Compression on the way VS. Plug in

[ginsuthaironchef]

I have heard rave reviews about the El8 Distressor and have been told many times I must compress on the way in.

I have 2 questions:

What is the bennefit of compressing on the way in instead of just using a plug in?

Obviously there are sound qualities that say a Massey plug in will not create that the Distressor will, but let's say I have to choose between a DBX 160a VS Only compressing via Massey. Which would you reccomend and why?

[illacov]

Originally Posted by ginsuthaironchef

I have heard rave reviews about the El8 Distressor and have been told many times I must compress on the way in.

I have 2 questions:

What is the bennefit of compressing on the way in instead of just using a plug in?

Obviously there are sound qualities that say a Massey plug in will not create that the Distressor will, but let's say I have to choose between a DBX 160a VS Only compressing via Massey. Which would you reccomend and why?

I'd look into using the 160a, but I'd also look into getting it modded for better noise specs.

I don't really want to get into it about plugins vs software, but I prefer using hardware on the way in for sonics moreso than anything. Usually if you try to use hardware compression after the fact its just not the same (to my ears) as if you had done it before you hit the A/D for the first time.

I have a modded 163x that kicks alot of ass and has a very nice open top end now. Its still got that nice midrange funk going on but its alot quieter and appears to be faster/clearer. Sounds better than any plugin I've tried on vocals, drums or bass guitar.

Peace
Illumination