Zoom hd16 input level

[coryp]

Hey guys...this is my first post so go easy on me OK.

I bought a zoom hd16 a couple weeks ago to record some demo songs the band and I have written. The first task is to lay down the drum tracks. I'm going to be using up all 8 inputs to do this.

Over the last couple weeks I’ve just been playing around with the HD16, just trying to get familiar with how it operates and so far I like it, However I have a couple of things Id like to find out from there users.

1. When track I've found that you have to crank the headphone volume way up to get a descent reverence level...my hearing is still pretty good so I know its not that. Anybody else have the same issue with there HD16 or am I just doing something wrong?

2. I've also notice that when recording anything with a mic you need to Jack-Up the input Gain and Rec level to get the signal to meter any wear near zero (not a really the case with the snare drum) and in doing that things start to hissssss. If tried inserting a MIC algorithm mic pre and it helps but it still introduces noise - so Im wondering if a separate outboard 8 channel mic pre like a PreSonus Digimax D8 would help. I also was thinking of using the bands Mackie 1604 as a mic pre.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

C.