Can't adjust USB signal level from M-AUDIO AUDIOPHILE USB

[LGSutekh]

I have a dilemma. I am taking a MIC signal, feeding it to a preamp and connecting it to an M-AUDIO AUDIOPHILE USB Line Input. Unfortunately, there is no trim or gain on my little box and I would like to adjust the input level from within my recording software. The AUDIOPHILE USB then feeds the computer via the USB connection that I do not have control over. I am using COOL EDIT 2000 and Adobe Audition. The M-AUDIO drivers do not allow you to use the WINDOWS SOUND MIXER and there is no little applet that has levels and or meters to control the INPUT. At least not for this model unless I am mistaken or haven't properly done my research! There is an output trim on the AUDIOPHILE but that is for LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS in the back that I am not using for obvious reasons.
Great sound though.
So maybe someone has an idea how I can control the INPUT level from within the software?

[AndyH]

There may be an exception somewhere to make the rule, but no professional or semi-pro soundcard has line level input adjustment. You must adjust the signal in the analogue domain before feeding it to the soundcard.

Recording software's job is to capture what is sent to it. After recording, you can amplify (+ or -) but you cannot effect the input signal.

Are you saying you have a microphone preamp without gain control or output level control? Rather strange, as least as far as the gain goes.

[LGSutekh]

Yes, the preamp is without a gain control. The Sonics are spectacular. Any way around this?

[AndyH]

While it isn’t often necessary for simple level control with a microphone preamp, the normal solution for adjusting levels is a small mixer, or line-level preamp, in between the source output and the soundcard input.

[ecc83]

Y'know we get this problem/question so often I am thinking about marketing a stereo pot in a box!

Dave.