CC 2019 Waveform is limiting to -6

Hello.

I've recorded dozens of audiobooks with these settings, and this is a first.
I create an audio file (in waveform mode), and start recording.
All interface and mic settings are the same as always, yet the waveform is limiting at -6 dB.
The sound will still clip audibly, if I raise my voice into the mic, but the meter doesn't show it clipping (it maxes out at -6 also), and as you can see in the attached screenshot, the waveform is limited at -6 dB.

Any ideas about where to start troubleshooting this?

Thanks,

George