Sly,

Re: Cheap and easy ways to eliminate breath sounds:

Work on breath control and phrasing in general. I used to "punctuate" lyric sheets with symbols for emphasis and for when to breathe in order to minimize breath sounds when performing and recording.

Develop the habit of averting your mouth from the microphone when you breathe in. Judicious use of a compressor set up as a gate can help.

A compressor with an EQ in the sidechain can be made to serve as a pop eliminator. You already have the plugins; search online to see how it's done. You can also get a simple passive device from Guitar Center and elsewhere for $50-$100, or make one from a coat hanger and pantyhose if you're not fussy.

HTH,

Richard

"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."