Modelling amplifiers do a variable job. Some of the cheap models sound horrible and harsh, and even the more expensive ones can sound harsh and not warm at all.

Modelling amplifiers do a variable job. Some of the cheap models sound horrible and harsh, and even the more expensive ones can sound harsh and not warm at all. In particular, I have noticed that any bass amp modeller only does nasally distortion in the style of a completely overdriven SVT with the mids boosted, completely different to real amps or even preamps like the SWR Interstellar Overdrive etc. Even the guitar amp simulators in apps like Logic Pro X sound pretty ropey. My friend (who is an excellent guitarist and teaches many many people) struggled to get a good sound out of it, and I really did as guitar amps are completely alien to me (why a presence control eh? why not just leave it on 10 and let the treble do the job???). To be fair to the developers of the software based ones, they make a good attempt but amp simulators never ever sound like the real things. In my defence I used to use them for a while as a bass player but now am entirely analogue, with real glowing warm things in my gear. The difference is like chalk and cheese. I confess I always valves in the preamp stages - I do have one that uses an EL84 (normally a power amp valve) in the preamp stage combined with a 12AX7 for a great round sound; I used class D for the power amp because I don't want my back to break carrying gear). I have played for 20+ years and my ability these nuances has improved, so I wouldn't have heard the difference to begin with, that's for sure. Pity my ears have been subjected to drummers in that time, or I would hear the differences far better!