for the glue I've been using a focusright mixmaster, which is not really bad for a budget unit IMO (AAAAAGGhh flames!)
but I'm moving on to a combination of an old Neumann OEV eq, and NTP limiter cards.
I'm missing some dynamics unit to sit in the middle here, have no idea yet what to get for that. People suggested an avalon, or gyratec, 1968 or API. (limited budget), or maybe an old Neumann U473a that I still need to connect. As I absolutely love the DAV BG1 I've been looking at getting a DAV compressor. But nobody seems to use that, except for classical music productions. (please share your experiences?) Also I have not heard the P38 but it looks promising.
Untill I have the chance to listen I can't make a choice.... anyway
I use stereo compressors (SSL clones and Kultube) on seperate busses, for mixing, and solving dynamic problems. Separate character units (Urei, Joemeek, Siemens) for "dirty" channels. But 2 buss glue is something else..
as suggested sidechain use is the key to good compression, I think. I use software plugins to shape the sidechain signal. Ideal. But I heard some solutions (API) of this sidechain shaping are better than others.
Also I recieved a promo DVD of the Neve Masterlink. Could be the end of all problems. Very cool product, mucho dinero.
Seems a lot of people are thinking of getting a *magic* 2 bus unit. heh