Student453440 wrote: (Quote) What stand alone box would you like for compression (analog?)... and also what do you like for stand alone analog overdrive that really sounds good...?maybe a tube unit..? (Unquote) There are a lot of outboard analog compressors out there, at various price points, but for something that delivers analog character the classic models are the LA-2A (for warm, smooth, transparent (tube) compression) and the 1176 (for aggressive (FET transistor) compression, especially on drums) and the many various clones of those models. Somewhat pricey models are available from Universal Audio (the current incarnation of the original manufacturer); slightly more budget clones are available from companies like Warm Audio ( and others). Traditionally, many engineers used to run signals through the Pultec EQP-1A tube EQ even without dialing up EQ, just to let the circuitry subtly warm up signals; while an original Pultec would be extremely pricey, there are also clones available, though I can't personally vouch for any (compressor or EQ) clone versions. However, those few classic units are just the tip of the iceberg—a search for "analog compressors" should reveal many options, ranging from around $400 to $4000. That said, many plug-ins that model analog outboard gear are actually quite decent at providing that characteristic analog warmth, if you maintain proper signal level throughout..