and try the piano pickup and a piano mic.  Doing these exercises every day before the band sets up will greatly improve your mixing abilities on this system. Now you know why sound folks keep saying check, check, check. Say something different but keep talking, adjusting and listening! Just like musicians practice. Keep looking over the user guide.   Have Fun!