Alan,

Welcome to the forums.

Whether or not you use professionals, definitely practise mixing your own stuff. It's the only way to learn how to do it. And, at the end of the day, good mixing is all about practising.

Software like iZotope's Ozone can help get a final product sounding really good without having to have too much knowledge of compressors, eq, etc. I use it all the time.

If you go to the "Audios on Soundcloud" link in my signature, you can have a listen to some of my work. This is from my computer and mixed by me using tracks from BIAB. There's still room for improvement but I'm getting better with each mix I complete. I use Ozone as a plug-in in Reaper.

Regards,
Noel

MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025