Eric,

How do I maintain a good level while avoiding digital overs on such an
explosive technique

The easy answer is you should record at a lower level. Unless you're using
some really old 10- or 12-bit recorder, simply record with an average level
of -15 or even -20 if that's what it takes to not distort. Even at -20 I'm
pretty sure the ambient noise in the room will be greater than the residual
noise in the recorder.

Of course, you can patch in a peak limiter to catch the transients and
reduce them by maybe 3-5 dB on the way to the recorder. That buys you only
3-5 dB more headroom, but limiting much more than that will probably affect
the sound more than you'd like.

--Ethan