Hi - Im new here.
What signals do you use the Preamp for?
just Mic or line too?
Thx
Bernhard
The preamp handles a wide range of signals
The block diagram on page 80 shows that the gain control handles both line and mic inputs
I mean - is it usefull for sound enhancement to use the preamps?
Run yourself a double blind test 
I’d suggest that the answer lies in personal preference as much as anything else.
I’m struggling to see how you could not use the preamps…
I presume XLR vs Jack input has some different signal pathway…
The “different” signal path between XLR and Jacks is a set of damping resistors to reduce the line level to something acceptable for the wide-gain mic preamp. Maybe we’re talking about some external preamp???
You could use different preamps, use a dSnake box, or a USB B streaming input.
Every XLR, 1/4" and/or 3.5mm input goes through a pre-amp. The pre is an integral part of the circuitry.
Dick, that is not so. Mic pres are on mic inputs, but the stereo inputs have one less stage of amplification. Don’t confuse the nube!
L
Lou, according to my experience and the block diagram in the manual every input is routed through the Preamp knob.
The fact there is a gain stage does not imply the gain is analogue. USB for example is definitely a digital trim.
Yes, but are the stereo line ins having mic pre gain? I think not, but looking right now. There is a trim control; but no mic preamp… on the ST inputs. Same knob, different function.
to settle
In actual fact if you use the Mic input.
You can get a weak signal from the line output.
What you would use that signal for I have no idea.
Its all in the box these days.
That settles nothing! Maybe I can use the 16 line ins as direct outs for recording?!? Bears experimentation…
If you look at page 20 in the Manual you will see the mic pre-amp and then under that you see the line level balanced in with some pad resistors to bring down that level for the mic pre-amp op-amp.
This op amp has a gain knob associated with it.
The ST inputs are Trimmed by what appears the be the 'Trim" which is a multi purpose knob.
Remember this is a schematic and not an actual diagram.
Then if you look at the input specs on page 83 this might help you
The balanced mic/line level inputs and sensitivity are rated at a different level to the ST inputs.
hope this helps
Sure, I understand what you are saying, but what you’ll get OUT of the line jack is lower than mic level - not very useful!
That is designed as a balanced line input
You could record from it, but why wouldn’t you just use the QuDrive?