If it's dog shit when you're recording it, it's probably gonna be dog shit when you've finished processing it all to hell. Only difference is it will probably have a few colorful sprinkles on it.
And another one...
Don't write checks your ass can't cash live!
Here's a gumby one for you:
The Motown Exciter/Compressor process ends up with an awful & annoying piece of poo IF you have ANY noise or hiss whatsoever on the vocal track.
If, however, the track is clean it can be almost miraculous.