How do I get my mixes to sound good in ALL systems..

[sdp530]

I have been mixing hip hop on and off for a couple of years and it feels like I have reached a barrier. My mixes always sound OK but I just can't break through to that next level. Whenever I compare them to mainstream hip hop mixes, I can't, its just not comparable. You can pop in a professionally mixed cd anywhere and it sounds great. I am not looking for any miracle fix, but I am lookin for a few tips that will help me on my future mixes. I have attached a sample of one of my latest songs, so if you have a second, check it out....

Beware their is some explicit lyrics so please don't listen if this offends you.

-C

[130dB]

First things first, what are you mixing on?
Reliable reference monitors and a good acoustically treated room during mixdown combined with really "knowing your speakers" is the first step to getting mixes that translate well across a variety of consumer sound systems.

[TimOBrien]

A) Lots of reading about mastering techniques. There are books.

B) Lots and Lots and Lots of practice.

[sdp530]

My equipment is not the best, I am mixing on a pair of m-audio near field monitors pretty sound dead area (same place we record). I have been reading mounds of mixing guides and they have improved my mixes so I guess I am on the right track there. Guess I just gotta keep putting in the work....maybe spring for some better monitors?

[jusmoov]

Good monitors go a long way, plus you gotta take in consideration store bought cd's have been profesionally mastered! I dont know what you're budget is but look into the tc electronics finalizer express, that will def help sound more professional. When you say "sound good anywhere" do you mean your mix sounds good in the studio but not in the car? or on a club system? If thats what you mean, I had the same problem untill I got my Event TR8's(monitors) the difference in mixing down was night and day.It used to take me like 4 or 5 trys to get a mix right, now what you hear in the studio is really the same no matter where its played. do you sample your drums at all or is everything coming out of mods? A buddy thats a pretty well known producer once gave me this tip. If you sample your kick or other drums off a record thats already been mastered, compressed, ect your one step ahead of the game. Try that, because to me one thing I noticed about your song is it sound a little muddy the drums sound like they need to be crisper, tightened up. Song sound pretty cool besides that. Good Luck.

[sdp530]

Hey appreciate the tips....I agree with you I need to invest in some good monitors. That is exactly my problem, my mix is not translating well through different systems making we redo it numerous times. Are drums are all just samples out of reason, I am definately going to find a tighter kick for this joint.
thanks again.
-C

[Skailz]

Whats up sdp, I don't know if this will help but, I usually use my headphones to do any mixing/mastering. When I use the monitors to make music or mix it, the music tends to be more bass out or distant. The headphones give you a clearer tone to work with. If you are already doing this then maybe try a couple good computer programs. Protools etc...