Getting the EQ for your bass line to sound just right can take patience. It’s not just about boosting the frequencies you want to hear more of and cutting the frequencies you want less of. Other tricks to EQ, like boosting the harmonic multiples of the frequency, can help with the overall sound of a track.
You can read the details about using harmonics with EQ here: http://www.audio-issues.com/music-mixing/eq-bass-harmonics/
Mixing With Reaper
Reaper is a powerful digital audio workstation, but that power can be intimidating. Putting features of the software to work for you may save you time or even improve the quality of your mixes. The Reaper Blog, linked below, is a great way to pick up new tricks and information. The link is about the mixer control panel in particular, but browse around to see if you can learn something new.
Take a look at the full article: http://reaperblog.net/2013/01/reaper-101-mixer-control-panel/
Drum Inspiration From Classic Rock
Knowing that a drum set at the hands of Neil Peart or Keith Moon can sound like magic may not be very useful to an audio engineer. Having a set of clear, objective qualities to try and emulate, either in the studio or while mixing, can be tremendously more helpful than just asking for the percussion to “sound more classic”.
You can read more here: http://audio.tutsplus.com/articles/general/essential-listening-the-sound-of-rock-drums/
EVAC Sound Sample Pack Now Available
Sounds to Sample has released the EVAC sample pack. The $25 download comes with hundreds of samples, including drum loops, FX loops, OneShot samples, and more. EVAC, also known as Jeremy Goldstein, put his years of experience to work in composing this sample pack. Listen to the demos to see if these samples suit your needs.
You can get more information here: http://rekkerd.org/sounds-to-sample-presents-evac-sample-pack/
Benefits Of In-Ear Monitors
Different brands and styles of in-ear monitors each have their strengths and weaknesses, but in general they tend to be a net positive. Some of the very basic models are quite affordable, and as with most other electronics the sky is the limit for the upper end of the price range. By selecting the right product based on your individual needs, you can avoid ending up with a product that doesn’t suit your needs.
You can read about some specific models here: http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/in_ear_monitors_and_what_you_need_to_know/