What is the best method to get your song from the mix down to a publishable recording. If I take it straight from the mix to mp3 it sounds too bright. I've tried using eq to soften it up then have problems with volume level. I've done some of my blues tunes that way and achieved a nice retro recording sound "Three Times" [media] turned out good like that, although the volume is lower than some. Ive tried using eq then normalizing. Recently I've tried eq first , limiting, then amplifying the thing to boost the overall volume. Or mixing the whole thing down to submixes and finally to a master out channel trying to achieve a track that peaks at about -2.0dB. Just can' t decide. I usually use headphones when mixing, I think I need a better pair because when I play it in the car it always sound like too much bass. Oh well keep experimenting, maybe remaster a group of like songs in different ways for different albums.

After a year of learning covers and playing with The David Vineyard Band, I feel the urge to break out my recording gear and make some new music again. I've missed the monthly challenges over at Coconut Blues Club, and the way they pushed you to complete a project with a deadline. Let's see if I can spare some of this free time and come up with a few.