Thank you all.

I do have a hardware compressor. Can someone refresh my memory about compression? Mine has the following settings:

Threshold- from -54 to zero
Ratio- 1to infinite, 1/8, 1/4,1/2
Attack 1.0 - 20.0
Level

I am not too worried about the singer hitting low volume notes, that need to be bumped up, as much as hitting those unexpected peaks. I used to just ride the volume sliders, but electronically, I should be able to respond faster with a compressor.

what are some "stock" settings for a starting point. And what would I increase to handle clip?

Thank you in advance.

Gene