m-audio AP192 help

Ok - so Im trying to figure out whats best here.

Up until now, I let my audiophile 192 mixer stay at full for the inputs.

So - when I go into my DAW - I set my levels solely by the preamp gain knob. I actually have more room to push the signal on the preamp - but because of the audiophile in, it clips.

SO

Is it going to sound better if I can lower the input on the audiophile and raise the preamp gain?

My instinct says yes.

Theres a problem though. I open up the control panel for m-audio, and the input faders have absolutely no affect on the signal. I tried reinstalling drivers etc... no dice.

Its stuck at full volume no matter what...

Any ideas?

nm - I think I found that the card has a certain headroom and not its own level adjust...