ALL compressors have artifacts. To what extent depends on how good the comp is and how it used. The 160SL is a clean and dam fine pro unit. It should easily be able to that job well.

Are you recording solo piano (Jazz, Classical, etc.) or is this just a track going into another recording?

I'd avoid any compression at all, except maybe in the final mix, if it's even necessary to make it sit in a track with other instruments.

If it's solo piano, and if the piano sounds good on its own, with good mics and a good player, don't mess up a good thing and leave that comp OUT of the signal path.

compressor - limiter - piano

Actually - I really only want some limiting of peaks without much compression. I play with a large dynamic range. THANKS.