EQ before or after Compressor?

I tend to leave the compressor on with only slight compression -- can't really hear the "effect." I use a Demeter Compulator that is very transparent. I am experimenting with EQ and liking it. Trying to hit the amp at the sweet spot for some natural break-up without using the overdrive pedal. Any wisdom on placement?

Generally speaking, I would put a compressor after an EQ pedal. Think of it this way; do you want your compressed sound to be EQ'ed? Or do you want your EQ'd sound to be compressed? Tat will give you your answer. But the beautiful thing about music.....there are no rules! I would try both and see which one you like the best. I know some guys that put modulation effects BEFORE OD's and distortions because it's a different sound. Hope that helps. How do you like that Compulator?

That sounds like good advice. It's not unusual to see an EQ, compressor then another EQ on a mixing session.

Comp 1st then EQ, otherwise you are amplifying boosted or unnatural frequencies depending on your cut or boost settings.

Comp 1st then EQ, otherwise you are amplifying boosted or unnatural frequencies depending on your cut or boost settings.

See! No rules in music. :razz:

I've seen studio channel strips that give you the option of eq pre/post compression. If you compress with a bass heavy signal pre eq, then the bass frequencies will trigger the compressor and the mids/highs will be compressed prematurely. I don't know if it matters much on a pedalboard, just try it both ways like you said.
I can recommend the Compulator. I think its more known in the Bass world. Just turning it on with the compression all the way down adds something nice. Low levels of compression are very transparent but you can turn it up and sqaush if you like. Works well as a booster. I have never used a compression pedal that I liked until I found this one.

.......If you compress with a bass heavy signal pre eq, then the bass frequencies will trigger the compressor and the mids/highs will be compressed prematurely.......I think that's what's going on with my accoustic. I have a bass heavy curve on the EQ. With the EQ before the compressor, chords are totally dead sounding, but single note leads sound good.
I'll try switching them around tonight and see what happens.
Now I'm gonna need a 2nd EQ!? Geeze...The spending never ends.

After compression. You have more control over your overall tone after you find that "beefy chime" you are looking for out of your compressor...

:o)