Ableton Glue Compressor: what is it/any alternatives?

[rod_zero]

I wrote the deadmau5 quote because for me it is a meme after watching the preview for the masterclass like one hundred times, it got recorded in my brain and will never be able to forget it whenever a ssl bus compresor is named.

[kmonkey]

I think (correct me if I am wrong) he said that there is no sense in applying that compressor on individual kick while someone here said on "electronic music". This is not the same and in that context this may be good advice if you are producing similar music to his production. I would not know.

Whatever he said it's a broad generalization of course, perhaps advice or something because you can use 3 same compressor on your kick if that's what will make the sound you're looking for right? What I want to say I guess is that surely by now everyone knows there's no rule to this. You use what you need to get there.

Whatever some youtube shmuck or someone selling online classes say can be valuable or trash that really depend on your context - you need to do your own way.

[Trancit]

...IIRC he said it can make more sense to use something like LFO Tool than gates or compressors for "sidechain" pumping or gate effects on repetitive EDM elements.

Wow, really...

What a great insight... Maybe we should nominate him for the next Nobel Prize...

Especially for his general statements about tuning kicks and the SSL comp...see below...

[Trancit]

I think (correct me if I am wrong) he said that there is no sense in applying that compressor on individual kick while someone here said on "electronic music". This is not the same and in that context this may be good advice if you are producing similar music to his production. I would not know.
...

And this is absolutely bullsh*t... especially on single Kicks or other drums elements in general in all electronic genres this compressor works extremely well...

And this is the problem with deadmau5...
Perhaps he don´t like to use it in this situation... but no... he presents it as a general rule...

Same on his kick tuning nonsense... "Kicks make kicks... bass make bass! ...Don´t tune your kick, dude!"
There are so many kinds of different kicks... some are shorter without much bass information and perhaps don´t make any difference if they are tuned or not...
But many are longer with lots of tonality and bass information and can make definetely a huge difference if being tuned or not...not alone when it comes to phase alignment...
If a kick lasts 1/8th note and at least one 1/16th or even more stays on a stable pitch noone on earth can state it doesn´t matter if this bass information plays the wrong pitch...

But no... God Deadmau5 decided noone shall tune their kicks as a general rule or that person does it wrong...

[audiouser720]

I think (correct me if I am wrong) he said that there is no sense in applying that compressor on individual kick while someone here said on "electronic music". This is not the same and in that context this may be good advice if you are producing similar music to his production. I would not know.
...

And this is absolutely bullsh*t... especially on single Kicks or other drums elements in general in all electronic genres this compressor works extremely well...

And this is the problem with deadmau5...
Perhaps he don´t like to use it in this situation... but no... he presents it as a general rule...

Same on his kick tuning nonsense... "Kicks make kicks... bass make bass! ...Don´t tune your kick, dude!"
There are so many kinds of different kicks... some are shorter without much bass information and perhaps don´t make any difference if they are tuned or not...
But many are longer with lots of tonality and bass information and can make definetely a huge difference if being tuned or not...not alone when it comes to phase alignment...
If a kick lasts 1/8th note and at least one 1/16th or even more stays on a stable pitch noone on earth can state it doesn´t matter if this bass information plays the wrong pitch...

But no... God Deadmau5 decided noone shall tune their kicks as a general rule or that person does it wrong...

God you are one angry munchkin at the mau5.

There are only 2 problems with your view:

1) There are no set rules in music. EDM is not a thing either. Genres don’t dictate whether or not you tune your kicks. Everyone does it differently. You can put an SSL G compressor on an individual kick, on a bus or on your fart. No rules and nobody cares and nobody will tell you anyway.

2) You still haven’t realised that he is purposefully not giving genuine insight (why would we, nobody will share ‘their secrets’, you have to craft your own), but he gives enough, sometimes more if you watch closely. He does know what he is doing I can reassure you, but don’t be naive and don’t expect world class producers to be honest about their tricks and technics on the internet. Ever heard about Aphex Twin?

