Wow, I had no idea there were so many musicians here. I've been playing guitar & bass since '75, and have been a sound engineer for 14 years. (Never had a "real" job).
Welcome, UP Steve. Avoid compression ratios above 3:1!
Welcome aboard, Steve. You'll find this forum a much more relaxed place to share your ideas and ask questions. I'd also like to point out that there is ofen someone in the chatroom, ready to "shoot the breeze".