The iPod mixer has a small headphone jack connection, which will allow two devices to be connected at the same time, as well as labelled outputs for the cables to connect in from the speakers. The yellow fader will control the volume of the speakers together, while the red volume knobs will control the volume for the ipods. As there is also a volume control on the iPod or laptop it would be recommended to turn that up to full volume, and then adjust the mixer volumes to get the best output of the speakers through the mixer, this will also allow you to set the volume of the speakers below maximum to protect them as well.