I'm no expert, but i got a TL Fat 1 valve compressor that I run stuff through an it works a treat, best 200 quid I ever spent! I know what u mean about computers thou - n I haven't got any money to buy good plugins either, but the best results I've had with what I've got is that Ohmforce Fromaghe plugin. What do u use to get ur synth sounds by the way?