Every one using a microphone needs at least a preamp before hitting the interface. Some people might use a compression or eq before going in the box, I dont simply because I dont have anyout board gear so I use plugins.

If a microphone is involved, a preamp must be involved. Compression on the way in the computer I usually just use on vocals or maybe bass.

I'll use some gentle compression on vocals & bass as they're tracked if it's nessesary... i usually save compression on drums for the plugins. All delay/modulation fx are done via software as well...