recording has no audio when using external Mic

Recording a meeting using external mic doesn't record the voice, despite testing confirming the right set up , and the mic icon is a headset.

I have a MAC, and external Mic is Audio Technica

In settings I have done the following:

1. Set external Mic as input in Sound

2. In Mic in the privacy,  I have given access to zoom

When recording, the mic icon is a headset. I select the arrow next to it and I set the audio to point to the external mic. 

When I press record it say no audio and asks me to join, and test which I do and still no sound on the recording.

I have tried recording to cloud as well as computer

I have disconnected the mic, cleared the cache and nothing works.

I managed to make the external mic work when recording while testing prior to a meeting. On meeting day, I tested it again and it records without sound. I have read all the help material and tried everything

Appreciate your help as its driving me mad as I've tried everything