Hi, thanks to all of you who are offering to help me. I've been asked to provide more info about my equipment, so here goes.
I'm using an M Audio Fast Track interface device, with an ElectroVoice RE-20 microphone. I'm told I don't need the phantom setting on because my mic is a dynamic one. On my mac, I have Adobe Audition CC and the free version of Audacity. I've used Audacity for years, and it's ok, but I needed to "up my game" with a program that does more because I'm doing my own editing and mastering.
I'm an audiobook narrator, so I'm speaking close to the mic (6" of so) in my home studio. Per the guidelines of the company I'm submitting the completed files to, the amplitude is between -24db and -18db.
Interestingly, when I record in Audacity, other than the floor hiss, ("white noise" sssssssss sound), the recording is not too bad...
When I record in Adobe Audition CC, there is a lot of crackling within the words in addition to the hiss.
I'm watching all of the tutorials I can; I want to know how to do this myself.
Thanks again, and I look forward to your replies.
Denise