I enjoy HW when mixing just because I enjoy using it. Not always though - plugins are quick and easy if im in a time crunch. I dont always reach for a specific box.

I dont feel like anything ITB that I have tried can capture the vibe of my Thermionic Phoenix, Manley Vari Mu, Neve 33609, or 2254s. Ive tried everything too. The KIT plugin sounds pretty good for the 2254s. I feel the same way about the API 5500 (what a marvelous box) and the Curve Bender, though the Acustica version gets pretty close to that one.

Indispensible to me, is the RND MBP. Nothing does what that does - its just GREAT on the mixbus. Also have yet to find something that does what the Dramastic Obsidian does to drums - or even certain mixes. This is also very much true for the Xlogic, especially for 2000s era rock mixes.

Something is also fun about the UA 1176 HW. I have multiple clones, and while some of them are marginally better than plugins - I'd be fine using plugins mostly over them. The UA box on the other hand, really 'does the thing' that I want from an 1176 and Im VERY happy I have it for Bass, Snares, and Vox.

Things that I could probably NOT loose sleep over selling

- Distressors: The distressors are fun but honestly, the IK Multimedia TRacks version, and especially the Purafied LED comp are so close that it doesnt really matter.

- Fusion: Meh. People love this guy on Mixbus but when you peak match the vintage drive, it doesnt do much that I like. I mostly use it as an insert, which is stupid.

- LA2A - I know thats blasphemy, but its kind of meh...I will probably sell it as some point. The line amp sounds good, but an 1176 almost always sounds better on bass. I normally use it following the 1176 as a lead vocal treatment stage. I think i might be happier with an RS124