Does analog gear really sound different than software plugins?

[jt230115]

Tested some analog compressor in the studio. I have to say I genuinely cannot tell the difference between the two.

[havran]

I think analog gear smells different, and often threatens to burst into flames, which of course makes it edgier and more exciting to use. <joke>

Another factor always in play is that there is no standardization when it comes to human ears (let alone output devices).

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