The SL-2's simple design offers reliable input jacks as well as a loop-through 1/4" jack. The -20dB pad switch allows you to plug any instrument or most "hotter" line level sources into the box and interface with a standard XLR mic cable into the Lo-Z and you're ready to plug the output "directly" into a mixing console. If the signal that the mixing console receives is over-driven, simply flip the -20db pad switch and it will filter the input signal down to a better level. A ground lift switch is provided for buzz-free operation in almost any environment.