Hi everyone,

I'm currently recording a project on a small home studio. Computer based recording wasn't my thing so I'm using a Fostex digital 16 track.
I'm mixing some tracks down and I would like some solid advice.
The only things on my mix are some preset EQ's during recording, which sound okay and some room reverb. I'm using a gate, but no compression.
I'm satisfied with my mixes for what they are, but I want to make sure I have a good workable mix for when I send them out to be mastered.
My vocals are a little on the high side, but I like the vocals riding a little above the mix for clarity.
My question is what should I be doing to make sure my mixes are suitable for mastering?
As many of you know, recording on a home 16 track on a small budget can be a little frustrating, especially when it comes to doing vocals, I myself find that to be the hardest part.
I like things as perfect as possible, but as many of you know this gets to be a little challenging working in your bedroom.
I've been told not to beat myself up trying to make things perfect...get a good mix and let the mastering people polish it up, with compression, EQ, etc.
I just want a good starting point because like everyone else, I hate doing things twice....well you know, except for certain things, which don't happen to pertain to music.
Is it okay that my vocals are on top? Should I be using some compression? Fade-outs?
Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks, tljmusic.

You should do whatever you feel contributes to the mix. If that means a little compression here and a little verb there, then by all means, do it.

You should be happy with the mixes. Granted, some mixes will sound a little "dull" by comparison to others. If it's an easy fix (it can be) then fix it in the mix. Sometimes it's not so simple and the goal should be getting the elements of the mix to sit well together. To some extent, mix is going to do what the mix is going to do. You can help it - but it's hard to "force" it.

I'd just like to add that if you aren't sure about your mix(es) or would like some feedback on them before you send out to mastering, you can always upload to The MMMMMusic Station (forum) of this site and ask for opinions.

Steve

Definitely upload some mixes if you can, just to give people a feel of where you're at.

John's right when he says "do whatever contributes to the mix." I will say, however, that 99 times out of 100, compression on the vocals helps immensely. IMO, compression on the vox is almost mandatory.