DI box and compressor chain

[Stanley Student]

I've recently delved into the world of stomp box mania and need some advice. Was wondering what sequence people are using when a direct box and a compressor are used. I have the SansAmp deluxe DI and just got a BBE Opto Stomp on the Evil Bay. Are there any prevailing theories on which should be put in front of the other in an effect chain? Maybe the DI through the effects loop?

[tech21nyc]

You didn't mention if you are running the Bass Driver into an amp. I would say run the compressor first in line but if you are also using the tube emulation of the SansAmp this may be redundant as compression is a byproduct of the distortion.

Some guys run the Bass Driver as a stompbox before the amp and some use it in parallel as an alternative to mic'ing the actual amp. There are quite a few ways to use it and putting it in an effects loop is not really recommended.

From the manual:

APPLICATIONS
WITH BASS AMP: Run the 1/4” output of the SansAmp directly into the input of the
power amp input, a.k.a. “effects return” (if applicable), of an amp.This will bypass the tone coloring
section of the pre-amp and will defeat the amp’s master volume.
NOTE: BE SURE the BASS GUITAR VOLUME is OFF --BEFORE you turn on the
amp. Then slowly increase the volume of the bass. If it’s too loud overall, check that the 1/4” Out
Boost switch is disengaged (up) and then edit your presets accordingly. If it doesn’t get loud
enough for you, engage (depress) the 1/4” Out Boost switch to add 10dB.
Or, you can run the SansAmp into the front input of an amp. Be sure to keep the Level of
SansAmp close to unity gain, so as not to overload the amp’s input, which could result in undesirable
distortion.
Tips for setting up your amp when using front input:
1. Plug into low gain channel or input.
2. Turn off Bright switch.
3. Turn presence control (if applicable) to 12 o’clock or below.
4. Set tone controls as flat as possible.
TO DRIVE A POWER AMP: Run the output of the SansAmp into the input of a power
amp with an input sensitivity of -10dB to 0dB.Then use the master volume control of the power
amp to adjust your stage volume.
TO RECORD DIRECT: You can plug directly into the input of a mixer/recorder and use
the on-board sounds of the SansAmp. Bear in mind, full-range systems yield a wide frequency
response.Therefore, you may need to adjust the EQ settings of the SansAmp to compensate.

[Stanley Student]

Thanks for the reply.

I've just been running the SA straight through the instrument input of my amp (Genz 9.0). I wanted to also try compression to help smooth inconsistencies with my attack. My favorite setting is along the lines of the "Fat Tube" setting.

[tech21nyc]

The Fat Tube setting (depending upon your attack and bass guitar's output) should already have a fair amount of compression. It's hard to say without being there but I would say go easy on the compression if you really think you need it.

It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Are you using the SansAmp as a DI in a live application for a constant feed to the mixing console or for recording?

[catfishplatter]

Your compressor should be the last in the chain, at least that what Brian Keller at Bass Player mag told me.