Parallel Effects Loop
This was a design choice that gives the user more flexibility. It allows you to blend the output of your stomp boxes with the straight guitar signal. If you are not used to it this, it may seem counterintuitive. Most pedals have a mix control that allow you to blend in the original signal. With a parallel effects loop, you can set the mix to full effect and add blend the original signal using the channel input. Try it and let us know what you think.