Garageband vocal audio track "Record Level" slider greyed out.

Using Focusrite Clarett 4PreUSB interface with garageband with an old 2015 Monterey Mac. Midi keyboard interface stereo mono outputs, volume knobs, input levels for instruments, and, originally, audio/vocal input/output levels all working just fine. However, recently under "Recording Settings", having selected proper audio input from interface, configuring track to include "Record Enable", checking Mac's Security microphone settings to allow garageband, seeing input/volume response accurately... the "Record Level" slider and "Automatic Level Control" check box are greyed out, unusable. As well, I'm getting a feint output from the mic, depite plenty of signal appearing in the track waves, even clipping if i push it. Volume does not effect the loudness, and adjusting gain just clips.

Any help? Thank you...