Sometime tomorrow I'll test this with music, probably by blasting my car stereo with me in it in a remote corner of a parking lot or something, but some initial impressions...
Form factor: this is a little bigger than 2 9V batteries stacked on top of each other, per the picture. I'm more used to something longer and flatter, so it will take some getting used to in a real-life situation. I record with my gear in a fanny pack, so just orienting the components so they're easily handled is the issue.
L/R trim "knobs" - these are recessed about 1/2" below the surface of the unit, and are VERY tiny - I'm not yet sure what kind of tool I'll need to adjust this, but since it's a one time (per mic set) adjustment it's not a big deal.
Mic in/out - this will really require 90 degree plugs to be practical - otherwise the plugs will make it unbalanced and pretty bulky (for its size)
Gain selection knob is pretty stiff, will likely loosen up some with use. As expected.
These are all really nit picking. The preamp will do its job in a size of a battery box, and should be a big hit. It does live up to the UGLY name, but I didn't pay for looks.
My next recording opportunity (non critical) is a perfect test for this unit - a (very) small hall (about 200 seats), recording an amplified acoustic act - exactly the kind of show I need the preamp for.
In the meantime, I'll do some testing in the car and report back in a day or so.
Thanks, Chris - this was a very smooth transaction, with good communication at every step - when delays came up, he told me about them before I asked. The six week build turned into ten when some critical parts couldn't be obtained from his usual supplier, but since he let me know as soon as he found out, no strikes on him for that.