ok we need to go back a few steps here. something that really needs to be clarified on this board and i dont think has really been laid out- the difference between line level and mic level. mic level is what the mic picks up with no gain whatsoever, and line level is what you get when gain is applied.
think of it this way- think about a 1" pipe. when water flows through at its own pace it is at mic level. when you start to apply pressure and force you are adding gain- bringing it up to line level. Now in terms of clipping think about adding too much force and standing with your face kinda close to the end of the pipe. you dont want to add too much pressure or else you will get hit in the eye with water.
OK, sorry for the diatribe, but its something that I felt needed to be explained on here somewhere.