... I use a lot the API series at the studio. ...
API is generally good for rock genre mixes (although maybe a bit too coloured for some other genres). Or at least the hardware, which is what I have experience of, is, never used the vst versions so can't vouch for them either way. Gab - you know that API hardware isn't that expensive particularly if you get the 500 lunch box series? Also API brand a couple of their hardware units under the 'Arsenal' make/brand - maybe not quite as good as the APIs but very good value for money.
With Abbey Road - you can get hardware versions of a lot of the old Abbey road units from makers like DAV again for not a lot of money.
Personally I prefer vsts that don't try to emulate hardware. For mixing I'd suggest either Flux or Elysia as two software companies that generally make high quality vsts. Voxengo make some interesting ones but some are a bit outre for my taste.