Question about ADA8000 and line input .....

[pcode]

Help!

Hi all I am new to this forum, I have a simple question regarding my ADA8000 and EMU 1212M DAW, just wanted to know if it is a good idea to amplify the line levels using the preamps on the ADA8000.
The reason I am asking this is because I have a Yamaha Motif ES hooked up to 2 of the line inputs on ADA8000 (along with other synths and MICs) and I felt that the signal from Motif ES was kinda low, as show on my EMU1212M Patch bay meters (this is after 6db boost on motif es internal line level output)… I have always heard from people that it is a good idea to record at close to peak levels in digital domain this way you get maximum granularity within your 24bit / 44.1KHz recording environment. But then again preamps are for MICs not keyboards, so should I turn the knobs all the way down or is it ok to boost the signal ???? what is generally practice in recording world???

Also turning the knobs all the way down = line level input or is it actually attenuating the signal.

 

[pcode]

still no ans???????

 

[mixsit]

...Also turning the knobs all the way down = line level input or is it actually attenuating the signal.

I looked at the cut sheet that said the mic input does +10 (minimum gain) to +60 or something and the 1/4" line range was -10 to + something (40?). It didn't say but the two could go through the same pre-circuit, maybe with a pad built in on the 1/4" to knock its gain range down. Mackie does that for example.
So either input may go through what we're calling a 'pre', but with either cut (-10 on the line in) or a minimum boost on the XLR.
IMHO the priorities are; Generally you want to get your initial levels- the synths' internal levels or any gear for that mater- up to optimum to begin with the best possible sig. to noise right at the start of the chain. Typically if the analog sections (or in this case midi-to-analog too) are in good shape, your good to go in 24 bit with nice safe -12 or so average levels, with plenty of room for peaks.
'Granularity' is way-way down-down there.
Not to worry there.
Wayne