preamp's sound on the main signal. Many brands give their desk a character with harmonic balances, as a kind of signature. Remember this: measure the input-to-output frequency response of any desk and it comes out dead flat. The difference begins in the harmonic balance of the preamp's op-amps — that's where the desk starts to "sing." Think of it like adding spice to meat. The less spice there is, the more room you have to shape the flavor later. But if you put thyme on everything — meat, vegetables, an orange — how will you tell the flavors apart? Sooner or later, you get sick of the taste of thyme.
That's exactly why I prefer Yamaha's preamps. Up to −14 dB you barely perceive that "character" at all; instead, because it's more technically correct, the sound comes across as quite harsh. I know — nobody loves that harshness. But let me ask: is it better for the truth to speak bitterly to a friend's face, or to deceive him? That harsh, un-made-up sound gives me confidence. I know this is a very subjective subject. So however you make your choice, express it well — otherwise you can end up looking foolish, saying "I like this desk's vibe" or "this one's cooler." Of course, if you want a really "meaty" sound, Yamaha preamps alone may not satisfy you; but use the compressor correctly and boldly and you'll get there. In fact, Yamaha has addressed this in the new RIVAGE generation, closing a big gap very effectively with a function called SILK.
Do you choose your desk for the "character" of its sound, or for the room it leaves you to shape it?