Compressor signal path paradox

[Axewielder]

When a pedal-based compressor is used, like a Keeley compressor, it is typically placed very early in the signal path (before any distortion boxes, and waaaay before the preamp tubes). Yet, on a rackmount rig, this doesn't seem possible. All the rackmount compressors I have seen take line-level inputs and not instrument-level, so they must live between the preamp and amp, or in the preamp effects loop. Either way, it will come after the preamp tubes. What's the deal? How might you put a rackmount compressor first in the signal chain?

[Axewielder]

I forgot to mention I am running a Rectifier recording preamp, which does not have a compressor. Any ideas? Don't tell me I need to put a pedal in front of this baby!

[Dave L]

Well, I believe many rackmounted units are switchable between line (-10 dB) and instrument (+4 dB)... like the DBX stuff and what not. I definitely think you´ll be able to find something that fits the bill.

But why not use a pedal if you´re having trouble finding a suitable rackmount?

[Twisteramps]

Use a pedal. Most rackmount compressors are meant for PAs anyway. Then again, why do you need a guitar compressor? Only time I ever used one was to level out clean lead sounds, and that was when I played country.... haven't really had the need for a compressor pedal, personally.

Pete

[Dave L]

I like a bit of comp on all my clean tones, but that´s because I like those eighties pop cleans. But for any distorted application with higher gain than, say... Eric Johnson, Jay Graydon or Mark Knopfler comp just adds noise. IMHO, of course.

[Axewielder]

Well, I believe many rackmounted units are switchable between line (-10 dB) and instrument (+4 dB)... like the DBX stuff and what not. I definitely think you´ll be able to find something that fits the bill.

But why not use a pedal if you´re having trouble finding a suitable rackmount?

Thanks for the reply. Actually, both the +4dB and -10dB are line levels, the +4 is professional line level and the -10 is consumer line level. Neither should be used for an instrument. You might get a signal happening with it regardless, but you would have an impedance mismatch in your rig.

[Twisteramps]

-10 is also pedal level. Impedence is measured in ohms, not db. Not an impedence mismatch, actually a level mismatch.

Pete

[Dave L]

Thanks for the reply. Actually, both the +4dB and -10dB are line levels, the +4 is professional line level and the -10 is consumer line level.

Is that so? I´ve actually never tinkered with running instruments directly thru non-guitar rack gear, so I never really gave it much thought. I guess you learn something every day!

[Axewielder]

-10 is also pedal level. Impedence is measured in ohms, not db. Not an impedence mismatch, actually a level mismatch.

Pete

Thanks! But isn't it true that pedals and instruments aren't quite the same? I mean, it seems that pedals are somewhat forgiving, and can take the +4/-10 effect send, or they can take a guitar signal, and be fine. But, I've found that if I plug a guitar into a +4/-10 input and not a true instrument level input, I have issues. Man my head is spinning!