I'm not a fan at all of this preamp, and I'm relatively amazed at the positive hype it seems to readily get. It has a spitty, grainy distortion character that is almost impossible to avoid, regardless of gain settings. The idea of putting pad inline before the mic input seems like it could help, but then what's so great about the thing? Toob, schmoob -- I just find it unpleasant.
Sorry.. that wasn't very constructive of me.
-dave