CPU of a console accepts a full application activation instruction generated via an activation instruction switch. The CPU searches through all of apparatus of a mixing system, which the console belongs to, to detect any apparatus having connected thereto a USB dongle that has recorded therein an access key corresponding to an application program to be fully activated. If such an apparatus has been detected within the mixing system, the CPU places the application program in a fully activated state. If, on the other hand, no such apparatus has been detected, the CPU terminates a full application activation process. Such arrangements allows the application program, which requires authentication of the access key, to be executed with simple operation, while preventing unauthorized use of the application program.