When I do use it, I tend to use my MLA-3 on it's own, with no other EQ or comp.
If I do use another EQ (not a Maselec), I tend to put the MLA-2 after it.
A very different animal being optical.
The MLA-3 is a great just being used as a "Baby Steps, Broad Strokes" EQ, when very little is needed on the mix.
For me, too many Maselec pieces in the chain at once, start to sound a certain way that's hard to describe.
Lot's of "No Colour" but in a bad way to my ears.
That's why I only ever have one Maselec piece in the chain at any one time.
Then it's fine!
The same goes for the console.
Although it's meant to be transparent, (and almost definitely measures so) I find it has something unmusical about it.
Many will disagree but that's just my take on it.