Ive done a bit of recording with both mic/DI with good results.
In recent years Ive had better results with modelers.
LINE6, ZOOM, DIGITECH all emulate mic/DI real nice.
I did my "P-Ray" passive, letting my pedals(ZoomB3)do the work shaping the tone.
MightyMite "Musicman" bucker>500k pot>output jack.
The tone is really unique, dig the way it sounds distorted.
AV40s are cool, got me a pair.
personally i think its better to mix with monitors that arent so stellar.
Ive listen to mixes thru some GREAT monitors sounds wonderful, listen to the same mix in your car not so wonderful.
Boss ODB3, Ibanez PHAT HED are nice.
I currently use a ZOOM B3, has like a dozen dist/od modelers.
Many years ago i used to play thru a an old SUNN Colesium p.a. head, sounded wicked with everything turned up to 11!