Why is SSL style compression so popular? [general question]

[altfidelity]

seriously ignorant question from one who does not keep up: what do 'modern' compressors do, euphoniously or otherwise, that 40yo dbx 16_ compressors don't or didn't ?

Compared to modern hardware or software compressors?

 

[Mr. Moscode]

View attachment 105763

This looks like classic under biased P-P power amp misbehavior. How did you get that to happen? Is that FET behavior?

 

[altfidelity]

This looks like classic under biased P-P power amp misbehavior. How did you get that to happen? Is that FET behavior?

I modeled non-linear push-pull bias gain cell principle instead of using linear attenuator.
It happens only on fast attack&release times, mostly on low end when pushing gain reduction like 20db+.

link to a nice article on this topic.
https://pulsar.audio/blog/variable-bias-compression-explained/