Block Diagram - 1 of 2 Channels
This Block diagram shows the signal flow and control positions for each of the 2 channels. Note that the Limiter Bypass switch disable the Input and Output level controls as is expected for a hard bypass.

Initial Control Setup
There are 4 controls that affect the gain structure. They are Gain, Level, Input and Output and should be set to the 1 o'clock position. Set the EQ Bypass switch to OUT, the Limiter Bypass switch to OUT, and the Ratio switch to 1. Set the Input Switch to select the proper source and then adjust the 4 gain structure controls for desired output level. The XLR input on the back accepts Line of Mic signals and is attenuated by the input pad. The DI position selects the front panel phone jack.

Preamp Section
The Preamp Section controls are used to select the source, pad it, and set operating level. Note that the 'Line' position of the Input Select is about -38dB and can be used to attenuate any signal on the input XLR (as is the case with 0, -10, -20 and -30).

EQ Section
The EQ section controls adjust the 3 bands: a Mid Boost bell shaped curve, a High Bank roll-off, and a Low Band Boost and Cut shelf.

Limiter Section
The Limiter section controls set the Limiter functions and the meter display. The Input control sets the threshols, and the Output control provides make-up gain. The 'Soft' Ratio position is a custom soft knee setting, and 'ALL' is like the mash all buttons on an 1176.