I'm kinda new to playing bass and I'm looking for a box that has compression, eq, maybe a bit of distortion and works as a DI. I see a lot of amps have this functionality but I wonder if there is just a preamp I could use for this to go straight into my mixer.

I don't remember all the features, but a Sans Amp sounds killer for recording bass.

BBE gave me some stuff and their Bass Preamp is pretty good. I have no idea what it costs, but it has good EQ and compression etc. Personally, I use an expander on bass more often that I use compression. Sometimes I use bus compression on the drums and bass together, but modern P-types are usually too much drone and not enough percussion to begin with.
I'll check the model on the BBE. I hear good things about the Sans Amp, but I haven't tried one.
BZ

I just bought a Sansamp RBI for the purpose of recording bass. I really like it so far.

It may be worth looking researching a bit. It does not have compression, but it does have an effects loop. I usually add compression in post (if I add it at all).

Best wishes in your pursuit.

Dylan