Trying to record a simple mono file from microphone

I have a Shure MV7X microphone => Cloud Lifter => Port 2 front panel Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen.

All I want to do is record a mono .wav file from this microphone. (Then do a little basic post in Adobe Audition, then import that into Digital Performer.)

I'm spinning my wheels. I've tried:

* Audio Hardware = MME, Default input = Microphone (2 Microphone). This works except that the signal levels are mediocre at best.

* Audio Hardware = Focusrite USB ASIO. So then I choose Preferences | Audio Channel Mapping, and File Channles 2 => Input 2. 

If I do FIle | New | Audio file, my options are File Name, Sample Rate, Channels (I pick 'mono'), BIt depth, but nothing about selecting a particular input port.

If I do File | New | MultiTrack Session, I can crank up the input gain (but Focusrite Control shows PLENTY of input signal) and get it to work. I haven't done it yet, but presumably I'd export this one track (of 8!) to a proper mono .wav file?

Is this really what I have to do to recrod one stinkin' mono audio file?