Where in the line should compression be?

[Monkubus325]

Where in your line of effects should compression come in? Before or after distortion pedal? I'm looking for crunchy "hit you in the face" sound. Any help?


Monkubus

 

[Ed Dixon]

Try it both ways and pick the one that sounds best to you.

I generally have compression on before the distortion.

Ed

 

[AlChuck]

I think the general wisdom is usaully gain-affecting things -- compressors, boosters, distortion boxes -- before time-based things like chorus, delay, flange, reverb...

 

[JR#97]

As mentioned, comps typically go before distortion and time/delay type effects. However, it's also not uncommon to put a compressor after distortion or even after effects to sort of "tame" any transients without causing any tonal changes. Whereas typically comps before distortion are there for tonal/sonic reasons.

 

[badgas]

I use mine after the EQ and before the DSP.
But switching it around will give you some new effects.
The choice depends on what sound your looking to get.