[BradLyons]

It is more common to be using outboard pres with those older (and newer) analog consoles and even some digital consoles----because their pres aren't exactly that great for the lead stuff. But you rarely see this with Venue boards, the Soundcraft VI-series, and DigiCo consoles because the pres are excellent! Still, one might want a good tube pre or Neve sound. When I am doing a large concert production for recording, I'll take out some of my pres for that very reason---to get some real tube warmth. For example anytime I take a Royer SF24 on location, there is always my Presonus ADL600 there to go along with it. It's not because I don't like the pre on the DShow, it's because I like the warmth of the ADL600. The reality is the less gear we have to take out and patch in, the more we like it! BUT this is why there are inputs available AT THE FOH COMPUTER RACK THAT DO NOT HAVE PRE'S BUILT IN.....so you can patch in your outboard gear.