Use the four line inputs on the rear of the Konnekt8, as these by-pass the internal pre-amps. Be warned that the full-scale line input level on the Konnekt8 is only +13dBu, so attenuators may be needed if you want to push the output of an external pre-amp. Specifically, the Blue Robbie can go to +34dBu, so consider using 20dB balanced attenuators.

Despite the low FS level on the line inputs, the Konnekt8 is an impressive little unit that has an audio performance of an interface well above its price bracket.

I'd also add that (while I ave not used them) the preamps in the Konnekt8 are supposed to be pretty good compared to other units in that category. So you might do well to get the new mic, see how you like it, then go for a new preamp if you want to improve from there.

Bob and Boswell Thank you very much for the information. Cheers.

Hi boswell i read recently about attenuators and found out that they are used to decrease the amplitude or power of a signal, does this mean that since blue robbie preamp delivers more power and if i connect it through my konnekt 8 line in, the output would distort ? is this why i need to get 20 db balanced attenuators ? (however you said to push the output of an external preamp use 20db balanced attenuators)
kindly suggest a few names that i should look into.
secondly when i record vocals on this unit using its own preamps (with sm58) there is always a hiss in the recordings and i have to turn the preamp gain knob to max otherwise the recording levels are too low. do you think that a different mic like a blue babby bottle or even a better one would pick up better signals ?
or is the noise problem bcoz of konnekt 8's preamp?
however changing the mic cables didn't work? Thanks.

The output of the Blue Robbie would not distort. The input of the Konnekt8 would distort. And yes this is why you would place a 20dB attenuator/pad between the external preamp and the Konnekt8. Whirlwind IMP is the model I usually recommend unless you are a DIY sort of person and prepared to design your own.

There should not be hiss on recordings you are making with the Konnekt8. What mic are you using? If you are using a 58 it will require most of the gain available on the Konnekt8 to reach full levels which still shouldn't be noisy. If you want the 58 or similar dynamic mic hotter you could always try a Cloudlifter between the mic and the preamp. If your headphone or other monitoring is too hot you may be setting your mic level by ear instead of watching the meters in your DAW.

all right thanks a bunch.

Hi, im asking this quite late but i want to know if i use the blue robbie preamp through my konnekt 8 card (bypassing konnekts preamps) by using the attenuators , would that effect the sound quality of the recorded signal ?

secondly i might also look into getting a good audio interface rather a seperate preamp only if the earlier method doesn't get great results, since i need at most two mic channels. what would you suggest if i have a budget of 1500$ for an audio interface with just two mic preamps bcoz i don't need more than that.
Thanks.

You have good-quality gear there. Try the route using 20dB attenuators between the Blue Robbie preamp outputs and the Konnekt8 line inputs before splashing out $1500 on a new audio interface.

Using balanced cables to feed from the preamp outputs into the Konnekt8's line inputs will give you the best quality audio available from those two pieces of gear.