Transients

FWIW, the Rupert Neve DI runs about $269 new, which is not a ton for a great DI. I see a few on Reerb used for a bit less too ... ~$230.

 

no, sorry, it's a DI, not a mic pre, so I believe you would just something like that in place of your Pork Loin which apparently emulates a Neve preamp.
no expert here, so take my advice with the proverbial grain of salt.

 

The most commonly used Neve preamp you’ll find is the 1073 and there are TONS of clones. They all have a characteristic that sort of removes attack from the initial transient and adds fatness to the overall sound. It’s the sonic opposite of something like an API 312, which emphasizes the transient’s attack. Most engineers will use a 1073 on sources where a smooth and fat response is preferable like a vocal, a lead guitar, toms on a drum kit, and frequently bass guitar. Conversely, a 312 would be used on things like kick, snare, etc. These aren’t hard and fast rules, but generally speaking it sounds like you’re digging the 1073 vibe. The most economical way to get this in a single channel, high quality variant is the Golden Age Pre-73 JR. That said, a clean and neutral preamp like the one found in most interfaces coupled with some mixing in the box should easily be able to solve this without needing to purchase additional gear. Removing some energy in the upper midrange is usually sufficient to tone down the attack. If more than that is needed it’s time to reach for a compressor.

 

There are tons of emulating plugins. Just search for 1073 plugin. That said, any parametric EQ plugin and possibly a compressor plugin will easily accomplish what you’re after.

There are probably others, but if you already have one that does the 1073 “thing” I don’t see a reason to continue throwing money at it.