EVERY MODULE....
say, EQ section, FX section....
has it's own gain control.
 
you must treat each one with respect and authority.
 
GAIN STAGING
 
it happens at every level, and especially at EQ, 
 
 
and especially if you are boosting frequencies instead of cutting,
even freqs you can't really hear, will boost level.
 
follow your gain levels at every step thru an entire signal chain, 
and learn the sweet spots, learn the specific headroom limitations of each piece of gear,
and KNOW your gain staging.

gswitz
Craig,
 
Do different FX report differently their status? In other words, can an effect report a clip if the input and out put are both -1?

I only tested with effects enabled, but set not to process the sound (e.g., EQ stages flat).