I'd use an outboard compressor/pre amp rack combo.
I use the Joe Meek VCQ1 and have no need for anything else. In 20 years I ll have a Vintage piece everyone will want . LOL
It depends on your budget. My first set up was an ART MP and Levler Combo (about $200 then) until I bought the Meek.

On the Sw side I have it all and prefer the Waves Para EQ and the L2 i for some (Low CPU overhead) and Lexicon Pantheon Verb.

I like the Timeworks compressor better than the waves.

I'll have to check out the timeworks plugins :D

Since I can't afford a good compressor should I not even bother using plugins while I'm tracking?

thanks again

IM not sure really. Perhaps someone with experience doing that could offer more information.

mcmilliron wrote: I'll have to check out the timeworks plugins :D

Since I can't afford a good compressor should I not even bother using plugins while I'm tracking?

thanks again

Your best bet may be to just get the hottest levels you can to tape (read: your track) and use a good plug-in after the fact to get what you want. If you use the plug-in while tracking you may get some serious latency issues. Use a pop-screen to reduce the plosives; that will cut down some transient peaks as well.

analog compression rules...

but when it comes to plugs i prefer bombfactory...

As far as the Waves compressors go, I think the Renaissance sounds the best.

But I have much better results with my analog compressor.

I like the Renaissance Comp also, but always apply it after tracking. You can't take it back after tracking with it..............

I love the RVox..has a built in gate that I find very useful.

Typically I would prefer external compressors myself as this way you can listen without latency. Using plug ins can and will create latency which can throw a vocalist off.

Just remember that the recording isn't compressed when using a plug in during recording, it's only affecting the output and not the input so to speak!

I also agree that the RComp is a great compressor as well!

Opus :D

I like the Timeworks compressor for bass guitar & overheads more than vocals. I generally use the Sonalksis SV-315 or the Anwidasoft CX1V compressors for vocals with better results.