This thread has been an incredible help explaining some of the frustrating experrnces I have had with my rig.
Earthworks SR77>Sound Devices MP2 >HDP2.
With the gain on the HDP2 set to 0 there was still quite a strong signal to the HDP2.
The -20 pad vs. the XLR in and line/mic setting was confusing me as well.
Without the pad set to -20 bypassing the HDP2 preamp it is scary HS, WTF did I do kinda blown out.
Makes sense now.
thanks everyone