I did some more tests and you can certainly use the ampsim or the tubesim as well inserted on the vox channel. Don’t forget to disengage the cab sim though!
The key is to put eq after the compressor and really engage the compressor.
I found that putting the compressor at an 1:100 ratio rms detection and auto helped a lot. The reason being that you want consistency in your saturated sound. If you want some dynamics you need to lower the ratio to taste, but not too much or your distorted sound won’t be as smooth.