Dunning Kruger - Japan Song - 3rd & Final Mix (Probably!)

[MisterThom]

I agree with londonmatt - I think you may have a monitoring issue. I'm not listening on a good studio system, just a small 2.1 computer system, so I can't accurately gauge what is happening in the low end. However, the main thing I'm hearing from both mixes is an unnaturally abrasive & thin high end. That seems to be reflected in the numbers of the frequency analysis above.

I would suggest running your mix and a similar commercial track through a frequency analyser and comparing the two. If you are boosting high end and cutting low end, that would suggest you are hearing too much low end through your monitors. Perhaps some room treatment is in order, or maybe even mix on decent headphones if room treatment is not an option.

Yes, I definitely do have a monitoring issue. I will not say where my speakers are in my room for fear of being crucified (!), but I think the best solution in the long run is to re-think my entire room and work out the ideal placement for room treatment.
But yes, I will find a reference track and compare the two!
However, I'm yet to find or think of a similar professionally recorded and mastered track to reference i.e. similar instrumentation and/or feel.
Once I find something suitable, I'll run it through an analyzer then go back and rework the high-end issues across the mix.
I do normally reference my mixes through studio headphones, but with the second mix I did nothing of the sort. Learning curve!
Thanks for the feedback and advice, it's much appreciated!