The pre amp always goes first ...

You have to get the mic level up to line level before you can do anything with it.

Thanks Kurt

If you have an extra tube preamp channel definately experiment with this config:

mic - preamp - compressor - tube preamp - rec

Tube preamps have a fantastic tone quality when the input signal is hot but just under distortion.

The 1st preamp will bring the signal up to level for the comp and the comp will shape the amplitude to more narrow range (attenuating highs allowing you to increase overall gain).

You can then use the comp's output gain to deliver the signal in that range that makes the tube preamp work it's spell. Use the tube preamps output level to match your record input.