contraction = contraction
No , not when "mass" is being built..the exercises you get the best peak contraction on will not provide the best growth on the target muscle.
This is kindigarten stuff.
Example. EMG says con curls give a better peak contraction than straight bar curls..
Con curls will not build size on your bi like Bar curls.
Take two skinny guys with most things being equal..
have one perform Cable cross overs the other performing flat bench press either with a bar or DB .after 3 months who will have more mass on there chest?
Sure as hell wont be the guy contracting with cables.
Im all for changing things around and keeping it fresh..
But for building mass ,compounds cannot be beat for the simple fact they target the belly of the muscle which is where all the mass is.
As for machines , Again for an advanced athlete/trainer they are good to chuck in to mix it up and keep it fresh along with your basic compounds but if you drop your compounds say goodbye to building anymore size.