For what it's worth....We did a test between the SSL Quad Compressor, Neve 33something (Their Masterbuss compressor) and a Massenberg Stereo Compressor (Don't remember the exact model). This is all hardware of course and this was about 8 to 9 years ago. We were at Pacifique Studios in Hollywood.
This was on vocals instead, Sorry, so way off post.
It was for BGV's. We wanted the best sounding, warmest, and best attack compression and the engineer at the time suggested the Massenberg while we wanted to try the SSL and Neve.
To make a long story short.
1. The SSL though it was sounding good it was sooooo noisey.
2. The Neve was better sounding but still very noisey.
3. The Massenberg beat them all in sound and was incredibly low in noise. We were in shock. The engineer laughed and said, we get this all the time.
Thought someone might like the story....Sorry...Go fourth in urrr journey.
By the way...Love the Waves SSL Compressor. Very true sounding to the original but, without the hiss...Hahahaha
By the way, if urrr using Pro Tools HD you might want to try the Compressorbank plugin. I think it's CB4. It has a Neve emu that's the best I've heard on most things.
Hope this helps...
M2E