As a general response to some nonsense comments here: busing everything together and drawing volume automation on it and convincing yourself that is good enough for EDM (if it’s still a thing), is a mistake. Just to use Deadmau5 as an example, he does not ‘always’ use lfo tool for side chaining and you will be pleased to know that proper side chaining is a serious asset in electronic music. You need to understand more in detail to know when and why you would use lfo tool, and when you would use compressor and what compressor type for what application, what signal for key and why and not to mention compressor settings, routing and so on. This is one of those secrets that no selfmade Mummy’s little youtuber can tell you because they genuinely don’t know sh*t about anything as they are respectfully nobody, and whoever actually have real knowledge about these technics, they won’t share it with you either.

The Glue is an awesome tool for side chaining, if you know how to use it, even though it’s not intended for that purpose specifically.

[rod_zero]

You guys are so dense

[zerocrossing]

I’ve been using DMGAudio’s TrackComp 2. I like it a lot. Even though it’s supposedly based on hardware compressors with a lot of character, it seems very transparent and open sounding. Let’s me use other tools that specifically impart character.

[gentleclockdivider]

I think (correct me if I am wrong) he said that there is no sense in applying that compressor on individual kick while someone here said on "electronic music". This is not the same and in that context this may be good advice if you are producing similar music to his production. I would not know.
...

And this is absolutely bullsh*t... especially on single Kicks or other drums elements in general in all electronic genres this compressor works extremely well...

And this is the problem with deadmau5...
Perhaps he don´t like to use it in this situation... but no... he presents it as a general rule...

Same on his kick tuning nonsense... "Kicks make kicks... bass make bass! ...Don´t tune your kick, dude!"
There are so many kinds of different kicks... some are shorter without much bass information and perhaps don´t make any difference if they are tuned or not...
But many are longer with lots of tonality and bass information and can make definetely a huge difference if being tuned or not...not alone when it comes to phase alignment...
If a kick lasts 1/8th note and at least one 1/16th or even more stays on a stable pitch noone on earth can state it doesn´t matter if this bass information plays the wrong pitch...

But no... God Deadmau5 decided noone shall tune their kicks as a general rule or that person does it wrong...

God you are one angry munchkin at the mau5.

There are only 2 problems with your view:

1) There are no set rules in music. EDM is not a thing either. Genres don’t dictate whether or not you tune your kicks. Everyone does it differently. You can put an SSL G compressor on an individual kick, on a bus or on your fart. No rules and nobody cares and nobody will tell you anyway.

2) You still haven’t realised that he is purposefully not giving genuine insight (why would we, nobody will share ‘their secrets’, you have to craft your own), but he gives enough, sometimes more if you watch closely. He does know what he is doing I can reassure you, but don’t be naive and don’t expect world class producers to be honest about their tricks and technics on the internet. Ever heard about Aphex Twin?

As a general response to some nonsense comments here: busing everything together and drawing volume automation on it and convincing yourself that is good enough for EDM (if it’s still a thing), is a mistake. Just to use Deadmau5 as an example, he does not ‘always’ use lfo tool for side chaining and you will be pleased to know that proper side chaining is a serious asset in electronic music. You need to understand more in detail to know when and why you would use lfo tool, and when you would use compressor and what compressor type for what application, what signal for key and why and not to mention compressor settings, routing and so on. This is one of those secrets that no selfmade Mummy’s little youtuber can tell you because they genuinely don’t know sh*t about anything as they are respectfully nobody, and whoever actually have real knowledge about these technics, they won’t share it with you either.

The Glue is an awesome tool for side chaining, if you know how to use it, even though it’s not intended for that purpose specifically.

You're naive , there are NO special tricks , just ( decades of ) experience
And when you bring up aphex twin , his musical output is genius no doubt about it ( I am a nr 1 fanboy ) , but I never thought 'How the hell did he do that "

[audiouser720]

I think (correct me if I am wrong) he said that there is no sense in applying that compressor on individual kick while someone here said on "electronic music". This is not the same and in that context this may be good advice if you are producing similar music to his production. I would not know.
...

And this is absolutely bullsh*t... especially on single Kicks or other drums elements in general in all electronic genres this compressor works extremely well...

