The only way mic is hot enough to record is with boost in windows/audio properties/recording devices. The boost makes the mic very hot but It gives me a hiss I can't for the life of me, get rid of. The mic is a samson R11. Pretty good mic.
I've tried recording with very high input and playing back low enough to not hear hiss but to no avail. The louder I record the louder the hiss is.