recording and playback volume levels too low

[Susan24769486uh5w]

I have looked at the other posts regarding this issue and am still not able to solve  low volume levels without adjusting the Loudness meter every time I record or turn the gain up on my PreSonus to 9 where ambiant noise is filtering in. 

I am a VO actor and am using a Shure SM7B mic with a Cloudlifter.  My interface is PreSonus audiobox USB 96.  

Thankyou for your assistance.

Best,

Susan

[SteveG_AudioMasters_]

How far are you from the mic? Do you have a quiet voice? It's worth noting that the SM7B is designed to be a close-working mic, so it you are trying to use it at what we might call a 'normal' distance of 9-10", then you'll get rather less output from it - resulting in the need to increase the gain. And this inevitably means that you'll pick up more ambient sound as well.

[SuiteSpot]

The most important thing is a good gain structure and a clear signal and once captured it can be adjusted but it is very hard to offer further assistance without an example

[Susan24769486uh5w]

Thank you both for your replies!

I am 2-3 inches away from the mic and off axis to lesson sibilance and plosives.  My voice volume is at a 4 on a scale of 1-10 (1 being a whisper, and 10 yelling).  I am purposely not projecting to allow an intimate quality that audiobooks prefer.  I have attached an MP3 where I am switching the mic performance to bass rolloff, factory default flat line, and presence boost.  With this sample I have not adjusted the loudness meter at all.  My mic is a Shure SM7B with a Cloudlifter, and using a PreSonus Audiobox USB 96.  The gain is set around 8 and not clipping.  I don't think I am hearing ambient noise with the gain this high, and I think it is now loud enough in playback for editing purposes.  I would love to hear your thoughts and any more suggestions.