I've been using focusrite interfaces which are well known for their strong and crystal clean preamps. I've used both condenser and dynamic mics ( Rode NT2A & SM-58) without any problems.

I had actually thought a couple of times about getting a preamp. Not so much for the gain, because most of the time I'm easily in the 50% to 60% gain range, but more for the color that certain preamps are known for. Some tend to have a warmer sound or a more rounded and smooth frequency response in certain parts of their upper ranges. Knowing that the cheaper ones tend to be.... Let's say, not quite so good, I've avoided the temptation to buy a pre. The better ones are north of my discretionary budget limits and I don't know, based on my mixing skill level, whether the subtle differences from the preamp would be noticeable to the average listener and thereby worth the outlay of hundreds of dollars.

It's possible now to use a saturation plug to add color to the mic's output. With several to choose from, it's easy enough to use one. Yeah it's not a $1000 preamp with a signature coloration, but for me..... It works well enough. And nobody is complaining about that specific issue.

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www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
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The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.