In what order are Logic 9 inserts applied?

[Segment 15]

There's a bass track that I'm trying to limit because, in order to make it sound nice and dirty, I've throw some HEAVY distortion on it. As will happen when you distort a sound, it got really loud. The nature of this bass sound is that it doesn't vary in intensity pretty much at all. Thus, I want to use a limiter to decrease the volume. However, the limiter insert that I put on it doesn't seem to be working. I've played with the ordering and sometimes it works, then I'll move something and the sound explodes, move it back, nothing happens, etc. Basically, I can find no information about the order in which these inserts are applied so anyone who can tell me would be a lifesaver.

[Moseph]

I don't use Logic specifically, but every DAW I've ever worked with applies inserts from top first to bottom last. I'd be astonished if Logic were any different.

Is there any reason you can't just turn the output gain down on the distortion plugin to lower the level? Or just lower the level fader on the channel strip? (I'm assuming there aren't transient spikes you need to get rid of, since you said the sound doesn't vary in intensity.)

[ambinate]

yeah, i haven't used 9 but in logic 8 it's top-to-bottom = first-to-last in the strip.

[Yoozer]

A limiter does not work unless you turn the makeup gain to a negative amount. But in that case you might as well just use a regular gain knob. Or just turn the channel volume down.

[Rozovian]

Use the output knob on either the distortion or the limiter. Do note that limiters are for peaking transients and stuff, not usually to hold down a track level constantly - for which compressors are usually used when you want that sound.

Audio/instrument->top to bottom effects->bus->pan, level->out

[Segment 15]

Thanks guys. It appears I had some misconceptions about limiters. That doesn't surprise me because I've just started learning about sompressors and limiters. That solves my problem.

[Fishy]

Don't use the adaptive limiter either. Really random output levels. Useless thing.