MF-P01 Portastudio and starter kit.

[gsokolow]

I just received the MF-P01 Portastudio and starter kit.
Here's the question (or questions)

When setting the recording level for direct input, such a cable from my acoustic/electric directly into the mic/line jack I have so problem setting the appropriate recording level. With the loudest sound I want it is a +6 on the Rec Level indicator. At that point I usually have the Input Level Fader at 5 or 6.

However, when I try to use the microphone that came with the kit (the Teac TM-77) I have to adjust the Input Level Fader to 10 and I have to make a really loud sound before I briefly see the +6 on the Rec Level Indicator.

I listened to the recording and it sounds OK, but I have to turn the recorded Track's Level Controls all the way up to make if "hold its own" with the other track recordings.

Is that the way it's supposed to be?
Should the Microphone be a closer?
Is the microphone defective?

I just got the machine last night and I've never done this before so excuse my ignorance.