Compressors, hardware or plug in?

On my last trip back to VN, during one of the lecture about compressor and how it work, I got bombarded with "myths" from my students about compressor and things they heard about it.

...But the most popular is if using compressor, is plug in just as good as the hardware version of it in most DAW (Digital audio workstation).
my answer is no freak'n way, no way and no how, and I don't care if you got the expensive Waves version of "anything plugs."

If you go to any studio in the US, regardless small or large, pro or project, one thing they all have in common is hardware compressor...one or more, the more the better.

We all know there 2 type of processors, time and dynamic in any studio. They also make software version of them in all the DAW but which one is the one that will screw up your audio the most...yes the dynamic one.

I will not buy the argument about latency using DAW with hardware processor, because nothing will make your audio go up in smoke better than plug in dynamic software version.
So if you walk in any studio and see no compressor but ton of plugs...run...run real fast.

I understand money is an issue but save up for one or more hardware dynamic processor in your studio...or more of them. Here are some I would recommend, you will do no wrong.

Cranesong TrakkerManley Vari-Mu


Purple Audio MC77Add to the list would be Empirical Lab EL-8, DBX 160vu, Urei LA series (2, 3, and 4's), also 1176.

remember changing dynamic of your audio track will loose its original character...if that what you want then fine, but adding great color so you need great dynamic processor, it is a great tool in your studio so don't make your audio suffer with software version of this processor...save it for the real one.

...oh yeah, one student actually told me that knowing how to use a compressor right in the studio is the real secret. I almost threw the chair at him.
No No, knowing and understanding the basic of audio are the beginning of great to come secrets!!!!!!

Tran Duy