I have a small home studio in an extra bedroom, so space is kinda tight. I’m looking at getting away from playing a virtual bass with my keyboard and getting an actual bass guitar.
 
Option 1 is plugging a bass directly into my Scarlett 2i4 interface and playing through a virtual amp, something along the lines of the Ampeg VSTs that come in some of the Amplitude packages.
 
Option 2 is running the bass through a compact combo bass head/amp, like the Ampeg B-108. Going this route, I’m assuming I can come directly out of the Ampeg’s headphone-out into the 2i4 Left for mono recording, AND mic the amp and run that into the 2i4 Right simultaneously for stereo recording. Right?
 
I don’t have the room for a huge bass amp rig. Even a full-size bass might be cramped, so I’m thinking maybe a short-scale bass is the way to go. Would love to know some experienced opinions on my thinking, and if there are any other options I should consider.
 
Thanks so much!
Billy

I usually plug my bass into an instrument input on my Focusrite and use GuitarRig to get the sound. Bear in mind if you use an actual bass amp/cab, you will need a good large diaphragm dynamic bass mic such as a D112. Going out of the headphone output won't do you any favours. If the amp has a DI output that would be better.

Hi. I record all my bass via DI. I usually keep it "clean" (via LA 610) and don't use amp sims for bass.
I use EQ, Compressor(s), a little reverb etc to get the last finishing touches.
All the best.

Billy86
 
Option 1 is plugging a bass directly into my Scarlett 2i4 interface and playing through a virtual amp, something along the lines of the Ampeg VSTs that come in some of the Amplitude packages.
 

This is exactly what I do, with great results.
Scarlett 2i2 into Ampeg SVX.

I play Bass direct in to a SPL Gain Station (Tube Pre Amp) and its output to the Audio Interface. Depending on the song I use UAD plugins for Amp simulaton or only a limiter.
I prefer to record a clean bass. Then you can still make changes to the sound.
 

Bass and small rooms don't mix well. Wavelengths are just too long.
I also DI and do the rest with plugs or an amp sim pedal (optional).
 
I have played bass most of my life and own many instruments, yet only one records to my satisfaction.
 
Usually I use a synth or sampled bass and think like a bass player whilst recording.
 
If the bass is featured in the song (as opposed to just being one of many instruments), I might add
some slides, squeaks and scrapes to give it some life.

I Di into the Focusrite and get a great clean sound. 
 
I do have a Behringer Bass V-Amp rack unit and it's reasonably ok if you take the time to set up your own patches.
 
The default ones, to my ears, just don't work too well in a mix context.

Slugbaby

Billy86
 
Option 1 is plugging a bass directly into my Scarlett 2i4 interface and playing through a virtual amp, something along the lines of the Ampeg VSTs that come in some of the Amplitude packages.
 

This is exactly what I do, with great results.
Scarlett 2i2 into Ampeg SVX.

+1

yeah. it's all been said. no point to mic an amp if you haven't got the room. record DI and apply amp sims as you like.
 
i would just add: buy a good bass. don't be stingy. it'll last you a life time and if you get a crappy one, it's not going to sound good, no matter what you throw at it

I can highly recommend the Tech21 VT-Bass Pedal. It gives you a great tone right out of the box. It simulates several Ampeg Amps from very round to distorted. The Deluxe version gives you the possibility to save sounds and to record the wet and the dry sound simultaniously.