What should go first?

[Whyte Ice]

What should go first when your mixing? EQ? Compression? Reverb/Delay?

I usually EQ first, then compression, and effects later on but after all of this is done, I'm still not completely happy with my mix. I mean, after I've eq'ed, compressed, etc. the mix sounds alot better but it seems its not good enough.

My equipment is not total crap but its not the best since I'm on a budget and I'm not going for that *real* studio sound, I'm just looking for something good.

 

[MONTE]

I'd recommend compressing first. It may be only 1 or 2 frequencies that are "peaking" and you could possibly save yourself from unnecessary eqing. Also, it's been my experience that most compressors tend to "color" the sound at least a little bit, and if this is not desired you can eq later. Save your fx for last. In fact, try to get a good mix without fx first. It's much easier to hear what's going on if the mix is not swimming in verb. These are of course only guidelines. There may be times when a different sound is desired and different patching is wanted. Rules are made to be broken. Do what sounds good to you.