the_gid wrote: The only way I know of getting the signal from the Seb pre to my computer is through the Firepod's channels 3 through 8 using 1/4 TRS input.. - so it runs

instrument/mic>VMP400e>Firepod>DAW

That's it!

the_gid wrote: I was told to turn the gain on the seb's up and the gain on the Firepod down?? is this correct?

Yeah. Start with the Firepod gains at about 9 o'clock. That should give you heaps.

okay cool - i just don't want to spend £700-£900 on mic pre's which will then sound like tin cans through the firepod's already 'canny' pre's - seriously, i won't lose any quality? - putting a good pre through a bad pre?

Depending on how the Firepod is wired up, the line inputs may not even go through the preamp circuitry. But even if they do, they'll be padded back internally to the stage where you won't notice them.