When I compare my songs against "reference" tracks, my songs sound a little "dark". When I listen to my song all the way through, my ears adjust and it sounds fine -- but I can tell a difference when the next pro track cranks up. Is it a purely EQ thing that should be adjusted in mixing or is it a global EQ thing that needs to be taken care of in mastering. Sorry for the less than "technical" terms ("dark", "sparkle"). I do compare the EQ graph (Voxengo span) but I can't tell much difference (I think that is a lack of experience, though).

Here's an example: http://soundcloud.com/kevin-emmrich/01-little-bit-of-loving (this one is lacking a little in dynamics, so I have to gain stage a little more).

Any thoughts on the subject?


Now at bandcamp: Crows Say Vee-Eh @ bandcamp or soundcloud: Kevin @ soundcloud