Problems with AudioBuddy Preamp and Rode NT1A?

[Centropolis]

My current setup is a Rode N-T1A connected to an M-Audio AudioBuddy preamp and then into a BOSS BR-600.

The problem I am having is that with my Rode connect to my AudioBuddy, I only had to turn up the gain by very little...(and I mean very little....less than a 2mm turn) before the signal peaks and clips on the preamp. I was told by a sales guy that it's because it's a poorly designed premap that has no "headroom". He said it's mainly designed for dynamic mics.

Is this true? Is this normal on a cheap preamp?

 

[KenHR]

I have an Audio Buddy as a backup. I found that it clips very easily, even with a dynamic mic, and I have to set the gain very low.

If you do get a usable level from it, it's a fairly clean pre. I like my ART MPA Gold better, but I'm not above using the Audio Buddy if I'm in a pinch.

 

[witzendoz]

Buy one of these pads and put it between the mic and the preamp, the pad will let you adjust down the amount of gain.

Alan