Do I need a preamp ?

[Hemmick Reef]

I've just joined this forum and it seems a great knowledge base, so here is my first question.
I am using an Edirol DA2496 as a sound card and interface, with no other external hardware. A UAD-1 for processing with cubase SX2 and groove tube 67 mic. Would purchasing a focusrite or TLA/Fatman preamp (£200-£500 region) add a smoothness and fullness to guitars, bass & vocals or wouldn't I notice any difference from using the DA2496.

[armchairmartian]

Im not familiar with Edirol DA2496, but if you experience weak signals when recording, I would suggest getting a dedicated mic preamp. I'm currently looking for a cheap one myself, so if you run over anything, please let me know. If you got cash, check out m-audio octane on www.m-audio.com

[Hemmick Reef]

I have just bought a tfpro p3 for £100. It's pretty good, better than my edirol imputs for sure, but compared to a £500 preamp it probably hasn't got the warmth or fatness to the sound ? You get what you pay for that's the thing. Trouble is I am always comparing my sounds to the cd's I listen to !

Good Luck in your search