Curious to hear some comments or recommendations on using an outboard preamp through you vs-r compared to the onboard preamps we have. Is there much of a difference? I was looking at the Art Pro mpa2.

I use an ART Tube MP pre-amp, and love it.  I don't know if it is better or not than software emulations, I am just quite happy with it.
 
They make some really pricey ones, but this one was quite the low-end.
 
I use it for guitar too.
 
Bob Bone

Yes, it is low end $$$$ ( it's still $300 ) I would love to get my hands on one of the more expensive ones just to hear what they can do. Never had the Access to one.

My ART Tube MP pre-amp was less than or around $50 brand new.
 
Bob Bone
 

I am using an Octo Pre amp with 8 channels in addition to the vs700 inputs. I like the fact that there are physical knobs to turn on it. I still haven't figured out how to pre-define level and power for the vs700 inputs yet (maybe because I am lacy) so I think it is strange to have to set the level and phantom power each time I start a new project event though I want the same levels as last time for the different mics. Sound quality is quite good for both parts and integration is flawless.  

The Roland preamps are very good for a clean preamp.  If you want something ... different ... the best buy these days is the Warm Audio WA12.  It is an api-style design with a bit more of vintage tone thanks to neve cap.  The Tone Beast is more versatile with switchable caps, transformers and op-amps.  I've heard the ART, but I'm really only familiar with the cheap Preamp/DI model, which is fine clean but the starved plate tube I only liked on bass for that fluffy sound.  It is in my live kit now, but works well as a splitter.  The big difference in preamps is transformers, not tubes, and even then there isn't an immediate world of difference people hope for (except for placebo).  Not only do you have to have a good room and monitors to make use of higher end equipment, there is also the experience.  Your ears have to be trained.  But you can never develop those until you work w/ good stuff.  Catch 22.
 
I can't remember if the VS series have inserts on the preamps, but I think not.  It has been years since I had one to play w/.  But if it does, a better bet would be a compressor (or two!).  Again, the nicest one I've used at a reasonable price is Warm Audio's take on the 1176.  It has enough tone and can sound like all those all records in your collection on bass, vox and acoustic guitar.  Play with that and you'll understand how a compressor is supposed to sound, tone wise and envelope.  Forget about it on the mix bus so just get one and run acoustic stuff through it.  It does make a world of difference, and only runs $600 or so.
 
@

I'm using the focusrite Liquid Saffir 56 along with the V700 for 16 total inputs.

torerk
I still haven't figured out how to pre-define level and power for the vs700 inputs yet (maybe because I am lacy) so I think it is strange to have to set the level and phantom power each time I start a new project event though I want the same levels as last time for the different mics. 

Do yourself a favor...download the software Editor for the VS-700R I/O. Create a preset, load it when you start, done.

I'm using a ART DPS II connected to the VS-700R in Adat and also ART MPA Gold too

I have an Art Voice Channel.. and after swapping out the stock tube, with Mullard brand, I am totally digging it.. I know I can do just as much with plugins, but the real tube taste is there.. It has comp/gate, de-esser, ect ect.. I run it in the spdif input via coaxial.. Works great for me, especially for vox, and guitars..