Use serial compression

On heavily dynamic signals like guitars and vocals, which go from loud, powerful spikes to low, detailed moments, try serial compression. This uses multiple compressors for different jobs. You might use a fast compressor, possibly with Lookahead engaged, to clamp down on the spikiest parts of the signal with a high Ratio and Threshold. Then, your ‘character compressor’ is engaged over the newly tamed signal, bringing together the spikes and details in a highly musical type of compression. A characterful analogue-style compressor works well for this stage, with slow attack and release times, and low ratio and threshold settings.