basically, insert and inline are more less the same in terms of the path of the signal, what changes is WHERE in the chain the signal is taken from.

Inserts on a board are usually post-gain, pre-eq, pre-fader.

Inline you'd really only have one option, after the board, taking a line level out and feeding the compressor, so that'd be post-everything....

My general suggestion would be to run it as an insert if you can.

hope this helps
A.D.

Thats how I have always done it do to the difference of cabling.... but I was thinking of going Xlr all the way to the interface (my old comp only had 1/4's) my new one has Xlr's so I though it might be better to keep it all xlr...?....?