Anyone have a lot of experience recording vocals at home? I've got a pretty good Audio Technica microphone, and I'm just wondering what people do to get a good "presence" so that the vocals stand out. I don't want to just crank the volume, because that doesnt have the same effect.

Also, i can run the mic through several effects on my Digitech GNX3 pedal, but was wondering if using a "mic preamp" is required. Is that what really gives the vocals an authentic sound? I'll be recording the vocals dry, and would like to know if there are any effects that are used in pretty much every recording. Vocals are so much harder to record and getting them to sound as good/pro as a studio recording. I've gotten everything else on my recordings to sound PRO!

Thanks in advance

-kami