My usual chain for extreme vocals: eq (depends on vocals) and 1176-styled compressor (push it hard, with fast attack and release). Sometimes add a bit saturation after compression. And some words about mics: sm7 sounds thicker and a little softer than sm57. And it has more lows. Some...
SM 57 is OK for extreme vocals, especially in untreated room. Also, I'd recommend to try SM7. But, if you'd like to get a good "warm sounding" condenser, save up a bit for C414. It's much better than 214.
They said, the monitors are OK. And offered to return them. However, sending monitors back will cost me about 200$, so I decided not to waste money for it. Of course, I tried to brake them in, but no results.
Yes, and the bass sounds a bit "nasal" and boomy (at 80-100Hz range). Also, the mix isn't "glued" properly - all the instruments are "separated" from each other not in a good way. But, before tweaking the individual tracks, just try to play around with the balance. It can be very helpful.
I had rp5s a couple of years ago, and should say, they are not bad for their price (liked them better than rp8). They sound a bit hifi-ish: a bit muddy, "smiley-curve" type of sound with a slight dip at crossover frequency. Although, you can get pretty good results with them. And, they are...