I am with Bats on this one. I run my bass into a Sans amp Bass driver DI. EQ & Compress in the box. Best tone I have found yet.

Either:

1) Bass into Digitech GSP-1101. Adjust tone to taste.

2) Bass into Radial DI -> Mackie Mixer (adjust tone a bit here) -> Ampeg SVX.

Regards,
Dan

Warwick Rockstar 5 string > Di Box

Di Box 1 > Focusrite ISA One > Interface (Channel 1) > Sonar
Di Box 2 > Behringer Bass V-Amp (stereo) > Interface (Channels 2 & 3) > Sonar

If you have a fast compressor, like the 1176, for most rock bass it pretty much is what the doctor ordered to create a tight, consistent bass track as well. It never sounds as good doing it after the fact ITB, and of course you can hear the real time, zero latency effect of that compression and react to it in your playing that way a also.

Something like the combination 610 pre-amp and 1176 box that UA sells would be a single box option. Or something like an A-Designs REDDI into an 1176 would be hard to go wrong with probably. For less aggressive stuff the LA-2A/LA-610 type setup is really nice. But that's not a fast compressor, so it's not probably as appropriate for more aggressive stuff.

Hey Rimshot,
 
There are quite a few ways to do this. To me, it depends on the bass as well as the player and the style of music. My bassist in my original band uses a Kubikki Factor, so we use a different front end for him. Drawmer 1968 MKII...sometimes a pre-amp or channel strip type deal. We just picked up a Manley TNT that's pretty incredible. One side is tube the other side solid state for the best of both worlds. So that's our GOOD front end for him or anyone else that can really play the bass.
 
Now here's the kicker....other times, as well as for myself, I get incredible results using a regular old charcoal colored, kidney bean Bass POD and I love it. It's fantastic for that "now" bass sound as well as just about anything else. It is seriously the best $299 I have ever spent and I definitely recommend it for anyone struggling with bass tones. You should be able to dial something in on that in about 5-10 minutes tops. God knows what improvements they've made to it now. I got mine about 7 years ago so it's old and outdated but man, it gets any tone I ever needed. It's not quite as elaborate sounding as the other rigs I mentioned, but it shouldn't be when you weigh the prices. LOL! See, if you have a guy that is a real bassist that has touch and feel on the instrument as well as a really nice bass that is set up right, new strings etc, you want to run him through the best stuff in your studio.
 
If you are working with a guy that is a middle of the road player that's a bit sloppy or is more of a "now" type bassist that likes a little drive in his tone and some sub low end...or maybe that 60's or 70's sound, the POD is fantastic for that. Don't get me wrong, if you plug a really nice bass into it with a guy that can really play, it sounds fantastic. But it's not quite the Drawmer or the Manley. LOL! :) Check it out sometime if you get a chance. If you've heard any of my productions, I just about always use the POD. Anything I put out with my band though has Joey or Wayne on bass so we use different high end gear for those guys because...well, they can play bass and I'm a hack. LOL! :) Good luck man.
 
-Danny

I really appreciate everyone's contribution to my question.  Thanks to all.  
 
I have been checking out the different gear mentioned here to get a better idea of what some of you are using.  Danny, if I can find a used bass pod on eBay, I will consider it based on your recommendation.
 
Overall, it is great to know that not everyone prefers to record bass straight into their DAW without using some kind of outboard gear first.  
 
Rimshot
 

One of two ways.
 
Using a Line 6 XU1 interface and POD Farm 2.5.  Usually on the Eden amp.  Or, mic my Fender Bassman.

Hi Mike!  Thanks for the input.  Hope all is well with you.  Can you loan me your Bassman?  
What year is it?
 
Rimshot
 

Rimshot,
 
It's not one of the coveted vintage models, LOL.  It is a newer, 2000-ish, 60w solid state, with a 15" cone; it leans back at an angle.  Not really powerful enough for much than practice or recording.  It gives off a really nice warm tone though.  Mic'd right, it can be really nice in a recording.

dcumpian
Either:

1) Bass into Digitech GSP-1101. Adjust tone to taste.

2) Bass into Radial DI -> Mackie Mixer (adjust tone a bit here) -> Ampeg SVX.

Regards,
Dan

I would normally be cool with this, but not for bass. The Mackie EQs usually don't play nice with bass.