Ideal levels for recording spoken word

I want to record some screen recorded videos with iShowU, import them into FCP and record narration over them. I will be using a Countryman headset mic plugged into a mixer that will be plugged into my Macpro.
1.) Is there any reason to record my narration in any program other than FCP using the Voice Over tool?
2.) From what I have read, the ideal average levels for spoken word is around -12db. Should I be concerned if I am hitting below this while recording and only sometimes reaching -12db? Or is this something I can just adjust in FCP? OR should I try to average -12db when recording my narration?
Thanks!!!

I'm with David on this. My sweet spot for peaks is in the -6 to -3 range as well. I'm talking about ideal for "recording" your VO, not necessarily for delivering a final mix to the client as already mentioned.
When you record anything through a microphone, there will be a noise floor to contend with. Even the quietest recording studios with the best isolation and the quietest mic preamps have noise and hum at some level. So it's critical for us without ideal recording environments to keep our recording levels as hot as possible without clipping in order to achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio. If you record something too low, and bring it up in post, you will be bringing up the noise floor along with the signal.
Eddie

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