External pre-amps into MOTU 896

[EMRR]

Looks like using the line switch position adds an extra amp stage over using it in pre position. Unless you’re using the pga path…. Block diagrams like this aren’t always truthful.

Which gain stage do you mean? The PGA itself is the controllable gain knob (10-65dB) of the preamp, which always applies to mic signals, but by default also applies to the Line In signals. The PGA path is the upper path. So, if I read it correctly, it's the PGA path which adds the extra amp stage (i.e. the PGA), no? (Maybe the placement of the "PGA" label in the illustration is confusing; I take it to refer to the 10-65dB amplifier triangle).

PGA is shown direct to the PGA bypass switch, and it’s shown passing through the mic/line switch. 2 different paths.