Topic: Preamp gain vr. iriver gain

[Gawain]

I'm wondering what will give better results: add gain in a preamp (I have one from Mic Madness) and just control it a bit in the iriver or do it opposite adding gain on the iriver and ignoring the preamp...or just half and half?...any help? thanks 

[china_rider]

I can't speak for Mic Madness.... But I run my Sonic Studios PA-3SX and never run the gain in the iRiver.  I always seem to get close to perfect levels with the combo and just normalize if need be once I get home.

[Gawain]

thanks for the input, china_rider  I've ran some tests and it seems the best is touch as less as I can the gain in the iriver. Anyway I don't want to run too much gain in the preamp, I get a bit of distortion (even with not too loud sounds). The best results I've got so far is going something more than half way in the preamp gain and add a bit more in the iriver to can control it on the fly and stealthy.
Anyway I know the best is make my own tests and learn how to controle it, but some similar experiences will point me in the right direction before I screw up any upcoming important recording...