Mixing for the Mixically Inept 101.(please help)

[ndxs]

Where would the compressor go in the signal chain?
Suppose I've got a Dual mono/ Stereo linkable (?) comp to hook up to the mixing board for a live performance, approximately 14 channels of a 16 channel mixer are being used, mics, guitars, keyboards, bass, etc...
Do I put the comp on the main L/R inserts, on the main outs before the speakers, where?
Please help. I'm mixically inept

[ametth]

what exactly are you trying to compress?

[ndxs]

Well, the compressor I wanted to use has built in noise gates, so I thought they would be handy to keep stage noise coming thru the PA down to a minimum, but mainly, I guess vocalists w/ limited experience would be the main reason for use of the compressor.

[ndxs]

hmmm?

[major240]

You can use it for one (or two, if stereo) channel(s) as an insert...therefore only affecting one (or two) channel(s).
You can use it as the last piece before your recorder to compress the whole thing...