
The device features three balanced stereo inputs and outputs. With the input selector, you can choose which input signal to process. Solitaire lets you sum up both channels to a mono signal (wihtout change in level!), invert the phase on one of the channels(*) and swap the left channel with the right channel. There is also a MUTE button for your convenience that simply shuts off any output.
Now what you really want to do with a Monitor Controller is to control the volume of your signal. With Solitaire, this is done with a stepped attenuator, which in fact is very similar to a rotary switch. Contrary to a regular rotary switch however, this stepped attenuator features 23 positions and very low torque, so that turning the solid aluminum dial provides you with a smooth, unmatched experience that will put a smile on your face...and your ears, guaranteed.
The signal can finally be routed to any of the three outputs and any of these can be switched on and off simultaneously or individually. So if you hook up two stereo speaker sets to output 1 and 2, you can switch between them by simply pressing both output buttons at the same time, switching one on and the other one off. You can then hook up a subwoofer to the third output and add this to any of the speaker sets whenever you wish to compare the sound.
(*) Can only be applied to balanced signals. And yes, we label it 'PHASE' and we even have a Technote on why we do this. Check out our download section for details.