To PAD or not to PAD

Hi guys should I use PAD filter for my BB I have a Yamaha MG12XU mixer only has 3 band eq.the reason I ask is when I dont have it on I have to have fader and gain set really low.I find the drums are sounding a little muffled .Also as a general generic setting any ideas what I should set highs mids lows to for a descent sound…I realise it will change venue to venue but a general mid size venue full of people.