Hi All
 
This is the first time I have posted anything here
 
The reason for posting some of my stuff was prompted by a discussion in this thread where I was asking for advice/ recommendations on a 3rd party plugin suite (Waves Gold, Alloy, Ozone etc.) to compliment the stock X3 Producer plugins:
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Advice-On-Best-PlugIn-Suite-To-Complement-Sonar-X3-Producer-m3103206.aspx
 
After a very useful discussion it seemed to make sense to identify what I needed to take my productions "to the next level"
 
To that end I thought I would post 2 productions I have recently done using X3 Producer - both are collaboration co-writes but I did all of the production, mixing and mastering
 
I would love to hear any thoughts and feedback on whether getting some more "plugins" would help improve my productions
 
VOICES
https://soundcloud.com/boydiemusic/voices-1 
 
SHUT THE DOOR
https://soundcloud.com/boydiemusic/shut-the-door-1
 
I would say they are lacking that pro "sparkle" and "stereo width" - do you agree? - and do you think something like Ozone would help or should I use the stock X3 tools?
 
I also appreciate that sending the mixes to a pro mastering house is the best option but I can't afford to do this for every track so I am looking for a DIY solution

ck comments back on the original thread.  yes...lacking high end.  I can tell even with these 61 yr old ears.

Really good job on both songs.  They sound great in my ATH M-50's.  
On the first song, I hear the snare moving a bit off center toward the left and then back.  I think this is do to your stereo compressor on the main bus out.  Sometimes the compressor brings up or down one side which can make the center images move around.  You should check that out.  You did not have this issue on the second song.
 
I think you are doing very well.  I really like song 2 for the smoothness of the high end.  Really pleasant.

I agree with Rimshot, good job!  You are closer than you might think.  Some judicious use of a limiter (concrete limiter?) would elevate the volume level and bring the sparkle that's already there to the forefront.  The tools provided by X3 are fantastic and more than enough to produce radio ready music.  My favorite tool for vocals is the CA-2A limiter which complements the voice so well without stepping on it too much.  Try a slight boost (1 or 2db) in the EQ at 7500 hz for "sparkle", but be careful so as not to make it harsh.  The smoothness of your mixes is a big plus.  Keep up the good work.

Both mix's come across fine here on the Adams, most of the toys that come with X3 Producer are more than usable.  Channel tools used judiciously can be a great tool for creating the illusion of width.
 
Thanks for sharing.