Several questions about my recording audio

I am trying to record audio using the MAX4466 op-amp and VS1053 shield that I bought from Kynix. I am able to record audio by connecting OUT --> MICP, GND --> MICN, GND -> GND.

 

The recorded audio seems to have a very low gain i.e. I am barely able to hear what has been recorded in a room. I tried varying the gain using a potentiometer. The recordings are generally noisy so I’m not able to listen to what is actually being recorded.

 

The recordings are marred by some noise (Link for the sample). While I am not trying to achieve high quality audio using an arduino + a breakout on a breadboard, I would like to record any conversation within a few feet (of course with the consent of people being recorded).

 

My questions are:

 

a) How do I avoid the noise that is affecting the quality of the recording?

b) How do I improve the gain of the recording so that I am able to hear something when I play the recorded file?

c) If it is not possible using the MAX4466 breakout, is there an alternative to record the audio?

It will be best to post your question at a forum that specialises in audio applications as the forums here only provides user help for Corsair related audio products.