anyone recommend a reasonably priced preamp with a compressor? Just want to get one for tracking guitar and bass. Or could I just use a stand alone compressor also (like a compressor pedal)? 

Probably one of the best deals for a preamp/compressor is the FMR really nice series.  The dual preamp is $500+-.  There are two stereo comps ($200-250 and cleaner and ... more colorful), plus the mono pbc (even more color).  I haven't used that one but it has a good reputation for a $450 comp.

Cheaper there is the art stuff.  Or you can find the dbx 160 for $400 or so new but there are a lot of ebay units out htere - it sounds good on bass.  eVen the cheaper 163 sounds good on bass.  It has a built in di, or my 163 does.

I don't know if I'd go any cheaper, unless you want to use it for live stuff.  Much cheaper and you really are just messing up the sound more than helping.

A Warm Audio and pcb ought to be a very nice chain - one you can keep even after you get better hardware.

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I've been using ART MPA Gold (the new version is now Pro MPA II) preamp (2 in 1) for couple of years. Very flexible and reasonably quiet.
ART PRO VLA II compressor (2 in 1) for gentle levelling is good, too. 

Considering the low cost, both items are surprisingly well made and, in my experience, very reliable.

Presonus Eureka Channel Strip.  Clean pre with nice compressor and EQ.
 
$499 new, though you can pick these up secondhand on Ebay for $225 - 300.
 
(I recently got a slightly used one - with the optional AD192 digital I/O card - for $250!).
 
 

MusicLine


I've been using ART MPA Gold (the new version is now Pro MPA II) preamp (2 in 1) for couple of years. Very flexible and reasonably quiet.
ART PRO VLA II compressor (2 in 1) for gentle levelling is good, too. 

Considering the low cost, both items are surprisingly well made and, in my experience, very reliable.

My thoughts exactly. I upgraded the valves straight away and it made a big difference. I don't remember which valves I used and my gears in storage at the moment so I can't get to them to see.

I just purchased a Genz Streamliner that has 3x 12ax7 pre-amp and the DI out is fabulous... dang thing is worth it for the preamp alone.
 
I have limited experience so far in recording bass directly, but i would be hesitant to add compression in the recording stage unless you can record both wet and dry (given you cannot undo the setting you chose)...as a solo track of the bass sounds very different in the mix
 
yup i know ..gold prize for stating the obvious.. i need coffee

just wanting to track with some light compression on the bass, smooth it out a little before hitting the computer. same with guitar. recently saw a video regarding amp sims, and they don't seem to have much sustain. a little light comp should help with that. at least the video suggested that. wouldn't hurt get a decent preamp anyways, so may as well get on with a comp.

 Focusrite Trakmaster Pro. 
 I bought it to use the mic pre and was unimpressed.
 Plugged a bass into the instrument input and I was very impressed.
 If you do any slapping the squash button on the compressor is awesome for keeping the signal from clipping.

I try not to compress anything going into the DAW, but if you do, make it very light. What noise the outboard compressor generates will be amplified by any other compression stages in your mix. 

Depending on your budget, I would recommend either going with the ART stuff stated above or the GAP 73 preamp and compressor. Neither should disappoint.