Doing a couple of compressors in series has become a favorite of mine. I've been digging a 1969 in 'fat' mode (this filters all the bottom out of the detector path, meaning that the kick and bass don't trigger the compression, the vocals do) followed by an STC-8.
On the STC-8, I generally stay in "A-Mod/Auto Release--fully Variable" mode. Attack around 11:00, release around 9-10:00, "Ki-Hara" switch set to the left side (I can never remember the nomenclature...whichever side the release knob is of 12:00 is where that switch goes for me...I can never keep the names straight).
I've also alternated in a pair of Crane Song "Trakkers" from time to time, usually in 'Air-Optical-Clean' mode. Now the Crane Song Trakkers while being mono units, actually link, lock and track like a "true stereo" unit. I don't have to go lining up setting, then stand on one foot while swinging a chicken over my head to get them to follow properly. I've even used them as the third compressor in the chain.
The Pendulum Audio ES-8 or 6386 are to die for georgeous sounding on 2-bus. Again they go into "true stereo" (one set of controls, mono detection). Between the 'fast mode' [which is scary fast...like if you see the meter move more than a 'little bit', you're overusing it!!], the "presets", and the fully variable time constant settings, you're going to find something that works like a serious charm.
The Avalon 2044 works rather nicely on occassion, as has the 747...though the 747 takes a bit more finesse to really get it to give it up...eventually, if you have the patience to dick with it, it will.
If you're into that SS-hel-L kinda 'squashed to crap' sound I find the Alan Smart less destructive to the overall presentation than the SSL...though definitely not a favorite for 2-bus.
If we're going to talk about 'desk compressors'; the 33609 is another favorite, along with 33264a compressor/limiters, and the occasional 2254/E. Currently, for my money, the Daking compressors [I can never remember the model numbers...it's the only compressor they make] is a "current" version of those. It has the balls, it has the tone.
My friend has been raving to me about the new 'Tube Tech' multi-band thing, though I haven't had an opportunity to play with one yet. Not a multi-band, but a "tube unit", the Innertube "Atomic Squeeze Box" is doing some things that I believe may indeed be illegal in as many as 7 states...at least Idaho and Utah anyway.
The GML 8900. For the life of me I can't figure out the nomenclature. Much like the 'Atomic Squeezbox', I can't hear it work. I can see the meters changing on both the unit and the mix deck [or should I say storage medium]...but for the life of me, I've never heard one.
The RNC also works like a charm. It doesn't quite have the cojones that some of the others have, but for $175, who would even have thought it could be mentioned in the same diatribe as a GML 8900...and have the word "competative" be contemplated as a description. The new Great River Electronics MP-2NV mic preamp will allow you to use it during mixes as a "balance box" for the RNC, should you so desire...and if Mark ever gets it finished, the RNMP (Really Nice Mic Pre) will do that as well.
How's that for a starting point?