And this is the problem with deadmau5...
Perhaps he don´t like to use it in this situation... but no... he presents it as a general rule...

Same on his kick tuning nonsense... "Kicks make kicks... bass make bass! ...Don´t tune your kick, dude!"
There are so many kinds of different kicks... some are shorter without much bass information and perhaps don´t make any difference if they are tuned or not...
But many are longer with lots of tonality and bass information and can make definetely a huge difference if being tuned or not...not alone when it comes to phase alignment...
If a kick lasts 1/8th note and at least one 1/16th or even more stays on a stable pitch noone on earth can state it doesn´t matter if this bass information plays the wrong pitch...

But no... God Deadmau5 decided noone shall tune their kicks as a general rule or that person does it wrong...

God you are one angry munchkin at the mau5.

There are only 2 problems with your view:

1) There are no set rules in music. EDM is not a thing either. Genres don’t dictate whether or not you tune your kicks. Everyone does it differently. You can put an SSL G compressor on an individual kick, on a bus or on your fart. No rules and nobody cares and nobody will tell you anyway.

2) You still haven’t realised that he is purposefully not giving genuine insight (why would we, nobody will share ‘their secrets’, you have to craft your own), but he gives enough, sometimes more if you watch closely. He does know what he is doing I can reassure you, but don’t be naive and don’t expect world class producers to be honest about their tricks and technics on the internet. Ever heard about Aphex Twin?

As a general response to some nonsense comments here: busing everything together and drawing volume automation on it and convincing yourself that is good enough for EDM (if it’s still a thing), is a mistake. Just to use Deadmau5 as an example, he does not ‘always’ use lfo tool for side chaining and you will be pleased to know that proper side chaining is a serious asset in electronic music. You need to understand more in detail to know when and why you would use lfo tool, and when you would use compressor and what compressor type for what application, what signal for key and why and not to mention compressor settings, routing and so on. This is one of those secrets that no selfmade Mummy’s little youtuber can tell you because they genuinely don’t know sh*t about anything as they are respectfully nobody, and whoever actually have real knowledge about these technics, they won’t share it with you either.

The Glue is an awesome tool for side chaining, if you know how to use it, even though it’s not intended for that purpose specifically.

You're naive , there are NO special tricks , just ( decades of ) experience
And when you bring up aphex twin , his musical output is genius no doubt about it ( I am a nr 1 fanboy ) , but I never thought 'How the hell did he do that "

Well no, the years of experience is the ‘special trick’ which comes with all the small nuances that are burnt into muscle memory and cannot be taught.

By the way you cannot be number 1 fanboy sorry, that place has been taken ages ago. I am the number 1 fanboy of the Analord, nice to meet you. You can be close 2nd?

[himalaya]

I use the original Cytomic The Glue on individual tracks and as a master bus compressor (one of several). Works a treat. On EDM tracks for that matter. I find The Glue incredibly fast to work with. It's easy, self-explanatory and sounds superb, with a lovely, inspiring skeuomorphic GUI without any silliness like 3D knobs set at an angle (which afflict so many plugins from other companies, Plugin Alliance - I'm looking at you).

As to the compressor vs EDM kick conversation:

A compressor is a corrective tool and a creative tool. If you have managed to make your EDM kick sound better with The Glue, then the mission is accomplished. You may want to use it as a corrective tool to make a weak sounding kick sound better, or as a creative tool to change the shape and tone of the kick, even if it was great to begin with, and didn't really need a compressor. Having said that, in the unexperienced hands, the wrong compressor settings can destroy a lovely, bouncy and fat EDM kick. So, it is good to listen to experienced people like Deadmou5 since they've been there and done it a million times. But don't just listen. Go and do what he says should or should not be done and test for yourself. That's how you learn.

[dubguy99]

I’ve been using DMGAudio’s TrackComp 2. I like it a lot. Even though it’s supposedly based on hardware compressors with a lot of character, it seems very transparent and open sounding. Let’s me use other tools that specifically impart character.

