Recording input volume extremely low

Hi, though I'm not necessarily a newbie to Sonar, I feel like it sometimes.  Especially with the new X1 interface.  However, my question is pretty basic and seems like it should be simple but I'm stumped!!
 
dedicated DAW running Win7, 64-bit; simple vocal mic into a PreSonus Firebox, then into DAW using firewire.  Firebox input channel knob max. volume, Firebox main volume max.  Sonar X1 default settings with sliders at -0-  Even set 48v phantom on and used Firebox control panel to add 10db to the input.  With all that I still have to practically shout into the mic with it practically inside my mouth to get even a modest recording volume??
 
Can't figure out what is throttling down my volume since it's such a minimal and simple signal flow - mic to digital interface to DAW.  Nothing fancy, yet the audio signal barely gets to -12 with everything maxed and me yelling.
 
Any ideas on what to look for would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks,    Jerry

One of the key factors remains unknown to us: What is the mic?

Secondly: I don't remember what kind of settings the W7 mixer has. Check that just in case...

Hey folks, sorry for the delay in responding.  I really appreciate the feedback.  Here’s a little more info addressing your comments…
Jhughs – the mic is an AKG D4400, similar to Shure SM-57
                  I verified sample rates are same in Sonar and Firebox
                  No pad switch on mic
                  In Presonus mixer, all seems ok – default settings has all inputs selected and set to -0- (full)
 
KRantaaho –
Mic is AKG D4400;  I’ve looked at Control Panel / Sounds, but if there is another place to check Win7 mixer settings, I’m open to suggestions.
 
Digi2ns –
                 Good point!  Today I’ll try other mic’s and cables, attempting to isolate the issue.
 
To all – last week I connected my laptop with Sonar 8.5.3 to a Zoom H4n (used as audio interface).  Experimented a little and found that even with Zoom recording volume set to 5 (of 100), when I spoke into the mics, the audio signal in Sonar was strong and full, even close to clipping if I spoke loudly.  Also a Win7 O/S.  I guess the benefit of that exercise for me was to remind myself, I actually do know how to use the products.  So, now on troubleshooting 101, exchanging components one at a time to see what, if anything, makes the difference – first, mic, then cable, then audio interface, etc…
 
I really appreciate your comments and if someone has any further idea, feel free to share.
 
jgiles

Well, in case anyone's following this thread - here's the results of my testing today... used my Zoom H4n as audio interface replacing the Firebox.  All else the same; same mic, cable, computer, software (Sonar), Win7 settings, everything except used Zoom in interface mode.  The zoom has nice recording gain feature using rocker button. You can set the recording input volume anywhere between 1 and 100.  Even at 1, a signal can come through and at 3-4, my audio signature in the Sonar audio clip was larger than the maximum I'm getting through the Firebox.  At volume = 50, I can cause clipping just speaking into the mic at 1-2 inches away.  Could at best get a -20somethingDB signal by eating the mic with the Firebox.  Really at a loss to understand what's going on and keeping me from getting a robust signal using the Presonus device.  I've submitted a tech support request from PreSonus - don't know if they'll be able to help??  Thanks again....jg

jbellman - any luck?

Sorry I've been away, was hoping you'd having this solved.  You've done a good job ruling stuff out, which is progress (even if frustrating).

First, you shouldn't need phantom power for that mic.

Can you see levels in the Presonus mixer?

In Sonar, when you select the input for the track, are you able to see and select Mic1, Mic2, Line3 or Line4?