hi, we're in the vein as you as far as recording. except we haven't
been picked up yet. i would highly recommend the waves plugins for use
with the 002, i have an 002 rack, and I use the 3.5 version of the
waves plugins (haven't upgraded yet) and i can get the sounds I want.
as far as the over driven lo-fi sound, i would recommend using a decent
pre like a api 312 or neve 1073 clone and recording it very hot almost
clipping and then compress it hard. check out the brent averill series
of preamps. i know this is poor recording technique, but you have to
experiment to get your sound. i've had good luck with the RNC and dbx
160. I also have heard my friends recording with the distressor, and
it sounded beautiful.

i think that if i were you however, i would save your money, track
everything very clean, and spend the extra dough to mix and master with
a producer/engineer who works in YOUR genre. i had the same problem. i
took our recordings to an engineer to mix it, and he was very qualified
for traditional rock sound, but for the indie rock sound we wanted, he
just didn't get it right. good luck.

when it really comes down to it, microphone placement, not recording
too hot to prevent digital clipping, and a good mixing ear is what
makes the recording really come to life.

if you want to hear the sounds of my band, check it out at
http://www.purevolume.com/flyingdouglas all was recorded in a garage
recording studio by me with 002Rack, and less than exciting array of
equipment.

steve rude