Preamp Gain vs. Digital Output

[jd1234]

Hoping to get some opinions on this question regarding settings for preamps and converters? Here is 2 scenarios, whichever you feel “generally speaking” works better?

1.)Cranking the Preamp signal (analog) and minimize the digital output signal (on converter)

Or

2.)Having a lower Preamp signal and cranking up the digital output?

I realize the opinions will vary and it’s probs best to experiment on your own for the best sound but I am wondering if there is a general rule of thumb with this?To be honest I used to have my gain on preamps cranked and had a lower digital output on converter and this was not nearly as good as lowering my preamp signal (reduced gain) and raising the digital output signal. I am still messing around to get the best sound but I feel like it’s way better to have the digital output on my converter engaged to the max even if it means I have to lower the gain/signal on the preamp. Opinions?

[Stig Eliassen]

I shoot for 0 VU on my UA 6176, and 0 to +4 dbu on my Portico 5012s. Those levels sounds the best to me, and roughly translates to -18 to -14 dbfs in Pro Tools. A comfortable level.

[albee1952]

The only reason to go with cranking the preamp and turning down at the converter is if you want distortion from driving the preamp hard. Some preamps(Neve?) do have a pleasing sound when driven hard, but, with all the plugins available, I rarely go for it at the preamp(its too easy to overdo it and once overdone, its overdone forever)