Bypass digi001 mic pres thru XLR inputs?

[trew]

My new mic preamp has XLR outs. I am using the XLR ins on inputs 1 and 2 of my digi001 for the new mic preamp.

By turning the gain knob all the way down on these inputs, have I turned off the digi001's mic pres completely? Or are they still working?

What effect will using the -26 db pad buttons have?

Am I better off getting balanced to unbalanced cables and use unbalanced inputs?

Thanks for any info!

[where02190]

Go into the 001 line inputs 3-8 on the back via XLR to TRS cabling. Wire them shield to 1, ring to 3 and tip to 2.

[trew]

Thanks where,

Forgot that 3-8 are balanced.

So I guess you're saying that those pres are always on?

I'm thinking of also getting the HHB unit that you recommend which would give me 8 pres. So I'd like to bypass the digi's pres if possible.

I've used them for click and the occasional quick and dirty recording.

Do you ever track with the digi's pres?

[Kickin.da.speaker]

I don't know if that last question was intended for Where02190 but...

I've tracked all my voices with a SM58 into the Digi001's pres. You can listen to it at my web page.

[where02190]

Since the 001 1/2 inputs are combination neutrix connectors youc an go into them via TRS or XLR and engaging the pad will drop the level to a usable line input.
I've use the Digi preamps, and they are decent and very neutral.

As far as bypassing, all the inputs have preamps, it jsut happens that the 1/2 inputs have mic level sensitive preamps, whereas the 3-8 have only line level. You can however use 8 outboard preamps and use inputs 1-8 at line level for them, just engage the -26db pad on the 1/2 inputs.

Hope this is helpful.

[Doc]

I think a lot of the complaints about the 001 pre's are because they are indeed very neutral. They don't add any particularly noticeable coloration which is what gives other pre's their warmth and character.
I use them for both line and mic level signals and they work fine. Granted, most of the work I do, I don't actually want the coloration so I am happy.
When I do need the character of a good pre for vocals or acoustic instruments, I hire what I need.

I have designed and built a range of custom mic pre's which I use for ambient and location recording. They were also specifically designed NOT to add coloration (character?) to the sound and are very low noise. What I am after in this case is an accurate representation of what I am hearing.
You can hear these in action at the beginning and end of 'Goblins Theme' and 'Bubbles' which are on my website. The vocal samples and glass bowls on 'Bubbles' were recorded with a Crown SASS mic directly into the 001's pre's.
They are only mp3's so some of the nuances of the original sounds are lost, but they will give you an idea.

[trew]

Yes, where, very helpful, much appreciated!

I ordered the connectors, and my friend will build the cables.

Thanks everyone, I will try experimenting with the built in preamps more often now.