I’m not exactly sure what you mean by specs. I’m running Windows 8.1 and Cubase Elements 8.
I’ve used Shure SM57’s and an Apex381. I never have a problem with levels when recording guitar, bass, keyboard, etc, but my vocals are always so quiet. I run them as hot as possible and I still have to force my voice in order to be heard, resulting in unnatural takes. I’ve had a similar problem while recording an upright piano, but recording two mics in stereo has seemed to give me just barely enough volume to be usable.
Perhaps the microphones are indeed the problem, as you guys have mentioned.