The Studio-Q has a master Program volume control with balanced TRS inputs and outputs on its rear panel. Studio-Q would be connected between your console mixer or interface output and your headphone amplifier. In this minimal setup typically the headphone mix would be identical to the monitor speaker mix.

Radial Engineering Studio-Q (rear)

There is a large green button labeled "Talkback" with an LED that lights up when the button is pushed; it also provides a "dry contact signal" out of a rear panel 1/4-inch jack to an external device such as a light to alert the artist not wearing headphones.

You can use the built-in mic or your own connected microphone via a rear panel XLR connector. For hands-free operation, use the optional JR1 mute footswitch along with the Talkback button. I liked that there are trim pots to set level for either mic plus a trim pot to set the Dim volume of the monitors. The program signal path is fully balanced for easy integration with any console or DAW interface output.

The Radial Engineering's Studio-Q is a good little product to get you going in a home/project studio setup that may consist of only a laptop, USB interface and a pair of speakers.