If you use a 888 from digi or 1224 or 2408 from motu, you have line input, not microphone input. You need "gain" only from a mixer to record with the signal matched. Only VERY good hardware should be inserted BEFORE recording. Using a insert cable you take what normally is needed to record a signal without making it dirtier. Eq on mixer or cheaps compressor should be avoided on recordings. Also going from the master outputs of the mixer should be avoided. The cleaner the signal path, the better/more natural sound you get