everybody likes the 160 or the SSL G channel comp on snares and kicks, especially in parallel... doesn't matter what genre you do.

True but not everybody likes the 160's on vocals, but in these genres they're also popular on vocals.

really? I mean, I generally track vocals with a 160, SSL channel compressor (if available or if not an RNC or modded 3630) doing peak limiting duties.... I probably won't mix with more dbx style VCA compression, but that's not a rule. And I've opted to go VCA while recording when there's a lot of hipper stuff available at a studio like distressors and 1176es. In certain roles the 160 hasn't been much improved on. Everything SSL ever did was based on that circuit.... even the infamous bus compressor everyone thinks is so special. I admit I know a few folks who prefer to peak limit a vocal with an 1176 or a plugin emulation while tracking, but me and most of the people I know tend to like the VCA stuff probably because we came up on dbx and SSL compressors. Plus now you can spend very very little on a VCA compressor and get something darned close to a 160, especially if you aren't picky about having the 160 type needle VU meter. I seriously use at least 4 instances of 160 emulation or my 3630 or RNC on every mix, but I won't always use a fet or opto compressor at all, hardware or software. I'ma have to check out vertigo sound now... I ahd really been thinking of getting something in the LA3/4 camp next time I get a hardware compressor, but maybe I'll go with a 3rd VCA... check out a Vertigo... I don't know if I need 4 more channels of VCA though, HAHA

Been curious about the Vertigo VSC for a bit now with the extremely dedicated following they've got. Never heard it compared to the CL1B- That's got me even more curious cuz I do love that fella.

y'know Xaq, I am actually not that huge a fan of the tube tech, I used to really get excited seeing them in a studio butin fully featured tube, modern compressors I prefer the Avalon and Manley stuff and otherwise I find I like primitive stuff like the Gates stuff my old band used on lead voal for that whole record and obviously the LA2A... I like a lot of the skronky old altec gear too

+1 Jim! You got a great taste!!!

The Manley by far definitely gets the most play here, but the CL1B just suits a particular lady's vocals really well. You know the one. The rest of the fun & forgotten stuff we both love we've covered & revisit all the time-always good fun...Tho it never stops amazing me how much stock people will put on a particular badge / brand tho. I'm good with it tho, keeps those lil' ignored gems from shooting up in price fer us!

I am glad someone likes the Tube Tech.... I just never bonded with that unit. Interestingly for ITB mixing I am just all about compressors that don't emulate ANYTHING for a lot of my kinky dynamics and ADSR perversions! Not having a studio at my disposal for free anymore I mostly go ITB and I mostly (as I was recently mentioning to Zach) gravitate towards software that's got minute control of parameters and lots of 'em... and thanks Mello! I just like cool noises and dislike noises that I can't make cooler with studio gadgets and plugins.