Don't have any experience with the Midas pre although I have used Midas consoles for live work. The pre you are talking about is based on the XL4 preamps. They are very musical and smooth although I don't know how they would translate to studio use since I've never recorded with them. The Klark Tecnic compressor I highly recommend. It is of the more transparent variety. I think it is a great compressor, especially for vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, etc. I have never used it on drums but on the instruments I have used it on, it has never disappointed. Hope this helps.