Samson Q2U recording levels too quiet

Hi
Have Samson Q2U microphone plugged into Windows laptop via USB connector
Have set both Audacity recording level & microphone input volume in systems to 100%
Am speaking directly into the microphone from less than 3 inches away
Recoding level is still very quiet

I’m obviously missing something - can anyone advise what?
Thanks

That’s probably normal for that mic. USB mics are typically calibrated for low gain so you don’t clip (overload & distort) the analog-to-digital converter inside the mic with loud sounds. Some USB mics have higher sensitivity and a recording level knob.

You try Windows Microphone Boost. (I’m not sure if it works with USB mics.) Or you can always use the Audacity’s Amplify effect after recording.

Hi - many thanks.
It’s odd - I used exactly the same set up (mic / laptop etc) about a year ago to record an audiobook and i don’t remember having the same problem - but I guess amplify is the solution!
Cheers