You simply can't push a plugin compressor the same way you can an analog compressor. So I decided I wanted to try using a compressor before the converters for guitars, vocals, synths, bass, etc., which led to me to Purple Audio MC77 and a revelation. My troubleshooting mind started to think of the analog compressors I've used in studios. The sound was still anemic in certain ways. When recording acoustic guitar with my analog API 312, I also used a UA 1176 plugin in the Unison slot, which allows you to print the sound. Although I think the UA preamps and preamp emulations sound good, there is still a difference in using analog APIs. Although I have an Apollo, I also have real API 312 preamps that are my main preamps. I encountered a few issues with ITB compression, such as recording acoustic guitar didn't sound as thick as I wanted. So I've mainly been using my Apollo and compression plugins in my studio, such as the UA 1176 collection.
But, since the pandemic, I haven't been to many studios. I've used a lot of analog compressors over the years. I asked myself questions such as how do I get the delay sound I want? What am I not getting from plugins? A lot of analog gear found itself in my setup out of problem-solving. So, I use the Valhalla Room, Valhalla Vintage Verb, UAD EMT 140, UAD Capitol Chambers, and UAD Lexicon 224. I do tend to like more reverb plugins than delay plugins. I use a Demeter Reverbulator, Chase Bliss CXM 1978, and some old Lexicon LXP-1 reverbs for live manipulation and specific flavor. But, I often want to record with delay or adjust the delay parameters in real-time. My favorite in-the-box delay plugins for mixing are the Valhalla delay and Echorec. It's hard to put my finger on it, but I don't love most delay plugins except for a few, as most others have fallen short, in my opinion. For example, still prefer outboard delays. I feel a few analog devices are a must to include in my digital workflow. Some may think to stop there and would not understand why analog gear is still important. It's incredible how close they've come to some analog gear and made high-quality recording available at an affordable price. As a result, it is not uncommon to see musicians and composers plugging straight into a Universal Audio Apollo. We live in a world of audio interfaces, and analog gear emulated plugins these days.