[Darryl Ramm]

Some more basic info might help here.

Starting with how you are monitoring audio during recording or playback. And when you talk about volume are you talking about monitoring while tracking/recording or during playback? Or both?

What exact make/model monitors/speakers/headphones are you listening to and they have exactly what connection plugged into exactly what?

If you are using an aggregate device say so.

Vocals? Singing? Or spoken word/podcasting etc?

If something is clipping (or at least digital clipping) then the signal should be showing as hot input to Pro Tools. What is the exact input level you are getting in dBFS, with the meter in classic mode (not sure what meters options are First) and importantly the track in pre-fader metering mode. If any of those terms don't make sense look them up in the Pro Tools Reference Guide PDF.

USB microphones are frequently a waste of time, you are often much better off getting an interface and analog connected microphones.

Pro Tools First was a mess of a product, killed off for good reason. I would have moved onto Pro Tools Intro, or any other DAW.