I was thinking that if I keep my 18i20 preamps as low as they go, that it would keep any coloration from my 18i20 as low as possible and the primary conditioning would be from my ART Pro II that's connected to my 18i20.
I find that I must use the preamps in the 18i20 in addition to the ART preamp to get my input signal to my DAW up enough.

Any advice is appreciated.

I'm currently trying to use my new RODE NT1 microphone to record into ableton. I am using a Scarlett Focusrite 2i4 as my audio interface. I am aware of the need for phantom power and have the '48v' button switched on on my interface. Although I have the phantom power on the interface seems to be receiving no signal from the microphone.

HI,
All the while, I recorded my vocal & instruments like guitar directly from the Mics (condenser & dynamic) to the Audio Interface.