Compressor: Before Amp vs. In The Loop

[eleven59]

So, I've got an Ampeg SVT3Pro and SVT410HLF, and I just picked up a dbx 160A (should be here any day now). I'm going to play around with it and tweak lots to figure out how it will work best for me, but I thought I'd start up a discussion to help me figure out what effect each way of connecting it will have.

So: before the amp, or in the loop? Which sounds better? What are the differences I'll notice?

[James Hart]

depends on the level the compressor requires vs the level of the loop / bass.

I use my compressor as an effect so I have it out in front of my board.

[bongomania]

If you click on the FAQ linked in my sig there is a section all about this subject. If your bass (and the way you play it) is able to send a hot enough signal plugged directly into the dbx such that the input and Gain Reduction LED's show a full range of response, then you have the luxury of using that dbx in either position. If OTOH you see that the bass plugged straight in is only showing a marginal/partial range of reaction on the Input or GR LED's, then you really need a preamp to bring your signal up to line level, which means putting the dbx in the fx loop.