I had the console before the I/O. Big trick is to make sure the dip switch on the back, far left, is UP if you are using it only as a console, down if using it with the I/O. Install the correct driver (theres a different one for console only operation) still available on the Roland website, and plug the USB cable in when prompted. After its installed, make sure the CONSOLE midi ports are enabled and install the control surface. If the console surface was already installed, remove it and add it back in, setting all ports to CONSOLE (VS-700) The headphone jacks don't work without the I/O, BTW.