Help with Audio Levels

[VoxDeos]

I have checked all the settings that you have, and they are literally identical.

I am ready to through the mic out the window soon. I have been trying to fix this issue for going on a second week.
I can't even record my auditions.

[steve]

Nobody seems to have mentioned the obvious - have you switched on the phantom power on the AudioBox?

[VoxDeos]

Steve,

If you are referring to the 48v button (a.k.a phantom power), then yes.
I appreciate that though. Like you said, sometimes, it's the obvious thing being overlooked.

[PGA]

Throughout this dialogue, VoxDeos has always spoken of a USB AudioBox. Everyone else seems to have been talking about an AudioBox that is analogue connected. Has somebody overlooked something - or have I totally misunderstood one or both parties?

[VoxDeos]

PGA,

I am using a PreSonus Audiobox USB interface. I think, not 100% sure, but, everyone is speaking about the same thing, even though they don't state the full name.

[steve]

Ignoring Audacity for a moment, with the microphone plugged into mic input 1 of the PreSonus Audiobox, phantom power switched on, Channel 1 input level turned up to maximum, you should be able to make the channel 1 "clip" light flash on (indicating that the signal level is too high). Does that happen?

[VoxDeos]

Steve,

That isn't happening. Just as you mentioned I have everything setup like that. I do know for 100% that it isn't the internal mic on the laptop that is being picked up, because when I get closer to the external mic, the audacity software is seeing a spike in the db level.

[kozikowski]

And just to cover another not-so-obvious operational item. From the Submittal Sheet:

The AT2020 is a side-address fixed-charge condenser microphone with a
cardioid polar pattern.

That means although it looks like you should be talking into the round end of the microphone, you should be talking into the side with the name. I can't tell from the pictures what the back looks like. If you talk into the back by accident, most of your voice will be lost. I don't know what happens into you talk into the round top, but I suspect nothing good.

Koz

[VoxDeos]

Koz,

I think I will try that one idea you just said. Previously, I had not changed the direction I talked to. However where it says "BACK" it is directly facing away from me. I will try and move the mic around and see if that might be the issue. I really am of the opinion now that you said that, that this is the problem.

And just to cover another not-so-obvious operational item. From the Submittal Sheet:

The AT2020 is a side-address fixed-charge condenser microphone with a
cardioid polar pattern.

That means although it looks like you should be talking into the round end of the microphone, you should be talking into the side with the name. I can't tell from the pictures what the back looks like. If you talk into the back by accident, most of your voice will be lost. I don't know what happens into you talk into the round top, but I suspect nothing good.

Koz

[VoxDeos]

Hallelujah.

I think it was a two fold problem. The mic was slightly angled the wrong way, and the mainline input I thought I had put up was in fact the Main not the Input 1 Mic Level. I am clipping and everything seems to be working.

I hope in no way I inconvenienced anyone with my ignorance.

I really appreciate everyones help. If ever the issues arise, I will trouble-shoot all the points that were made.