Hi, thanks for your reply man - and I do agree, generally.
Thing is, as I hear it - the 1066 easily gave a "whoosey (not douchey)" credibility to synth and kick drum stuff, that I really find it hard to get on single elements digitally. For db managing vst compressors are wonderful, but I liked the punchy shaping of the dbx when pushed, it seems to ad interest in a way. Though I would consider tracking vocals through it, it would only be peak security, taking off max 2 db or so after the preamp.
Its funny though, as you say "back in the analog days" - i googled the 1066 after getting it at a thrift shop for about 50 dollars, and the SOS review was from 1996 hehe. Wonder when the fuse goes. Anyway, my plan is not for the dbx to be the master comp for finished work, but rather its one way to shape single sounds in a way thats unique to its own.
As I have no experience with analog systems but you do, I submit here a recent mix should you find the time to listen. Theres good things and bad things but I wont say more in case you actually do listen through: all sounds except white noise synth and periodic snare + FX are made on the arturia microbrute. Monitored in a regular, but high ceiling living room on Adam A3Xs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTBeZ6bJ6Og
Otherwise - get your point about ditching the Audio Kontrol - its next in line for replacement.
Thanks!