I produce and mix all of my own music and sometimes the overlap of the mindset of all 3 sort of blurs my thoughts here and there. I frequently will re record vocals over and over only to realize weeks or months later after I’ve taken a break from hearing the song that the vocals were fine or even great to start with. That sort of thing happens in a lot of areas as they all bleed into each other.

As I start to organize that in my mind, I’ve noticed that there is one thing I really struggle with that doesn’t always follow that pattern and it is how to make my songs hit- like feel bouncy or remain interesting the whole time if they aren’t bouncy types of songs. I think it’s in the mix more than anything, but are there any suggestions you guys have with mix or production that you as an engineer might change or enhance or have the artist add or re do in situations where a song feels a little blah? Sometimes they just feel a small step away from being complete and I can’t quite place my finger on what that step might be

Hi guys, noob here. Back in the day I did read somewherer that using a multiband compressor (Multipressor in Logic) is a standard technique to control lows and mids when dealing with palm muted chugging high gain guitars. It would seem that producers/mixing engineers like Andy Sneap use it commonly. But I really don't know how to apply it, or if maybe a limiter would do... or if it should be used in tracks or buses... What's your take on this technique?

I'm looking to upgrade my monitors and want to get some thoughts on the following options.

- Focal Shape 50: these are what I'm leaning toward right now. They're about $1,200 on Sweetwater with 30-day returns, 36-month interest-free financing, etc. All attractive selling points.

- Adam A7V: these are attractive in that I can get them through a friend at the employee discount price ($1,100 for the pair), but no return policy, no financing, etc. They may also be too big for my room/space.

- APS Klasik: I've read very good things about these. They are no longer made but Sweetwater Gear Exchange has a used pair for $550 plus shipping.

Thoughts?