Where are you setting your input levels?
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I find that setting my interface level such that the daw channel meter maxes at about 80-85%, and leaving the BIAS/FX input level at 5 (noon) is ideal for my [gain] tone. Bolder tones strumming, and chewier single notes, clearer all round. Raising the level on either squashes it a little, and makes the attack clickier. Sustain is greater, though.... I also have to use higher threshold settings, and 'mute' on the gate pedal, whereas with the above settings I can have it on 'reduction' (which I prefer because the attack is rounder).
Where are you settings things, especially Bias/FX?