attenuator
 

Can anyone tell me what the attenuator on the xl2 does and when it should be in the "on" position? Does it serve the same function as Automatic Gain Control?

The attenuator position will help tone down a hot signal so that you can achieve better control with the volume adjustment. It's hard to get precise adjustments of sound level in the first 1/64" of knob rotation. So, you kick in the attenuator and you can bring the knob up into a more controllable range. The attenuation position won't help if the mic element is overdriven to the point of distortion, however.

It does not function as automatic gain control, that's what the auto position on the switch is for. ATT is more like a high and low range input control.

Hope this helps,

-gb-