Have you ever considered using analog compression?

DBX 160A baby!

Check out these reviews:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/160A/reviews/#anchor

I own a DBX 1066, I like what people are saying about the 160A!

Best part is you can either run it through the inserts 1+2 on the back of the presonus firestudio you have or as a I/O plug in through Logic.

I use the stock Logic compressor but have grown to dislike the sterile digital compression, try analog. It rocks! More bang for you buck IMO.

Running a small amount of compression before you hit the A/D actually increases your dynamic range.

Of course you cannot recall it, but once you have tried it a few times and get the hang of it you can keep it on the conservative side and there are no worries.

Edit: I just remembered that the fire pod/ fire box don't come with inserts. Not sure if Logic Express has I/O plug in.

logic's plugins are one of the best integrated plugs.

i use the compressor and the fatEQ a lot. space designer and delay designer are also very powerful tools.

though i do use 3rd party plugs for my main tracks most of the time. but used right you can make really good recordings with logic's effects.

Logic's compressor is great, especially some of the boutique emulations.

My only gripe is the some/most of the presets have auto-gain engaged, it changes the expected behavior.

So I usually start with a clean slate, and start tweaking.

The Multipressor, and Adaptive Limiter are good for mixing.

8-) 8)