edited for lack of actual content.

API 2500 (plug-in at the moment but want the hardware) and SSL G-Series.

While the API can be clean they both can get a certain aggressive sound (in their own particular way, of course).

The STC8 can be very aggressive... The VariMu can be very "jeans and T-shirt" and the SSoweL is thick and flavory like hummus (more due to the transformers than the traditional circuitry).

Deal done on the STC-8 today. Thanks for your input.

Next in line might be the API 2500.
Damn, where I am is impossible to demo stuff without it costing money. Curious, whats the Chandler Germanium like ? Can the API 2500 get dirty like this?

The only hardware compressors I use are the optical compressor in my Langevin DVC and the stripped down 1176 compressors in the UA 4-710D. The optical compressor in the DVC are the prototypical compressors without attitude. I think of the 1176 as one of the early compressors with attitude. I actually reflect these two in my choice of plugin compressors. My basic "soft" compressor is the UAD LA2A. For attitude I go with the 1176 (UAD emulation). The Fairchild is in between those.

actually most of compressors could be set more aggressive and have an 'attitude'
TFPRO P8 - edward the compressor in 'green box' mode - it's almost like distressor,
ssl4k - when faster att/rel - also have character
and I use sometimes....2x1176:) I know, it's not mastering comp, but when engaged with 1/4 ratio, very delicate gr- it adds some sort of nice low mids bump and distortion, adds fatness to snare and guitars...it doesn't work in 85%, but some audio material simply works great
as for plugs - PSP OT me, - very nice character,
api 2500 - also

9 years of dreaming... LA-2A on its way. I know this one has some of what I'm looking for.

The compressor I love with massive character is the API 525. I use it in vocals. It works on a ton of stuff. 1176 is crazy in all button mode. I've been using the ELI docderr on room mic to eq and smash the heck out of them. It is the best compressor/saturator I've ever use for this.

Hey Paul999, good to hear from you, where have you been?
Does the API 525 sound similar or the same as the API 2500?

audiokid, post: 381223 wrote: Hey Paul999, good to hear from you, where have you been?
Does the API 525 sound similar or the same as the API 2500?

I've been up to my neck in work. I mean absolutely insane. Oh well it is good to have a busy studio. I could have worse problems.

The 525 is not like the 2500. The 527 is more like the 2500. I've not used the 527 or the 2500. I believe the the 525 was API's answer to the LA2A......sort of. It has a really nice built it de-esser. It took me a while to get the hang of this compressor to be honest which was disappointing because anything API I've ever owned was an instant love fest. This one took a little while but now I really love it. I plan on getting another for my for things like my "solo" channel which I tend to treat like a vocal.