recorded signal clips but it's still quiet

[Czyszy]

The signal is clipped as fuck. But it never reaches the top. Looks like there is built-in headroom. Turning the gain knob on my audio interface doesn't change that.

I have no clue why that is. Is is the cable? The interface preamp? The mic itself? What can I do to use 100% of the dynamic range when tracking?

[Daru925]

I think if you mix hardware and software, you have to make sure the signal isnt clipping at any point in the chain (unless you want that clipping sound)