IIRC the SSL models actually have no saturation/boxtone because Dave didn't think it sounded any good. But yeah, the action is great.

[gentleclockdivider]

I think (correct me if I am wrong) he said that there is no sense in applying that compressor on individual kick while someone here said on "electronic music". This is not the same and in that context this may be good advice if you are producing similar music to his production. I would not know.
...

And this is absolutely bullsh*t... especially on single Kicks or other drums elements in general in all electronic genres this compressor works extremely well...

And this is the problem with deadmau5...
Perhaps he don´t like to use it in this situation... but no... he presents it as a general rule...

Same on his kick tuning nonsense... "Kicks make kicks... bass make bass! ...Don´t tune your kick, dude!"
There are so many kinds of different kicks... some are shorter without much bass information and perhaps don´t make any difference if they are tuned or not...
But many are longer with lots of tonality and bass information and can make definetely a huge difference if being tuned or not...not alone when it comes to phase alignment...
If a kick lasts 1/8th note and at least one 1/16th or even more stays on a stable pitch noone on earth can state it doesn´t matter if this bass information plays the wrong pitch...

But no... God Deadmau5 decided noone shall tune their kicks as a general rule or that person does it wrong...

God you are one angry munchkin at the mau5.

There are only 2 problems with your view:

1) There are no set rules in music. EDM is not a thing either. Genres don’t dictate whether or not you tune your kicks. Everyone does it differently. You can put an SSL G compressor on an individual kick, on a bus or on your fart. No rules and nobody cares and nobody will tell you anyway.

2) You still haven’t realised that he is purposefully not giving genuine insight (why would we, nobody will share ‘their secrets’, you have to craft your own), but he gives enough, sometimes more if you watch closely. He does know what he is doing I can reassure you, but don’t be naive and don’t expect world class producers to be honest about their tricks and technics on the internet. Ever heard about Aphex Twin?

As a general response to some nonsense comments here: busing everything together and drawing volume automation on it and convincing yourself that is good enough for EDM (if it’s still a thing), is a mistake. Just to use Deadmau5 as an example, he does not ‘always’ use lfo tool for side chaining and you will be pleased to know that proper side chaining is a serious asset in electronic music. You need to understand more in detail to know when and why you would use lfo tool, and when you would use compressor and what compressor type for what application, what signal for key and why and not to mention compressor settings, routing and so on. This is one of those secrets that no selfmade Mummy’s little youtuber can tell you because they genuinely don’t know sh*t about anything as they are respectfully nobody, and whoever actually have real knowledge about these technics, they won’t share it with you either.

The Glue is an awesome tool for side chaining, if you know how to use it, even though it’s not intended for that purpose specifically.

You're naive , there are NO special tricks , just ( decades of ) experience
And when you bring up aphex twin , his musical output is genius no doubt about it ( I am a nr 1 fanboy ) , but I never thought 'How the hell did he do that "

Well no, the years of experience is the ‘special trick’ which comes with all the small nuances that are burnt into muscle memory and cannot be taught.

By the way you cannot be number 1 fanboy sorry, that place has been taken ages ago. I am the number 1 fanboy of the Analord, nice to meet you. You can be close 2nd?

Ahhq yes , the good old analord ep’s
I remember running to the record store every month -during 2004-2005 , got them all
Lost all the ep’s during a moving shirtly afterwards , really gutted .
Prices of the analord ep’s are steadily growing on discogs , no way Im gonna shell out 1000 -2000+ € to get the collection again .

[YoddYarmonics]

im just gonna add to this very interesting discussion that i mostly skipped that deadmau5 and aphex twin would be a collab of the millenia. well the old mau5 i mean

[Azbest]

This thread is the cardinal sin of EDM.

[MPChead1]

Honestly, you don't need an alternative to the Ableton Glue compressor it works just fine. Its an emulation of the SSl bus compressor. I personally use the Glue compressor on drum subgroups a lot, but you can really use any bus compressor and get the job done. I wouldn't say Glue is extravagant but I wouldn't buy an alternative simply because you may find yourself paying way too much for basically the same thing.