This is why some tools are not used for certain things. Not every compressor is made the same way. Find the tools that best fits what you need for that specific track and sound you are going for.
The attack time will be effected by allot of other parameters, like the ratio and knee settings
 
CJ

I know nothing about the real hardware - but 1176 plugins always have short attack times (as others have said).
Maybe the h/w (and of course the plugins) actually takes a little longer, than the .8ms or 1.2 ms that the "knob" says. Either that - or drums and things just sound good with these short attack times...

Thanks for all the input. I have really been studying my mixing theory lately and I was a bit disappointed that I didn't see a more transparent compressor in the pro channel.

I am now seeing the usefulness of the 76 after watching a few more videos.

Does anybody know the specs of the bus compressor? Maybe even though it's only 50ms perhaps it has a more soft knee like the 76. Thanks again!

Sorry if this was already stated.
 
I thought the hardware 1176 had a fast attack already? Since they model the software as close the the hardware, the software would react the same.

Check out the CA-2A for longer attack times. You can get it dirt cheap when it's on sale...
(It's not on sale now, but keep an eye out...)