actually what that is...
It is selecting line or mic level input.
If it's line, you shut off the phantom and get a mic output to your camera (or deck)
For instance : a Soundboard patch.
You plug the XLR's into this and it outputs a mic level out and you don't blow out your input on the deck.
Mic is Mic - phantom on/off (w/ mic level out)
Although this is mic level, it sounds good.
I guess my point is that it has a lot of nice features and sounds good with decent levels hitting the mics.
...and I paid $150 shipped for it. That was a really good deal.
They usually go for $200. used. / $300 - $350. new (if you can find one)
This model is discontinued. They made 2 different pre's from this to replace it.
1 with levels but passive.
the other w/ phantom power and no levels.
go figure...
I can use it for my camera, or stealth-pre at loud shows.
bottom line = new toy