You can still download the earlier model but I have found the later one is great over everything yes. You can sort of slam it too and it does not seem to mind either. The sound does not fall apart. It is beautiful over a mix just doing light conditioning. Like -2 to -3 GR and slowish attack.
I have got an API2500 for mastering and love it. But I use either Kotelnikov, the API or something with a bit of mojo to it such as Klanghem MJUC. I am also liking the Cakewalk levelling amplifier too quite a bit.