Anything I should be doing differently with my pedalboard order?

[JBass1]

Hi all.

My pedalboard setup defies a lot of the common consensus on signal chain order:

TU2 > Saturn V (boost and slight grit) > Darkglass VMT (heavier OD and bottom end) > Sansamp (using for tone sculpting, slight bass boost on one setting and grit/presence on another) > Keeley Bassist (dB leveling and rounding out) > DD-7

I know that traditionally, the compressor comes first, especially since the Darkglass VMT compresses the signal pretty significantly upon initial attack. I've also experimented with the Sansamp and find I like it best where it is, but I've been told it's also in kind of a weird position, traditionally speaking. At the end of the day, I'm getting my sound exactly how I like it, and it has been working pretty amazingly in a live setting.

So my question is, what would you change, and why? What could be done better here and what's the logic behind it?

I'm admittedly a complete novice with pedals still even after experimenting for quite some time. I decided a while ago to do away with the common logic and focus on what sounded good to me, but it eats away at me knowing that something might be done differently and better.

Edit: also just want to mention I have a lava cable setup that I'll be using soon - I know the coupler between the compressor and the delay is usually a no-no and I do plan to get rid of it.

 

[Alien8]

Hi all.

My pedalboard setup defies a lot of the common consensus on signal chain order:

View attachment 3388588

TU2 > Saturn V (boost and slight grit) > Darkglass VMT (heavier OD and bottom end) > Sansamp (using for tone sculpting, slight bass boost on one setting and grit/presence on another) > Keeley Bassist (dB leveling and rounding out) > DD-7

I know that traditionally, the compressor comes first, especially since the Darkglass VMT compresses the signal pretty significantly upon initial attack. I've also experimented with the Sansamp and find I like it best where it is, but I've been told it's also in kind of a weird position, traditionally speaking. At the end of the day, I'm getting my sound exactly how I like it, and it has been working pretty amazingly in a live setting.

So my question is, what would you change, and why? What could be done better here and what's the logic behind it?

I'm admittedly a complete novice with pedals still even after experimenting for quite some time. I decided a while ago to do away with the common logic and focus on what sounded good to me, but it eats away at me knowing that something might be done differently and better.

Edit: also just want to mention I have a lava cable setup that I'll be using soon - I know the coupler between the compressor and the delay is usually a no-no and I do plan to get rid of it.

My question back to you is: What would you change and why?

*Disclaimer* I'm not being a smart ass, I'm asking what YOU want. Thats all that matters.

To answer your question, I would add an envelope filter, synth pedal, a Boss ES-5 etc, but that's what I want.

You have a cool set up, and it's well thought out. Forget the rules, there are none. Does it bring you joy?

 

[JBass1]

My question back to you is: What would you change and why?

*Disclaimer* I'm not being a smart ass, I'm asking what YOU want. Thats all that matters.

To answer your question, I would add an envelope filter, synth pedal, a Boss ES-5 etc, but that's what I want.

You have a cool set up, and it's well thought out. Forget the rules, there are none. Does it bring you joy?

I would maybe consider moving the Sansamp - but mostly wondering if there is something I'm not seeing that I'm not taking advantage of or that is being used "incorrectly" and could be improved in theory. I am happy with the setup right now. I wasn't really talking about additions.

 

[Roland GR 88]

Hi all.
I decided a while ago to do away with the common logic and focus on what sounded good to me

You've answered your own question
I would set it up the same way and considering the Saturn, VMT and SansAmp are all pre-amps basically their order would depend on how they interact with each other.
I prefer to use a compressor after dirt or modulation as these effects often like a fat, strong signal to be at their best.
Effects to me are like paint. Mix and match anyway, anyhow, anytime depending on the color you're after.

 

[JBass1]

You've answered your own question
I would set it up the same way and considering the Saturn, VMT and SansAmp are all pre-amps basically their order would depend on how they interact with each other.
I prefer to use a compressor after dirt or modulation as these effects often like a fat, strong signal to be at their best.
Effects to me are like paint. Mix and match anyway, anyhow, anytime depending on the color you're after.

Yea the Saturn/VMT/SansAmp order is basically what I ended up with after a lot of experimenting.