Low input volume recorded through an SM57 into a Line 6 Pod: Help Appreciated

[skull-wart]

At the mo' I'm using a Line 6 Pod UX2, but I can't seem to get the input volume from the sm57 I'm using to be high enough. The SM57 is recording a Peavey JSX through a Marshall cabinet but it's at a fairly low volume. The Line 6 Pod seems to be temperamental though, as at one point the the input volume was incredibly high to the point where you could hear yourself speaking clearly across the room, yesterday the volume wasn't half that high and today it seems even lower.

So seeing as it is so temperamental I though maybe I'd just buy a different USB interface? The Line 6 Pod has all these different modelling options for guitar tones that I don't use, I only use the mic input and the tuner. Seeing as I record at semi-low volume* I'd want to make sure that I don't end up having the same low input volume problems. Basically I'm looking for USB mic interface with one input, at a fairly decent price** that can record a amp-head and cabinet at a moderate volume. I've had a look at a few but I really don't know if I'd be buying something duff or good value, so any help is much appreciated

*Semi-low volume: It's not that low really, it's just not crushingly loud. If needs be I can turn it up a lot more, but seeing as I could possibly record at a lower volume that would be much more convenient.
** Decent Price: I bought the Line 6 Pod UX2 second hand for around £80 - so If I sell that I could spend a little bit more. What I'm looking for with just the one input should cost much though surely.

Edit: just noticed it's linking the Line 6 Pod, but not the UX2 model?

 

[mjbphotos]

Look at the Steniberg UR22, the Scarlett 2i2 - both have 2 inputs/2 simultaneous track capbility, but you may want that ability in the future.

Note that you may be trying to track too loudly. You have not mentioned what DAW you are using, but you should be tracking in the -18 to -12 dB range.

 

[ecc83]

+1 for the Steinberg.
Probably a bit cheaper, has better DI input headroom, has MIDI and comes with Cubase "lite".

The single mic input interfaces are usually crap and in anycase you will kick yourself for not buying a "stereo" interface once you start doing even slightly serious work.

Dave.

 

[skull-wart]

The average volume on the recording that was louder was about -19db I think. I'll have a look at the Steinberg, midi sounds kind of cool as I'm looking to buy a drum kit for to start practising that too. Anyone got any other suggestions for reference?

Oops and I'm using an old, old version of Cubase that my Dad had!

 

[kip4]

I'd suggest tracking a little hotter (turn the amp up a touch) as MJB suggested.
Increasing the signal to noise ratio will overcome the background (mic/interface) noise a bit.