Typically, yes. I am increasing volume to unity with my amp, which again isn't very high at home. I don't usually run compression when running higher gain, though I do run it with the filter/fuzz because it just sounds better.
I'm not clear on that but that's okay. Focus on the SansAmp section...leave everything else off. I would kick the SansAmp section on 'n off. If it clips when activated, something is mal-adjusted.
Riis