Using a microphone preAmp and pre-processing before your audio signal is fed to your audio interface, allows you to control, manage and shape your sound before the signal is recorded/printed in your DAW. Adding some coloration, warmth and maybe grit with a tube amp or tube amp simulation, may allow you to commit to a sound you like or prefer.

In this video, using my MXL 550 Large Condenser Microphone connected to my PreSonus Studio Channel Microphone Tube Pre-amplifier, I run through the settings and options to demonstrate available audio processing.