If you're running your Aux's post fader, the LR channel fader has to be up for the Aux fader to have any affect. Example is Channel 1 LR fader is the whole way down, Channel 1 Aux 1 fader is the whole way up. There can't be any sound if Aux 1 is POST fader. (Meaning after the channel Fader on LR) So under similar circumstances, if Channel 1 LR fader is at 0 and Channel 1 Aux 1 is also at 0, then Aux 1 can be used to send sound out. (Assuming that the Aux 1 main fader also is up.) Now if you run the Aux's as pre-fader, the best way to use them for monitors, the position of any fader on LR is irrelevant and will have no affect on pre-fader Aux outs. If your mixer isn't working this way, then there is a problem. Note that the vu meters on the channels and main faders are only input vu meters and don't represent output level. You didn't mention any amplifiers. This isn't a powered mixer and can not be used to drive passive speakers. (I have a friend who has trouble keeping this straight with his mixer.) The vu meters should be showing up on all aux's and effects. Also, Aux 1/4 inch are outputs only and your ipod should be going into one of the XLR or XLR/guitar inputs. (That should be obvious, but I don't know you. Please don't take offense. If this is your first experience with a mid level mixer things might not work in ways that you are used to. There is a learning curve and Mackie took some liberties with it's control designs.) So put your ipod output into channels 15 and 16, turn up the trim until you get some red and them back off a bit. Go to channels 15 and 16 and link them together on LR. (That will link those together on all Aux channels.) You should be seeing the input VU meters indicating how strong the input signal is on LR and any of the Aux channels. Now if you're using Aux 5 and Aux 6 for mains and subs, you will want to run them post fader with channel 15/16 fader the whole way up. Set the Aux outs up to about -20 for starters and then you can turn on your amplifiers and start setting up the EQ (Sitting above the main fader on each Aux. This isn't the best way to get a pre-amplifier crossover. There are electronic crossovers that are better for that function.) Now one last thing, because if you set this up the way I suggested, you will need to return to the LR out and raise the 15/16 fader and then sound should start flowing out through Aux 5 and 6. If this doesn't work, I'd take the unit back to the people who sold it to you and verify that it's working correctly.
