I pretty much stick to parallel compression hard-core. I try hard not to kill transients when I can, especially with a limiter. I only use a limiter to catch overs. Using the Transient-shaper, I will use the TS-64 on a buss channel and route the snare or kick to it from a Send. I will use the TS-64 to really get the exact "pop" or punch out of the kick or snare and then really, just mix it in to the Master.
 
In my case, I even use Pre-Delay on Convolution reverbs to allow a slight bit more pop from transients. Kramer Tape is pretty good, but I think it softens some transients, while it can also take out harshness in cymbals, meanwhile brightening the mix (using Flux sparingly). Otherwise, I only like that plug in electric guitars played through tube amps.
 
So, in my opinion, use the Transient shapers (Waves CLA-Drums is pretty good, too), but use them in parallel. That's my thought.

I still don't get the "geared toward hip-hop" presumption. LoudMax is popular with that crowd, but I use it and I'm about as far removed from hip-hop as you can get. I can't imagine any tool that's restricted to a single genre. OK, stutter-edit's pretty specific. But we're talking bread 'n butter effects here: dynamics and EQ. There is no such thing as a "hip-hop equalizer" or a "hip-hop compressor", is there?

bitflipper
There is no such thing as a "hip-hop equalizer" or a "hip-hop compressor", is there?

The day there is I'm all over them like butter on bread (no pun in ten did, or wuzzit?).
 

Nope it does not work - sheesh how many times!!!

Well I can take every fx out of PC except the EQ. Then put back what I want and arrange them in the order I want. I just did it. Grab the bar with the on/off button for the fx and put it where you want. I have the EQ all the way at the bottom out of sight. With Breverb first then FX Chains. and I can switch Breverb and FX chains in any order. 
 
Not sure what you mean "Nope it does not work - sheesh how many times!!!"
Sheeesh yes it does!! : )

Okay now try it with just ONE ...which is the point of this exercise as I want to remove all the clutter to see just one module.
 
For example, remove all the modules (apart from the EQ which cannot be removed) and then just load one, say the CA2A compressor - it goes to the bottom of the strip just above the collapsed EQ..now try to slide it up to all that empty space that is sitting above...

joden
 
..now try to slide it up to all that empty space that is sitting above...

 Well no that ain't gonna work! It sees nothing to slide up!!
 
mt space ain't that bad!!

M_Glenn_M
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec08/articles/sonarworkshop.htm
 

Great read. Thanks.

Grem

joden
 
..now try to slide it up to all that empty space that is sitting above...

Well no that ain't gonna work! It sees nothing to slide up!!
 
mt space ain't that bad!!

Yeah I guess so just another of those little annoying things in an otherwise great program. No biggie. At least you discovered what I meant LOL!!
 
Cheers

BTW do you know, or have you ever found out why the EQ cannot be removed?
 
Just curious