Talley,
Oh the fun has begun! I use one every week so if there is ever anything you need or any tips/tricks you want to ask about, PM me and I'll be glad to help. The plugins that come with the console, albeit different from the Mix Rack and DShow, are great. I have found that the Digi reverbs CAN sound good but with a lot of work. Smack is a good general compressor like Roland mentioned. With only 20 spots available, if you fill them with Digi plugs you will run out of DSP, I've done it. Personally, I would get the Waves Live and SSL bundles. You get great sounding reverbs, robust delays, multi band comps, fx and mods, and having the SSL channels and bus comp will give you everything you need. The only other plug that a lot of touring guys really like is Phoenix by Cranesong. But the Waves stuff is incredibly DSP efficient and sounds great without much work, even better when you dig in! Don't have much time with McDSP plugins, but I hear good things.
A fully loaded Waves desk will fit into anyone's rider, good luck!!
