Hi. First off, people need to understand that "serial compression" (compression applied at different stages...say when recording and then again when mixing) is absolutely fine. Digital converters and analog inputs tend to work better when you "hit" them with a solid signal, and this is not because the DP32 is somehow lacking...this applies in almost ALL circumstances and recording setups. Of course all compressors are not created equal and a $2,000 1176 is going to give a different result than a $200 (or less) VCA type compressor...but you can still get a noticeable benefit when recording mic'd sources by compressing before recording (putting a compressor in the input signal chain outside the machine). This is probably even more the case with vocals than other mic'd sources. Take for example a typical overdriven guitar...the amp itself is decreasing the dynamic range of the guitar by being overdriven...in effect a type of compression. Typical synth/sampler type sounds you get in modern keyboards are really already processed/optimnized in a studio when they record the original samples. Vocals need help to sit well in a mix made up of these other sources, and compression is that "help".
Specifically as to your question about phantom power, there are two ways to handle this. First off, there are so-called "vocal channel" type boxes that have a combination preamp and compression (sometimes also EQ etc.) and even phantom power onboard. You can look at these, ask others which ones work and do a little online research for your budget...some are very good and some are "not so good". You can also get simple "phantom power boxes" in single or multi channel configurations to run your mics outside of the machine's phantom power. ***You can also plug directly into the machine and use the onboard phantom to power your condenser mic and then run the mic'd signal to an outboard compressor using a "send/return" type signal path as you would for effects and "print" the returning signal with compression. I think it's better and simpler to compress "going in", but there are ways to do this other than that way.
***With no inserts at the inputs, you may wind up sending a "preamped signal" to a preamp, so some twiddling with the input controls of the machine and the output controls of either a compressor or a "vocal channel" will be necessary to get the best results...but that's no big deal. ***I'm not recommending any particular unit, but the ART Prochannel II is a good way to have everything you need for mic'd recording in a single package and costs about the same or less than a decent condenser mic. I'm not sure if it has built-in phantom power, so check that, but a separate phantom box is like $25 or so. Yes...this will make your setup a little more complex, but recording vocals without this stuff will necessarily negatively affect the final product. Is it necessary?...NO Will it help take your recordings to the next step?...YES (if you record vocals).
