quick question concerning distortion...

Wondering... is it normal that distortion pedals need a compressor behind them to sound good?... opinions/feedback?

GUITARS need a compressor behind them to sound good.

okay.. I got it backwards then lol
So my Russian Big Muff needs a compressor in front of it to sound good
is this normal?

Very normal. My american Big Muff sounds like dried up crap unless I turn on my MXR DynaComp located directly before it.

Guitar>tuner>dynacomp>big muff>marshall gv2>fender hot rod deluxe 1x12 tubed

I have too many pedals, lol. I need to build a case to store them all in

Les Paul Standard or Squier Strat
Into:
boss tuner
boss compressor
boss metal zone
boss harmonizer (set to chorus)
Russian Big Muff
boss chorus
maxon phase tone
boss dd3 delay
Amp- Peavey 130 special

plus i have a korg A5 that I use occasionally

I have no need for a compressor for my Big Muff, i only use on if i need to make it less wild without removing some of the sustain. Its nice sometimes, but its not a must at all.

Using a compressor to make it "less wild?"

The compressor makes my Big Muff come alive. Before the compressor is clicked on, the Muff sounds kind of dead. When I hit the compressor, it's as if the gain/sustain just tripled.

Well, its not like that with my Big Muff If i need more precise distortion i use a compressor

What does a compressor do?

It makes soft inputs louder, loud ones softer, giving a one-level kind of sound but with lessened dymanics.

It helps sustain.