I was wondering if any of you prefer using the (insert) send/receive on the Tonebeast to connect your compressor and or Eq and why. My understanding is when using the (insert) send/receive the signal is inserted after the input transformer, Pad, polarity, Tone and amplifire selections but before the output tranformer. The insert is also unbalanced.
What would you say the pro and con would be using the insert?

The inserts are a way to add EQ or Comp to the  sound coming in from the pre as you are using it, rather than lining up hardware in/outs.  It is a convenience, that is all.  With a patchbay, no need to use inserts.  And as you noted, they are unbalanced, which is usually not a problem but can be.

if I remember right ... plugging into the insert breaks the connection to the preamp, which probably makes sense from a design point of view, but caused issues when connected via a patchbay i.e. permanent connection of insert to patchbay in case you may need it did no longer allow to use the preamp section; so since I need the preamp and not the insert and the unit is rackmounted, thus hard to get to the back, the insert functionality is of no use to me ...

I appreciate the info. Thanks