CEP compression doesn't work when you're recording - it is applied to already recorded tracks. If you want to compress what you're tracking (very useful on vocals, for example), you're going to have to get some outboard gear - either a compressor or a channel strip with a compressor function. Having said that, you might want to listen to some of the stuff Emeric's done, which is posted in the mp3 clinic - he recorded all his drums without any compression, just painstaking mic placement and attention to levels.
Recording hot and not clipping? See above - either careful playing plus attention to levels (getting the signal as hot as you can without clipping) or using a bit of compression. One more thing - what bitdepth are you recording at? If you're recording at 24-bit, you've got way more headroom to play around with, and you can ease back on the levels thereby avoiding clipping, and still get the sound recorded decently. If you're recording at 16-bit, by contrast, you've got way less headroom to work with, and you have to get those levels right up near 0 dB, which greatly increases the chances of clipping.
As for the other problems, it could easily be mic placement in the room you're using, and what you're doing (or not doing) with EQ during and after recording.
BTW, I responded to your email, but it got bounced back to me as being undeliverable. Don't worry, I didn't have anything useful to say.
