The level you set the mic pres to is dependent on the input signal level and the maximum input level of the next part of the signal chain. If you are recording with a mic that has a low output level and a receiving device with a high maximum input level then you may well have to set the gain higher than you are used to. You should not be concerned if you have to set all pre gains to 8 or higher - you may even have to set the gain to maximum but this is not a problem since the Octopre is designed to apply up to 60dB of gain (flat response) to a mic level signal.