Where do you start/end the EQ?

[BadMonk]

Here's my set up: bass into a Behringer BDI21 (Drive, Treble, Bass, Level, Presence, Blend) into an ART Tube MP Studio preamp (Input, +20db gain button, OPL, Output) into a Peavey Max 450 (Gain, Contour, Low, Mid, Mid Shift, High, Volume). The amp has a Post EQ Loop but don't use that for anything. This setup may sound a little strange. But when I put the ART in front of the Behringer BDI21, it adds more warmth and roundness to the Behringer's SVT setting.

To use the equipment correctly or, at least, get the most out of it from a technical perspective, where do I start to dial in the sound? Amp first, then Behringer, then preamp (which is in the middle)? Sorry upfront if this is a stupid question but I'd like to know if there a best way to set this up from a technical perspective...or do I just use my ears like I've been doing?

[It may sound like I'm asking about how to get the tone I want. I'm not really...I'm asking for knowledge from a "technical perspective." In other words, technically speaking, in what order do I dial in the sound so I don't overload, overuse or burn out one piece of equipment? How do the three pieces fit in the chain to get the most of of them? I told you upfront it may be a dumb question.

[Shoewreck]

If there wasn't the ART I would say - set your clean sound on amp then dirthy on behringer. Just decide what are you going to use for main tone shaping - the amp or the tubepre and tune it first.

[BadMonk]

Thanks Shoewreck. Sounds like a starting point.

I know I've seen another TBer using the ART and the BDI21 (or the Tech 21).

[TL5]

I use a similar setup.

my pedalboard has a BDI21, SansampGT2 and an ART TubeMP.
The difference, I'm using this as a premap for a poweramp, not a bassamp.

I dial it in with just a bass and the TubeMP first. I then set the tone I want on the Sansamp and BDI21 but adjust their volume(s) for no level change whether they are in/out.
The TubeMp works as my amps preamp, the others are just pedals in the chain for tonal variety.

[BadMonk]

Hey TL5

Thank you very much. Rec'd your PM also. You are a scholar and a gentleman. Thanks again.