If you kick drum dynamic is inconsistent, I don't suggest you try to 'fix' it while tracking, which is the application your asking about (is that correct?). I'd focus on the right tuning/mic/preamp combo to get the overall character you want from the drum and then once you have the performance on tape (disk) you'll then have the ability to try multiple dynamics options, both hardware and software, to see what best controls the drum for your playing and the style of music.
When mixing an erratic kick level, I tend to pick a compressor to contain the dynamic itself (something with a very fast attack that can quickly 'grab' the transient before it pops out of the mix), and then follow that with a de-esser.
The de-esser is to remove the additional HF content of the really louds peaks. When a kick is played hard the volume increases, but so does the HF content, giving loud strikes more attack. This frequency variance, as much as anything else, really gives the dynamic away, so compression/limiting alone won't fix an erratic kick dynamic. Dialing in a good de-esser to contain much of that increased HF content can really smooth out the overall feel of the performance.
You can also try putting the de-essing in line first and then the compressor. Either way I recommend you wait till after it's tracked to fix the problem.
Worst case scenario (I don't recommend this unless other options simply don't work) is to limit the dynamic of the kick track and then use that processed signal to trigger a good kick sample. Like I say, not my first choice, but it's worked pretty well in situations where the track was for whatever reason beyond repair.
Hope that helps.
JC
