^ For most mics and recording situations, the +10 dBu line input should be usable. As an example, a Schoeps MK41 (14 mV/Pa) puts out +10 dBu at 139 dBSPL, which is insanely loud (Schoeps specs the max at 132 dB). Even a few feet from the drums, it is unlikely to reach that level. If you add gain, though, it's definitely possible. I would think that a pre-amp with zero (or little) gain should almost always be OK, whereas something like an nbox (which I recall has 20 dB fixed gain) might cause problems. I think in Noah's case, the issue was the 20 dB he added at the recorder. I guess SD's specs could be off too (actually takes less than +10 dBu).
Soundboards are a different thing entirely, though...