Do s/s class 'A' pres change tone w/ gain level?

[mixsit]

A few of the models out there have output controls (like the Great River NV). In a setup with the pre is feeding the A/D directly, would a second level control open up more tone options.
Considering the OSA, API (and others?).
Wayne

 

[frist44]

I personally don't have a pre like that, but you'll hear a lot of people talk about the Great River and it's ability to give a rich creamy sound when the input is driven hard and the output gain is back off. On the other hand, when the input is backed off and the output is providing more gain, it's thought of to be a cleaner sound, however cleaner on a great river NV is much different than the clean on a pre like sytek or grace.

hope this helps,
Brandon