Why not? Shouldn't it be like: Stereo source from DAW->MS encoder (Like reaper's or wave's)->harware out->comp (unlinked)->hardware in->MS Decoder
Because M/S = two sides and one mid channel. To me this sums up to three. Three signals, two inputs, doesn't work.
No. If that was the case, you would not be able to process stereo sources with m/s plugins. The plugin separates those channels, it doesnt matter if the compressor is hardware with no m/s option.
True. I've been A/B-ing the thing with plugins and there's definetively an improvement in terms of timing but the sound is pretty similar, probably not worth the money but hey, it has shiny lights, no plugin can emulate the warmth and harmonics of analog lights. I wonder how the Stamchild does against plugins tho.
Its fun to use hardware, instead of the mouse and it probably does sound a tad better, but that difference usually gets lost once you start processing the whole mix. Its the things with tubes that usually make a bigger difference, plugins have a hard time replicating the warmth and depth that the tubes will give you but it has to be a decent design.