This is a legendary piece of gear for a reason, I have owned this plugin for a long time and now I have the unit. The comparison of this to plugins is the same as a modeler to its real counterpart, just not the same. Real electricity and transformers vs one's and zero's. So happy and proud to add this to my gear, just next level.

Utterly familiar. Classy, easy yet creative. More width and depth than the plugs. UAD sounds close til you actually use the hardware. The Mix Knob is a huge plus. Love this thing.

I own a Smart C2, has the Stam SSL clone, and used various SSL bus comp clones throughout the years. For some reason, this just works on the 2bus for me. It just clicks and speaks to me. It adds a thickness, while pushing mids, while smoothing highs. IDK. I never use it in the New mode, always in OLD. This is one Bus comp I'm so comfortable with that I can tweak it differently to each song. I also use it for printing instruments and vocal tracking. SSL style compressors, I can destroy the low end, it folds, and I only really use them at fasted release or auto, 30 attack, 4db of GR...standard stuff, whereas with API2500 - I feel very creative. I LOVE that about this unit. Try this unit out to see if API just clicks for you. For me personally, its a 11/10. Use your ears with this one. Try slamming it hard and with a higher ratio you'd use than with SSL style. Don't be shy.

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It's a classic for a reason. There are enough reviews that I don't think I will add anything.

I adore it, it sounds'familiar', and I run everything through it tracking through mastering.

World-class compression and tone.

After spending a little time with this compressor, particularly using it for mastering, I can say it can be punchy, warm, subtle or aggressive. I find it to be versatile and in my experience it sounds great on wide range of material.