For some reason, I hate the way it sounds when I use my audio interface

[N4860]

Two Notes - Wall of Sound cabsim plugin. It also has tube power amp simulation. I also prefer a preamp/DI between bass and interface.

I will second this, the Two Notes plugin is great and has a lot of features. Another good one that I actually slightly prefer is the called Pulse by Lancaster Audio. I believe it is free and then you can pay for some impulse responses which are pretty cheap or load your own (I'm sure there are probably free ones available as well).

I've never used GarageBand but I don't think the DAW should really have much of an impact on the actual quality of the recording. My recording chain is my bass into my amp (Mesa M6 Carbine) with the DI out into my interface (Antelope Audio) and thein within Reaper I use a cab sim.

 

[Bolsyo]

I will second this, the Two Notes plugin is great and has a lot of features. Another good one that I actually slightly prefer is the called Pulse by Lancaster Audio. I believe it is free and then you can pay for some impulse responses which are pretty cheap or load your own (I'm sure there are probably free ones available as well).

I've never used GarageBand but I don't think the DAW should really have much of an impact on the actual quality of the recording. My recording chain is my bass into my amp (Mesa M6 Carbine) with the DI out into my interface (Antelope Audio) and thein within Reaper I use a cab sim.

What I think separates Two Notes - Wall of Sound from other cabsim plugins, is that you can use multiple mics like they do in studios. I run one mic at the cone, a different one at the edge, one a couple feet away, and one room mic. That really adds something to the sound. I also like the power amp sim. It takes some time to set it all up though, but once it's done, save the profile and you have it forever. Start the DAW, load the plugin and play.

You get the full plugin license for free if you buy one of their cab IRs (8,33€). Their Ampeg Portaflex B15 and SVT 810 are great.

 

[pfschim]

Something perhaps worth mentioning is that live and recorded audio are always gonna sound different, an svt does not a headphone make

I use a 2i2 and audacity and I more often than not run direct and get loads of great bass tones. One thing that I can think of here is your choice of bass is something to consider. Sometimes a bass that suits us live doesn't work in a recording and vice versa. Having a diverse stable can be useful here as sometimes a ric with rounds is what a track needs and sometimes it's a p with flats.

Also worth mentioning is our perception and maybe this has already been ruled out but your sound while playing vs listening back is different and same goes for the sound standing on a stage vs ten feet away. All the little things add up.

big agreement on this. I have had exactly the same experience with a few of my basses. Some of the best ones for live work just don't really sound that great for recording work ... and the one I tend to use for recording quite a bit is my least favorite for live work.