Hardware Pre channel strip vs Interface Pre -> DAW channel strip

[tothemax]

Can someone provide a basic explanation of the difference between using a hardware pre (for example: Warm Audio WA73-EQ) verses the preamps on the USB interface. I get that the hardware preamp is going to be higher quality and deliver a better signal. My question regards getting the signal to the DAW. My assumption is that it will be passed through a line in port on the interface, and for example with my interface, a Tascam US 16x08 and has 6 balanced (TRS) line in ports. The signal will still be passed through the interface circuitry to the DAW.
The question comes up when I'm watching YouTubes and I see signal chains are all going through these outboard Pre\EQ channel strips rather than direct to the USB interface with software EQ (and compression). Just trying the understand the differences. Thanks in advance...

 

[silky smoove]

There’s functionally no difference. Some preamps sound different than others and that can be an asset when tracking. Most interfaces use discrete and entirely linear preamps that sound the same regardless of how hard you hit them. Some outboard preamps are more reactive to input levels which can be a benefit or a problem when tracking.

As a real world example; I have lots of channels of colorful, highly reactive preamps, but I also keep eight channels of completely linear preamps for times when I don’t want the added color and just need something linear and stable. Different tools for the same basic job.