The +10dB setting provides a gentler, natural-sounding gain boost ideal for moderately sensitive dynamic mics, instruments, or situations where your interface already provides moderate gain and you just need a clean lift. The +18dB setting delivers maximum boost for low-output dynamic mics like the SM7B, SM58, or passive ribbon microphones, where your interface's gain knob alone can't provide enough clean signal. We recommend starting with +10dB and switching to +18dB if your signal level is still insufficient.