Hey Tom - thanks for listening and for your comments - I think the mix sounds pretty good - but everybody has different ears and opinions - no worries. Regarding the lead vocal - I sang this one with a Studio Projects C1 - I bought it about six months ago ($250) - some complain that it's a bit too bright, but I think for pop and rock it sits quite well in a mix (with my voice anyway). 20 years ago, when it came out, it had rave reviews - some comparing it to a Newmann U87 (wihich I can't afford). I like it , so it's a keeper for me.