Fat Sound, Maximizing levels in a DJ mix Options

[KarlBakker]

I am a DJ who uses a Hi-Fi CD recorder (Pioneer) to record continuous dance music mix sets. The sound quality is very good, but I want to get that Fat Sound you hear on professional Mix CDs.

I have tried the Limiter, Compressor and the Normalizer in Pro Tools (Free) but are unhappy with the result. Everything I try seems to result in a quieter, duller and less dynamic sound, which is the opposite of what I am trying to achieve. When I use a compressor, I cannot get the Gains anywhere near 0db without clipping.

Also, I only run a Mac Titanium.
Can anyone suggest a better approach?
Does anyone know of an inexpensive software option like Sonic Forges Wave Hammer but for the Mac?

Cheers
DJ Anton

[KarlBakker]

Thanks for all the great advice. I am currently trying out some of the suggested software options.

Can anyone suggest a decent hardware set up? I have a Mac Titanium G4 and want to try out programs like Reason and Live! on top of the usual audio editors (Pro Tools, Peak and Sound Studio). There seems to be a confusing array of USB devices, external controllers, and external hard drives, but they all work against the portable go anywhere simplicity of a laptop.

I am by no means a producer, but I am a pretty active Breaks/Techouse dj and definitely want to switch it up a bit! So I already have the necessary equipment - Technics decks, Pioneer mixer, Numark CDs and Pioneer recorder.

I want to be able to use my computer to perform and record live.

Cheers
DJ Anton
Chicago