Look into quality pre's. Very important in the chain. I like the POD pro's for guitar and bass as well. Get a rackmount tuner! A good power conditioner.

Depends on how you're recording...

I was just going to go with one of those cheap furman conditioners, should I avoid those?

I'm running everything through a Firepod so I don't really want or need alot of stuff, it's just I'm finding I need an outboard compressor for vocals and such and am wondering if I am missing any other essentials.

A quality pre or two is certainly a must for your chain, even more than the compressor IMO.

For now, the Firepod more than suites my needs in a pre. However I plan, when needs and money allow, to acquire a quality pre or two.

Also, I see you're in Whittier. I'm in La Mirada and am wondering if you know of any good audio shops around the area.