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Question #1...
Using pre-amp..with a tube......to get more warmth...is the GAIN to be set higher than the OUTPUT???




Always. The mic gain should be higher than the output whenever possible. This will yield best signal to noise ratio. Attempting to "suck" audio signal using the output control will also amplify any noise on the signal. Since the signal-to-noise ratio is just that, a ratio, we can minimize it by PUSHing the audio rather than "pulling" it out at the other end.

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Question #2......

Should the soundcard make that much difference in the recorded sound? (was soundblaster...now SigmaTel)




Sigma Tel is an onboard soundcard, typically built into the motherboard of a computer. It will not likely have great recording specs, but first open up the soundcard's software mixer by double clicking on the speaker icon in the taskbar tray, turn the Master, Line Input playback faders ALL THE WAY UP. Then hit Properties in that window and make sure that the Recording Input fader is turned all the way up also. Use the knobs on your preamp to adjust levels to suit the VU meters in the host recording program. That may help here.


--Mac