Compression vs. Drive

[projectapollo]

Guys, I need some advice. I'm not all that experienced with effects. In the past six months, I've picked up a mark bass compressore compressor coupled with a tech 21 bass driver. Last week I bought a used ebs valvedrive, which looks like it will replace the bass driver. Anyhow should I be running the compressor in front of the valvedrive? Or does the tube in the valvedrive provide the compression? I generally run this setup direct into the board for playing at church in a large room with a big PA with lots of subs. Thx for any advice.

[RickenBoogie]

Personal preference.

[john keates]

I prefer compression after drive because you can get more control over the amount of drive by the way you play. With compression before, the amount of drive is more controlled. That might be what you want though.

You might find you don't need compression if you use drive (drive is like compression but with hard clipping). If you use both subtly then the order doesn't matter so much anyway.

[BigBassBob]

It's all personal preference.

I like my compression early in the chain so that it gives the effects that follow a more consistent level to work with (this is coming from someone who uses compression either on a light setting all the time or compressed to holy hell and back for slap/virtuoso twiddling.)

[Swift713]

Definitely personal preference. Mine is for overdrive in front of compression. The compressor can be redundant if you're using much overdrive but you can get some very nice dirty compressor tones using a little overdrive running into the comp.

[BassMonstrum]

Originally Posted by john keates

I prefer compression after drive because you can get more control over the amount of drive by the way you play. With compression before, the amount of drive is more controlled. That might be what you want though.

You might find you don't need compression if you use drive (drive is like compression but with hard clipping). If you use both subtly then the order doesn't matter so much anyway.

+1

Sansamp BDDI --> EBS Multicomp for me.

[onosson]

I'm with the "why use both" camp. I would try out the drive on its own, and then add the compressor (either before or after) and see if there is any value in having it in the chain at all. Depending on your drive settings, it may be redundant.

[enricogaletta]

The best way to make your compressor work on your bass sound is put it just as first effect in the chain, than I'll put the drive.
Some people use to put another compressor at the ending of the effects chain, but in that case you need to be careful with rate and threshold.
Cheers. Enrico
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[Unrepresented]

I have compression at the end of my chain. Partially due to its function (controlling effects created spikes), partially due to its form (rackmount).

All of my effects pedals are in front of it.