Amp => Compressor

RCory · Post by **RCory** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 11:59 am

This might sound like a silly question... Talking hardware taking a signal from a Mic:

Is it Amp ==> Compressor

or

Compressor ==> Amp

stephentayler · Post by **stephentayler** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 12:15 pm

Amp first

Stephen

zara_drummer · Post by **zara_drummer** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:14 am

signal chain should be...

Mic --> Compressor/effects --> Amp --> Speakers

chrispick · Post by **chrispick** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:23 am

Usually, it's mic to preamp to compressor.

zara_drummer · Post by **zara_drummer** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 1:50 am

ahh...details details!!

mhschmieder · Post by **mhschmieder** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:31 pm

If you're miking the speaker cabinet, you're already getting some compression (or at least peak limiting) and probably will not need additional compression for that channel. I only use it on direct signals, and then only at mix-down time.

But if you are talking in terms of compression as a special effect, then it also depends on impedance matching and not just artistic decisions or logical flow, as not every compressor (whether a rack unit, stomp box, or plug-in) consistently assumes serial or parallel processing.