“The audio input signal from an input jack for which Pad is
turned on is attenuated by 26 dB. Therefore, you should
turn Pad off if you have connected equipment of low out-
put level (a microphone or other mic-level device), while
Pad should be on for equipment of high output level (a
synthesizer keyboard, CD player, etc.)”
SO, turn UP the gain on your external PRE and engage the PAD per the MANUAL.
EVERYTHING going into the inputs on the MR goes through the Pre Amp circuit, we all know this.
Engage the PAD, turn down the gain knob on the input and your good.
Dont get caught up in the XLR verses TRS argument. Its minimal at best.