RME QuadMic II

The unit is stable and works well with RME converters (use it with a UFX). Is mounted in a gear rack with the optional wings and generates no objectionable heat. Has enough gain to handle most mic types but struggles a little with ribbons such as the AEA R84.
The sound is accurate and serves well for multiple mic usage. Find it lacking just a little in depth and body/punch when compared to high end preamps such as Millenia HV-3C or Gordon Model 5.
The gain controls are not stepped and the connection from preamp to converter/amplifier is by 1/4 inch TRS connections -- XLR would be more convenient.
Size is ideal for travel and and connectors are supplied for most outboard uses. DC requirements are modest enough to allow operation from car or battery sources.
Attractive price point for four quality pre channels.

This thing is perfect for me.

I produce at home and need to record high-quality sources. I externalize further processing and mixing to an engineer, so I don't need thousands of euros of analogue gear which only provide subtle sonic features, like SSL, API or their emulations.

I bought a full RME rig made of a Fireface UC, a Quadmic and an ARC controller. It wasn't cheap. Approx. 1,6k€ including studio grade cables and all. I could have bought other products with that money (Apogee, UAD, etc).

However, now I have full routing flexibility, a set of 6 preamps (2 UC + 4 Quadmic) plus several outputs and monitoring options, which are improving my overall workflow and allowing me to keep all my analogue gear plugged in at all times, while also using the UC on the stage.

The QuadMic preamps have plenty of volume, the analogue controls are straightforward, the unit is light and sturdy. Noise is low even at high gain settings. The build quality is at the RME standard, which is high.

I use the RME preamps for literally everything: Rode NT1000, Oberheim Matrix, my electric guitar and electric bass. The recorded material is industry-standard level, and I never heard anything sounding wrong.

Sure these preamps do not provide special textures like SSL or API, but they're cheap and light, and if your workflow includes an external engineer or further software editing this will not be a problem at all.