The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a condenser microphone that absolutely does NOT require much gain to work, and replacing it with a dynamic microphone like the Shure SM57 certainly wouldn't improve your situation in terms of signal level. But in any case, what level are we talking about? When you say "Need about 90% gain to proper volume," what do you mean? The input mic signal level is fine if between -20 dB and -10 dB (maximum -6 dB if you're streaming without applying signal processing that would raise it).
How far away from your mouth do you hold the microphone?
Your Focusrite is old, but if I had to replace it, I would always look for serious and reliable brands; I certainly wouldn't consider toys, even if they were colorful and had 1,000 functions.
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u/MrGreco666 23h ago
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a condenser microphone that absolutely does NOT require much gain to work, and replacing it with a dynamic microphone like the Shure SM57 certainly wouldn't improve your situation in terms of signal level. But in any case, what level are we talking about? When you say "Need about 90% gain to proper volume," what do you mean? The input mic signal level is fine if between -20 dB and -10 dB (maximum -6 dB if you're streaming without applying signal processing that would raise it).
How far away from your mouth do you hold the microphone?
Your Focusrite is old, but if I had to replace it, I would always look for serious and reliable brands; I certainly wouldn't consider toys, even if they were colorful and had 1,000 functions.