Originally Posted by engmix ➡️

Color is certainly subjective, that said for me I initially think transformers and op-amps over tubes. That said I have tubes in my racks when I want that vibe, I just find them to be on the cleaner side. Regarding transformers and op-amps, I'll run VI's through my CAPI V28's. This makes my VI's sit better in my mixes, sort of akin to putting up the VI's on a console. They don't compress per se, but they do in their own way subtly compress. I chose which transformers and op-amps went into the chassis when I ordered them, and there's quite a few options to consider. This is a big bang for the buck solution in terms of getting weight and saturation into your productions. The more you push them the more colorful they get. Other than their having lo-pass filters, they are certainly not eq's. But they will influence some shifting in frequency response based on how you hit them, and again what's under the hood. A set of these should set you back a bit over 1k. For most this type of solution is the least sexy to use and the least discussed, but they can really add a nice colorful weight.

Edit: There is a CAPI summing bus that could be interesting as well.

Compression and eq are always a nice analog luxury to have, but for instance for that to be really useful you would ideally want multiple units for multiple stems and simultaneous usage. That would get mighty pricey.

Originally Posted by uptheoctave ➡️

My update for 2025.

I alternate between the API 2500 and the SSL GSeries Bus comp.
I alternate between the Massive Passive and the MAAG EQ4m.
I sometimes use the SSL Fusion.

Looking at buying an Overstayer MAS.

Originally Posted by bzwacks ➡️

I’m similar in that I sometimes use the API 2500+ that I feed into a Bettermaker Master Limiter with a Massive Passive before everything. I also have a Fusion, but I don’t use it in my masters. Funny enough, I use it almost exclusively on snare drums.