Should a compressor go before or after overdrive?

By putting the compressor after the overdrive, any top-end transients or low-end boominess gets compressed, giving an even response. With this signal chain, make sure that the overdrive pedal’s output is set to unity gain to keep the compressor from over-squashing.

Can a compressor be used as a boost?

Aside from evening out your signal or adding sustain, a compressor pedal can also be used as a clean boost. By simply turning up the volume knob and keeping the Sustain/Ration down, a compressor pedal will essentially act as a signal booster.

Does compressor before Wah?

In a pedalboard, the compressor unit generally goes after a wah pedal. While it is of course a matter of preference, putting the compressor first will limit the range, function, and dynamics of the wah pedal. The result will be arguably less musical and pleasing overall.

Where should boost pedals go?

Unlike overdrive and distortion units, you can run boost pedals either in front of your amp or through its effects loop (if it has one). Running a boost through the front of your amp may be a good choice if it has its own unique character.

Do you put an EQ before or after a compressor?

The compressor will be triggered by the loudest frequencies present but it will nonetheless affect the surrounding frequencies as well. In this case, it can be really useful to insert an EQ before your compressor in order to remove unwanted frequencies before they are emphasized by the compressor.

Do you use subtractive EQ before or after compression?

Once again, there is no right or wrong, however, it is good practice to use subtractive EQ before compression. Removing tight frequency ranges that you don’t want allows you to increase the perceived loudness of the frequencies that you do want. Be careful though – you need to remember that whatever you do with your EQ will alter the compression.

Can You EQ, compress, EQ some more?

There is no reason why you can’t EQ, compress, EQ some more and then compress again! A common technique is to utilize a couple of compressors and EQs in your signal chain and make minor tweaks with each so you don’t end up working each plug in ‘too hard’.