The summary of the issue is I can't hear my voice loud enough through my AKG headphones when I speak to the at2020 mic connected to the UCX.
I end up turning the gain in totalmix to about 1 o clock n also push the mic fader a little below max. But when I do this I hear a lot of environment sound along with my voice.I hear far off sounds n low cpu fan sound amplified to distracting levels.Do I need an headphone amp or better mic or cable or just sound isolation in my studio or is it something else? Thanks in advance

This isn't a gear related problem.
 
If your studio's background noise is super audible/distracting when setting the mic's gain high enough for actual recording, you've got to fix the problem (noise) at the source.
 
A mic like the SM7b will pick up less room noise than a condenser... but it won't eliminate it completely.
 

Jim Roseberry
This isn't a gear related problem.
 
If your studio's background noise is super audible/distracting when setting the mic's gain high enough for actual recording, you've got to fix the problem (noise) at the source.
 
A mic like the SM7b will pick up less room noise than a condenser... but it won't eliminate it completely.
 

Ok that is something I wanted to confirm.
I know it's subjective but how high is the mic  gain set usually for recording.I dial in around 40 to 45db on the gain knob in totalmix to be able to hear my voice (while the mic fader is set  almost to the top)

Do you have phantom power turned on for the channel you're using?

Don't forget the built in expander and compressor on the UCX. Use the auto level to set the gain. Raise the level and suppress the noise with the FX.

SF_Green
Do you have phantom power turned on for the channel you're using?

Yes I do.
<p>

Jim Roseberry</p> <p>This isn't a gear related problem.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If your studio's background noise is super audible/distracting when setting the mic's gain high enough for actual recording, you've got to fix the problem (noise) at the source.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A mic like the SM7b will pick up less room noise than a condenser... but it won't eliminate it completely.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br />

<br />Ok that is something I wanted to confirm.</p> <p>I know it's subjective but how high is the mic &nbsp;gain set usually for recording.I dial in around 40 to 45db on the gain knob in totalmix to be able to hear my voice (while the mic fader is set &nbsp;almost to the top)</p>

SF_Green
Do you have phantom power turned on for the channel you're using?

Yes I do.
<p>

Jim Roseberry</p> <p>This isn't a gear related problem.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If your studio's background noise is super audible/distracting when setting the mic's gain high enough for actual recording, you've got to fix the problem (noise) at the source.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A mic like the SM7b will pick up less room noise than a condenser... but it won't eliminate it completely.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br />

<br />Ok that is something I wanted to confirm.</p> <p>I know it's subjective but how high is the mic &nbsp;gain set usually for recording.I dial in around 40 to 45db on the gain knob in totalmix to be able to hear my voice (while the mic fader is set &nbsp;almost to the top)</p>

gswitz
Don't forget the built in expander and compressor on the UCX. Use the auto level to set the gain. Raise the level and suppress the noise with the FX.

You mean use the eq to suppress the noise ? Wondering how compressor can do that.

No, when you aren't talking into the Mic, the noise floor will be below some threshold. You can use the expander to quiet the Mic when you aren't singing below that threshold.

This is a great way to control feedback when the band stops. Sometimes when the band stops, feedback can occur. So, try it. :-)

I might use high pass on the EQ to reduce rumble. I would not usually try to EQ out noise above 80, except notching for feedback control.

I have an AT 2020 and yes they pick up everything in the room. I don't use it for my vocals as my room has a little bit of fan noise and I didn't like the way it exaggerated my breathing. I'm using a Beta 58 with much better results for now. Someday I'll find something better but LDC just don't work well in an untreated room...You can make a little soundproof cage out of foam or blankets.