Hi All,
A few notes regarding the MP-2:
One VERY easy way to solve the problem with the poor resolution of the gain control at lowest levels is to place a -10dB or -15dB pad (little xlr>xlr adaptors or cables, available for $40-60.00). in front of the pre-amp This will force you to raise the levels to offset the loss incurred through the pad and put you into a better position on the gain pot where the resolution is better. You will notice that the same amount on movement on the pot in the noon-3 O'clock position results in less gain increase/decrease than the same amount of movement at the 9-11 O'clock position.
Phantom power is unaffected by the pad and the sound quality is NOT compromised. I know "purists" may object to such an approach, but merely adding a simple resistor in the signal path will NOT harm the sound quality. At worst, a negligeable increase in the noise floor may result, but it significantly below the level of the music.
For those still not convinced, consider the following:
Before hitting the worst of conductors (the air), the sound we are trying to capture has already traveled through many electronics. Most engineers pad the front end of their consoles (the mic pre-amp input) for strong incoming mics channels for the exact reason described above. While pot design varies, most are easiest to control (have the best resolution) in the middle. Using the pad, forces us into that position.
As far as gain structure is concerned, once again, I recommend setting the input of the a/d (the input to the deck in this case) down to accomodate running the pre-amp at 4-6dB below its own clipping point at peak (ie. crescendo). This is +16dBu on the MP-2. With the D7/8 input and its tendency to click when input levels are too hot, you should set the dial at 4.5-5 and adjust the pre-amp to achieve the digital levels (on the deck) that you want to see. At very loud shows, this will result in running the MP-2 down near zero (which is actually 16dB of gain). Once again, the pads will come in VERY useful here and keep us from overloading the front-end of the deck.
As Jamie suggested, a little telepathic gain adjustment procedure is quite handy. For the less cosmically endowed, pads will do the trick.
Happy Recording Everybody,
Marc