Pre amp pedal in pedal board chain

[BassBeast]

Hello again.

 

Generally, where’s the best place for a preamp pedal to go in a chain of pedals that arrive finally at an audio interface? 
 

This is for home recording only so no cabs and amplifiers. 
 

I know there are preferences, but does it go before a compressor? 
Does it go at the end of the chain?

 

Where technically is the ideal spot for it? 
 

Thank you. 

 

[MrDinsdale]

I'd experiment personally. Typically, you'd have it towards the end before delays and reverbs but not a hard rule.

[Baloney Balderdash]

Usually you would, most would, and I have it, as the very last thing in my signal chain.

 

But I suppose it does depend a bit of it's specific function in your setup, I do have a simple (that is just gain and master volume, no EQ) tube preamp as the very first thing in my chain, then the chain ending with a amp emulation/cab sim preamp pedal going into another simple tube preamp with DI.

 

Edited October 1 by Baloney Balderdash

[biskitbass]

Agree with others in the "personal choice" route, or what sounds good to your own ears. I play live mostly (vs recording) and so use mine at the end of the chain for sending to FOH and dialling in an "end" tone I'm happy with while using either in-ears or amp & cab. 

 

Good luck experimenting 😉

[Elfrasho]

Dirt before, chorus delays reverb after. Generally speaking. Live use would be different as most pre amp pedals double up as your DI so it will sit at the end of the chain. 

 

When I've only got one comp I'd stick it first in the chain. Just enough to even out the  output from the bass. 

 

As others have said.. there's no right or wrong. If it sounds good it's good. If it sounds bad it's bad.

[BassBeast]

I’ve tried it at the end. Seems a bit too hot. Plus, the presence and treble knobs when dialled all the way up create a lot of noise. Shame really. They have a nice bite. 

[krispn]

Here’s what I do with my board. 

Signal path A -Front of house sound

Tuner>Preamp (DI out)>Comp>CabIR> Desk/FoH

 

Signal path B - Amp sound

Tuner>Preamp>(different Comp>Dirt>Fuzz>EQ>HPF>Amp

 

Preamp comes first so any dirt/gain isn’t pushing the basic sound. I can set the pre hotter if I want it pushing more on some tunes or ‘cleaner’ on others but the other drive pedals don’t impact it. 
 

I’m not using any time-based or modulation effects so other set ups might need tweaked. With this set-up only ‘clean’  preamp/comp going to the FOH and all other dirt is into the amp which helps with balance and mix in the room. It seems to work well. 
 

Edited October 20 by krispn