PREAMPS

Preamps
There only one thing you need a pre amp for and that is to amplify weak signals from microphones to standard line levels. There are different pre amps for different situations . pre amps are a important part of the recording studio process . But there are other equally important parts of the studio that make the process work (mics mixers compresors effects sound room plugins clean signal path) about $700 will get you a descent pre amp basically what you pay for is what you get.
There are 2 basic controls GAIN AND OVERLOAD indicator most people adjust the gain until the clip like goes on I think that the best way.