I have used those chips (the SSM2166P) with high level inputs. I have a circuit which has an input level control (ahead of the chip). You could add a resistor in series with the input (ahead of the gain pot) for additional attenuation.
The SSM2166 is not a real good compressor chip, but it sort of works.
The schematic is at
http://www.classeradio.com/mic_preamp_rev_c.pdf