compressor and maximizer in signal chain

[TeenZombie01]

i have an alesis 3630 compressor and bbe sonic maximizer both in a 2 space rack case that i'm going to set on top of my mesa boogie 400+. should i have the maximizer first or the compressor first? and should i run them through my amp's effects loop or just at the end of my pedal chain? right now i just do bass>wah>moog>tuner>amp(not effects loop).

thank you

[JanusZarate]

IMO, I'd put the Alesis and BBE in the effects loop. Alesis first, into Maximizer. Seems like the more sensible solution to me, as it'd keep the compressor from doing anything funny when the BBE's processing kicks in.

However, the Alesis 3630 isn't exactly a typical compressor, and probably will do something funny anyway.

Your other effects... keep them out of the loop, of course.

[TeenZombie01]

okay thanks. does the 3630 not work well with bass or something?

[JanusZarate]

Originally Posted by TeenZombie01

okay thanks. does the 3630 not work well with bass or something?

Not particularly... but if it works fine for you, don't worry about it.

I've known friends who've complained about it. Never used one myself. Oh, and Bongomania reviewed it as well... he provides some insight about what it can do.

[EricF]

Among recording studio engineers, the 3630 is often referred to as the "dirty-six-dirty" (not "dirty" in a good way). Many have found its best use to be a door-stop, a paper-weight, or a projectile for flinging at a drummer who can't keep tempo. YMMV.

As for the BBE, they generally recommend it to be as far down the signal path as possible. Immediately before the power amp (last item in an amp's effects loop) is ideal.

[Geddyfleaharris]

Personally I have used a BBE 362 in conjunction with a compressor (dbx 1066). For the life of me I could not figure out what the BBE was adding/subtracting/doing (not meant to flame people who like the BBE process). In the end I figured that if I had my compressor set properly what else would/could the BBE do to improve my sound. I ended up selling the BBE but the compressor is still in my rack.