Figuring out how to order effects can be a little on the tricky side. Generally I’d say that there are no rules in this area, just guidelines to get you started.

Two effects most commonly used in the mixing process are EQ and compression. In a perfect world, if everything is recorded properly, EQ and compression aren’t really necessary, but, unfortunately, this isn’t a perfect world. So, rambling aside, what should go first, compression or EQ? Maybe I should roll out the traditional line about how you should “trust your ears” and “do what sounds best to you”. Sometimes, that advice isn’t all that helpful, so here are a couple of points/ideas to use as a starting point.

If you're boosting high and mid frequencies, insert the compressor after the EQ.

If you are boosting lower frequencies, or cutting the high or mid frequencies, insert the compression first, and then EQ.

But yes, the old saying is true, trust your ears!