I always use the pre-shape and always use the compression when I have to use a Trace rig, even though I hate scooped bass and hate compression it seems to be a Traces more natural sound. Unfortunately there's no compression on there which is a shame though and there's 2 preshapes instead of the 1 on the louder/bigger Traces.
When I to use a combo like that briefly to practise with I'd tend to have a semi-circle favouring the mid range and boost highs a little more then the lows, then I'd shift the EQ balance to low to get some depth out of it since I boosted the highs a little more. Reason I did was I always found Trace lows to be quite boomy, but using the EQ balance I could get bass out of it but it was alot tighter from what I remember.
One thing to watch is the EQ level, you don't want it on too high. In retrospect I should have done this, but if you end up getting a good sound and have boosted too much, then cut the EQ level a little and make up for it with some extra gain. One thing I've been told numerous times on here is not too boost ANYTHING, nevermind even a little, and cut what you don't want rather then boost what you do, then make up for it with extra gain.
Nice little combos though, not my kinda thing for my playing but love to listen to someone it suits well.
